Plastics Extrusion and Molding Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Guidance

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the plastics industry or its sub-sectors. Core Insights - The plastics sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with the petrochemical industry accounting for 14% of total primary oil demand in 2019 and direct emissions from plastic production estimated at 1.4–1.6 Gt CO₂e per year [4] - The guidance emphasizes the need for companies to report emissions at the product level to drive decarbonization actions and enable informed purchasing decisions [5][7] - Key decarbonization levers include maximizing mechanically recycled plastic, increasing renewable electricity usage, and deploying low-emission production technologies [8] Summary by Sections Background - Plastics are essential in various applications, including packaging, construction, and consumer goods, and are critical for the transition to net-zero energy [3] Reporting Metrics and Basis - The guidance outlines a product footprint basis for emissions reporting, using kg CO₂e per kg of product as the standard metric [10] - Required metrics include resin types, emissions intensity, and primary data share to create transparent decarbonization signals [15][16] Methodology - Emissions calculations are based on ISO standards, with separate determinations for direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions [23][24] - The report emphasizes the importance of using primary data for accuracy in emissions reporting [16][28] Best Practice Optional Metrics - Optional metrics include end-of-life emissions intensity, recyclability ratings, and renewable energy share, which can enhance transparency and support corporate sustainability goals [19][21][57] Appendices - Appendix A provides details on molding techniques and associated emissions, while Appendix B outlines optional metrics for enhanced reporting [47][54]