Challenges in Achieving Carbon Neutrality & Plastics Circularity by 2050 – An Engineering Perspective

Industrial decarbonization and plastics circularity are major challenges of the 21st century to achieving a sustainable future. As both a recognized leader in the production of olefins/polyolefins and a major user of energy, Dow has a key responsibility. By 2030, Dow has committed to reduce its net annual carbon emissions by 5 million metric tons vs its 2020 baseline (15% reduction). By 2050, Dow intends to be carbon neutral (scopes 1-3 plus product benefits). Dow is conducting research to develop new process technologies as well as its integration with existing technologies to drive the production of olefins to net-zero emissions.

Similarly, the need to develop sustainable solutions for plastics circularity is an urgent challenge for the planet. Dow has committed to accelerating the circular ecosystem by transforming waste and alternative feedstock to deliver 3 million metric tons per year of circular and renewable solutions by 2030. Dow has proposed a two-pronged approach: “Stop-The-Waste” and “Close-The-Loop”. Additionally, significant product innovations are in the pipeline to design for recyclability.

As we are refining our strategies and scale our pipeline to deliver circular economy solutions by focusing on circular materials, technologies and value chain ecosystems, this presentation will highlight the challenges ahead. Scale, scope, rate of implementation, uncertainty, reliability and economics of decarbonization pathways will dictate our success. Decarbonization and circularity are inextricably linked, therefore a holistic view is imperative. Further, implementation, adoption and proliferation of transformative technologies will require supportive policy and financial incentives.