Carbon Footprint Recycled vs Virgin Plastic LCA

Carbon Footprint: Recycled vs Virgin Plastic LCA

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) shows recycled plastics consistently have lower carbon footprints than virgin materials across most polymer types.

Carbon Footprint Comparison

• Recycled HDPE: 50-70 percent lower vs virgin
• Recycled PET: 40-60 percent lower vs virgin
• Recycled PP: 45-65 percent lower vs virgin
• MBA Polymers: 75-86 percent lower for automotive grades

MBA Polymers Data

According to MBA Polymers UK, their recycled compounds offer 75-86 percent lower carbon footprint emissions than virgin equivalents for automotive applications.

Factors Affecting Carbon Footprint

• Collection and transport distance
• Processing energy requirements
• Contamination levels
• End-of-life scenario

Conclusion

Choosing recycled plastics directly reduces Scope 3 emissions and supports carbon neutrality goals.