Overregulating the chemistry industry jeopardizes innovation, jobs, and economic growth. Learn more.

A Decreasing Footprint: A Review of Resin Life Cycle Assessments Part 2 

This report, the second of three, evaluates key findings for four plastic resins from the 2010 and 2020 series of life cycle assessments (LCAs) analyzing the potential environmental footprint of plastic resins and resin precursors. This report compares the CO2 emissions and total energy consumption of High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) from 2010 to 2020, which demonstrates a clear trend of decreases in both impact categories ranging from 4 to 22% in CO2 and 7 to 16% in total energy consumption. The results highlighted in this report support the conclusion that the environmental footprint of manufacturing these plastics is being reduced where energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are concerned.

Download
Plastics
American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division

The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic MakersSM and the half million+ scientists, engineers, technicians, and other innovators who make plastics for many essential and lifesaving products that are vital to modern life. America’s Plastic Makers continue to embrace change. We’re linking innovation with sustainability, deploying next generation technologies to make plastics lighter, stronger, more efficient and more recyclable, so we can meet our goal for 100% of U.S. plastic packaging to be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. We’re making sustainable change to help build a cleaner, safer, more sustainable future for generations to come. 

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.