Description:

Webinar

Mixed Polyester Deconstruction to Enable a Circular Bioeconomy

Dr. Katrina Knauer

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

CTO BOTTLE Consortium

Wednesday, January 31,  Webinar at 6:00 PM Pacific time

Abstract

The production, use, and disposal of plastics account for 3.8% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nearly double the aviation sector, implying that plastics are a key energy and climate challenge. Previous studies have shown that a net-zero plastic supply chain can be achieved by combining biomass utilization with effective recycling. To contribute to addressing these challenges and decarbonize the plastic industry we envision transitioning the plastic supply chain to a circular, biobased polyester model by enabling downstream recycling of biobased plastics. EsterCycle is a base catalyzed methanolysis recycling platform that was designed to depolymerize both petroleum and biobased polyester plastics including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polybutylene succinate (PBS) in one pot under mild conditions with high product yields. This talk will focus on the development of EsterCycle, deconstruction mechanisms, separations science, the economic and life cycle assessment (LCA), as well as the development of novel polyesters that have also been developed to challenge the polyolefins status quo. Our proposed technology will allow for sequestered, biogenic carbon to stay in circulation and reduce reliance on both fossil fuels and agricultural feedstocks. LCA models from our team show a potential abatement of ~500 million tons of CO2 emissions per year if 35% of the plastic supply chain were replaced with biobased polyesters with a 70% recycling rate via our proposed recycling technology.

Speaker Background

Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 30, 1:00 PM.

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Webinar Timing: 6:00 PM.

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