Mapping the end-of-life of chemicals for circular economy opportunities

Abstract

This work presents a material flow analysis of fourteen organic and inorganic chemicals in the United States, tracking their lifecycle from production through to intermediate conversions, end-products, and end-of-life (EoL) disposal on an annual basis. We show that only 10% of the 158 million metric tons (Mt) of chemicals produced each year are recycled, resulting in an estimated 40–100 Mt of wasted greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of 6000 years of healthy human life from toxic emissions each year. Aggressive recycling scenarios could reduce wasted GHG emissions by up to 60%, but additional circularity interventions related to reduction and redesign will be needed to further guide the chemical industry toward a more sustainable future.