Comparing the climate impact of methanol production in Europe: Steam methane reforming vs. Plastic waste gasification processes

• Published in: Resources, conservation and recycling conservation and recycling, 2024-09, Vol.208, p.107653, Article 107653
• Main Authors: Prifti, Kristiano, Lechtenberg, Fabian, Manenti, Flavio, Espuña, Antonio, Graells, Moisès
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Circular economy; Decision-making; LCA; Plastic waste; Waste-to-resource
• ISSN: 0921-3449; 1879-0658
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107653

This study compares the climate change impacts of three methanol production processes: the conventional method via steam methane reforming, and two alternatives – gasiforming and electriforming – which utilize plastic waste as feedstock. A gate-to-gate LCA approach is employed, considering credits and substitution impacts for avoiding traditional end-of-life treatment of plastic waste. Influential local parameters for GWP reduction are identified to include electricity carbon footprint, waste treatment infrastructure, incinerator efficiency, and the utilization of captured CO2 streams. Regional conditions are found to be crucial, as demonstrated by a case study comparing technology choices among EU27+3 countries. The study concludes that the novel plastic waste treatment and methanol production processes, have the potential to mitigate climate change impact, particularly when diverting plastic waste from incineration. With carbon-neutral electricity and avoided incineration, the specific impact reduction in methanol production can reach 2 kg CO2e per kg methanol. [Display omitted] •Gasification of mixed plastic waste can be used to decarbonize methanol consumption.•Sustainability hinges on regional electricity footprint and the plastic’s original EOL.•“Gasiforming” reduces GWP, especially in regions where incineration is common.•“Electriforming” promises impact reduction in all nations below 200 g CO2e/kWh.•At scale, in the EU a potential GWP reduction in the Mt CO2e range is identified.