Decarbonising the plastic industry : a review of carbon emissions in the lifecycle of plastics production

Abstract

The role of plastics is well-documented in the literature reflecting on its impact on a global economy, planetary and human health. However, there is an urgent need for additional studies analysing their carbon emissions and ways to handle them. This short communication discusses the measures needed to understand and mitigate plastics' carbon footprint while paving a path toward cleaner, sustainable and circular plastic industry. It advances the field by synthesising critical data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across plastic production stages—from fossil fuel extraction to end-of-life waste. It highlights the industry's outsised climate impact and identifies key leverage points for mitigation, such as transitioning to renewable energy in cracking processes and scaling circular economy models. By mapping emissions hotspots and proposing actionable policy and technological interventions, the study bridges gaps between academic research, industry practices, and climate policy, accelerating the push toward a low-carbon plastic economy.