State of the World’s Carbon Emissions

According to data from the World Resources Institute, fossil fuels are responsible for 75.6% of global CO2 emissions. It is therefore imperative to halt investment in fossil fuels in order to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The NRDC’s 2021 report, Guidance for Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality, forecasts a green future. Indeed, non-fossil fuel energy will account for around 25% of energy consumption by 2030, and more than 80% by 2060.

Let’s  change our manufacturing processes.

CO2: What is the Carbon Footprint of PHA?

The amount of carbon emissions associated with the production of different types of PHA depends on a number of factors. These include the production process, the raw materials used and the energy consumed. That said, PHA is considered to have a lower carbon footprint than conventional fossil fuel-based plastics.

It is estimated that the carbon footprint of PHA can be in the region of 1.5 to 3 kg of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of PHA produced. In comparison, conventional petroleum-based plastics have an average carbon footprint of 2 to 3.5 kg of CO2 per kilogram.

How does PHA Reduce Carbon Emissions?

PHA, a 100% bio-based plastic

PHA is produced from renewable raw materials such as sugarcane and maize. These crops already absorb CO2 during their growth. However, the exact amount of carbon emissions can vary depending on specific agricultural practices and industrial processes.

PHA: Less Oil and (therefore) fewer Carbon Emissions

The petrochemical industry is the second largest consumer of oil after the energy sector. In 2021, 48% of the world’s oil consumption will be used for fuels, while the petrochemical industry will use 22%. Plastics account for around 8% of global oil consumption.

To limit this and conserve resources, some petrochemical materials need to be replaced by bio-based alternatives. This approach would reduce the size of the market and our dependence on fossil fuels.

PHA Fermentation, a low-emission Process

The fermentation process used to produce PHA can also be optimised to reduce carbon emissions even further. Either as a function of the energy used (renewable or fossil), or as a function of the efficiency of the process (time). What’s more, since PHAs are biodegradable at the end of their lives, they remove  the accumulation of plastic waste and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with its management.

If landfill sites are de-cluttered, carbon emissions are minimised.

PHA: an Ecological Bioplastic at Just the Right Time

PHAs offer physical and mechanical properties comparable to those of traditional plastics, while being just as easy to process. This makes them ideal alternatives to conventional plastics, particularly on a large scale. Their biodegradability and properties, combined with increased production capacity and a rapidly expanding market, are providing a powerful stimulus to the development of new products.

Biodegradable, low Carbon Footprint and Renewable Material

Today, PHAs are considered to be the most promising biodegradable polymers. In China alone, the market is expected to reach around 62.9 billion RMB in the next three to five years. Key sectors for this technology include disposable packaging and tableware, areas where recycling is difficult but essential.

Recycling plastic waste remains a major challenge. Plastic pollution is now the second most pressing environmental problem after climate change. So what about tomorrow? PHAs are gradually becoming the solution of choice in the fight against plastic pollution and the adoption of sustainable practices.

Reduced CO2 Emissions for all Sectors of Activity

• Biomanufacturing makes it possible to transform raw materials into high added-value products for a variety of sectors. These include
• biodiesel
• biodegradable plastics
• bio-nylon
• bio-rubber
• biopharmaceutical products
• biofertilisers

Ultimately, the full potential of biotechnology can be harnessed to produce a wide range of products, while promoting green, sustainable and low-carbon development in key industries such as :

• energy
• materials
• light industry
• clothing
• medicine
• chemicals

It is becoming increasingly difficult to combat global warming. To deal with the crisis  caused by climate change and the threat it poses, manufacturers and governments have a duty to change the way they produce. Low-carbon, biosourced and 100% biodegradable: PHA has a lot to live up to…