First Year Report | Carbon clarity in the petrochemical supply chain
October 25, 2022
The decarbonisation of the petrochemical sector is challenging given the complexity of supply chains and thermodynamic constraints of the chemical reactions. Emissions are released throughout their life cycles, with varying stages dominating for different products. Mitigation options are therefore less straightforward than in other industries, requiring a system-wide approach. The nature of the sector also makes data collection and analysis challenging, meaning there is currently no reliable, comprehensive picture of GHG emissions or energy, mass, and trade flows of the petrochemical sector.
Plastics and climate change—Breaking carbon lock-ins through three mitigation pathways
Jonathan Cullen, May 11, 2022
The plastic industry is dependent on fossil fuels in various ways that result in strong “carbon lock-ins” throughout the value chain and large and growing CO2 emissions. The industry must decarbonize to reach global net-zero pledges.
Interdependence of Growth, Structure, Size and Resource Consumption During an Economic Growth Cycle
Carey King, May 5, 2022
Scientists and economists often seek to understand the linkages among natural resources consumption and the cost of resources in tandem with the growth rate, size, and structure of complex systems. These systems can be biological organisms, ecosystems, and national or global economies.
A Network Analysis of the Petrochemicals Industry in Western Europe
Chris and Penny Hamlin, April 16, 2021
This paper examines the role of networks in establishing and sustaining industrial sectors and clusters, the consequent behaviours of those clusters and their participants, and ultimately the implications of the extended enterprise for participants, regulators and researchers.
Plastics in the UK
Jonathan Cullen, October 28, 2020
Plastics are ubiquitous in modern society, owing to their usefulness, durability and how cheap and easy they are to produce. This makes plastics both a blessing and a curse.