Polyolefins - Developing and Delivering Products to Address Sustainability Needs

Polyolefins represent one of the largest chemical industry products and have an important role to play in addressing sustainability needs. Today we will discuss, through the use of life cycle thinking (LCT), several ways that polyolefins contribute to sustainability. First, products should be manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner. This requires improved energy efficiency and integration in petrochemical facilities, and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of production.

Second, we will discuss product innovation. As an example, ExxonMobil's polyethylene resin innovations have enabled thinner packaging films by up to 50% over the last two decades, while also improving packaging strength and product integrity. These performance improvements benefit the entire value chain. Development of these sustainability opportunities requires a deep technical understanding and the adoption of LCT. Through the analysis of the impacts over the entire life cycle we will demonstrate the many sustainability attributes of polyolefins.