Plastiques en transition : De la fin du fossile à la circularité

Discussions on the energy transition focus mainly on the decarbonization of energy solutions, with the role of plastics often remaining a blind spot. The report “A material for the future” highlights the growing impact of plastics, witness to the omnipresence of oil in modern society. It underlines the fact that oil consumption for petrochemical products is growing rapidly. It also provides an overview of emerging technologies for decarbonizing plastics, such as chemical recycling and methods using CO2 or biomass.The current linear economic model, which has brought unrivalled living comfort to OECD countries, is now revealing its environmental limits. The extraction and use of fossil fuels contribute significantly to global warming. Faced with these challenges, the transition to a circular economy is essential to reduce our impact on the climate while maintaining our quality of life.The circularity of plastics can be broken down into several crucial levels. Firstly, sobriety means rationalizing our consumption of plastic objects, particularly single-use items. Secondly, the sustainable design and composition of objects must be rethought to extend their lifespan and facilitate their recycling and reuse. Finally, it is essential to improve the efficiency of plastic waste collection and sortiHowever, mechanical recycling is still insufficient due to the chemical diversity of plastics and the physical complexity of objects. Although costly and energy-intensive, chemical recycling could offer a partial solution. To make this transition a success, it is also crucial to decarbonize the waste processing chain and the production of virgin plastic, using e-methanol or bio-methanol, for example.In conclusion, a mix of solutions is needed, involving many different players, supported by clear policies and comprehensive technical-economic analyses. The aim of this report is to shed light on these complex issues, and to suggest courses of action for a more sustainable future.