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.