This webinar will provide an update on progress made after the first year of the project. The goal of this project is to conduct a systems analysis of a circular economy of PET and olefin plastics (HDPE/LDPE-LLDPE/PP) with a US scope and with a Michigan case study.  In doing this, we will apply the conceptual modeling framework developed earlier in a REMADE exploratory project.  We will predict energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for a circular economy of plastics and compare results to the current baseline linear economy. We have convened and engaged with experts from the plastics supply chain in an advisory board for the project. The baseline linear economy for PET and olefin plastics in the U.S., representing over 70% of plastics flows, was completed and showed that the system emitted 1.5% of annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, contributed 5.1% to U.S. industry emissions, and accounted for 3.1% of U.S. energy consumption. Emissions and energy demand are mostly from virgin resin production, and secondly from semi-manufacturing process such extrusion, injection stretch blow molding, and blow molding. Only 7% of the end-of-life waste PET and olefin plastics were collected for recycle, and PET was the resin with the highest recycle rate of 19%. As the projects enters its second and final year, this webinar will highlight progress toward the final deliverable; a systems analysis of a future circular economy for plastics in the U.S. and the state of Michigan.

*This webinar is free to the public, however, soon following the live event, a replay will be available for FREE to active Members of the Institute through the Member Portal. If you are interested in learning more about member benefits or becoming part of our consortium, please visit the membership page.