This report investigates the various commercial and developmental routes for the production of renewable ethylene. Technologies based on bio-ethanol, bio-naphtha, and bio-methanol are investigated for ethylene production, as well as sugar and glycerin-based routes directly to ethylene glycol. Pyrolysis oil from thermal conversion of plastic wastes has seen significant development for conversion into bio-naphtha feedstock, as well as gasification of biomass to produce methanol for ethylene production. Dry reforming of methane with carbon dioxide and electrochemical production of ethylene are the new technologies covered in this edition of the report. Cost of production models, process descriptions, capacity analysis and implications for the conventional industry are included.

This report assesses SAF production pathways in terms of their technical, economic, and carbon intensity aspects, in line with increasing pressure to decarbonize—along with a key focus on fuel blends that will allow surpassing the existing blendwalls (a potential barrier to net zero ambitions). Key technologies covered at the cost of production level include integration of key pathways for producing paraffins, isoparaffins, and aromatic blendstocks, and blending into a finished product that does not require blending with a fossil fuel. These routes include HVO, ETJ, MTJ, FT, MTA, ETA, as well as traditional refining units with renewable feeds such as isomerization, alkylation, FCC, etc.

The report provides an extensive analysis of packaging design for recyclability, examining the mechanics and economics of blown film extrusion, cast film extrusion, bi-axially oriented film extrusion, and thermoforming across three key regions: the United States Gulf Coast (USGC), Western Europe, and China, referencing Q2 2023 pricing data. The report delves into the carbon intensity of these processes measured in tons of CO2 equivalent per ton of produced material. The report covers the fundamentals of the recycling value chain for both mechanical and chemical recycling, analyzing recyclable contents beyond plastic as well, and offering insights into recycling practices for aluminum, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, and glass. The report examines the factors affecting the recyclability of plastic packaging, the obstacles to achieving effective recyclable packaging, touching on technological limitations, regulatory factors, and material availability, and discusses the dynamics of global harmonization and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. The report also analyses various polymer types and their suitability for recycling, building on the earlier discussions of material requirements and recycling challenges.

Market Insights: Biomethane - 2023 provides a review of the global market for biomethane – natural gas produced from biomass, also commonly referred to as Renewable Natural Gas – detailing the product’s emergence as an important tool for the decarbonisation of transport, energy and agriculture. The report includes analysis of market drivers and constraints, supply and demand projections to 2040 by region, and pricing and competitiveness analysis.