Empty used plastic bags | Neste

Plastics

At a time when the world is looking for more sustainable ways of living and doing business, plastics face two major issues: the use of fossil resources and a lot of plastic waste is not properly managed, polluting the planet.

Empty used plastic bags | Neste

Fossil resources leave a significant carbon footprint for plastic products. By 2050, plastics could make up 20 percent of global oil and gas consumption and account for 2.8 gigatons of GHG emissions per year*. It’s clear that in striving for net-zero emissions, the use of fossil resources in plastics must be reduced significantly. 

Renewable and recycled plastics

At the same time, a vast majority of plastic waste worldwide is not being recycled. Most of it ends up incinerated, in landfills or – in the worst case scenario – in the environment.

In fact, less than 10 percent of plastic waste gets recycled**. This is not only a waste of resources, but mismanagement and landfilling of plastic waste also lead to significant environmental damages.

Products and innovation

Global GHG emissions from plastics production & incineration

1,3 GT

2030

2,8 GT

2050

Plastics are prominently associated with these two issues. In fact, the negative impacts often overshadow the positive properties of the material: the numerous applications that rely on plastics and their benefits. 

Reducing the use of plastics may be a valid concept for some applications - and it should be a priority in solving the plastics dilemma - but it won’t be the solution for all applications. The same is true for reusing plastics: from a sustainability and resource efficiency point of view wherever plastics can be, they always should be reused. 

In addition to reducing and reusing plastics, the replacement of fossil materials in plastics and a significant transition from incineration and landfilling of plastics to recycling should be prioritized: keeping materials in circulation adds value to waste and reduces the need for virgin raw materials.

World plastics production 2021 graphic | Neste

Solving the plastics dilemma is no simple task, but a crucial one if we wish to continue to enjoy the benefits they offer. We must ensure plastics can serve their purpose in a more sustainable world.

Close up of plastics texture.

Products and innovation

A solution: Neste RE

Our approach to enabling the plastics industry's transition away from fossil is simple: change the source of the carbon, do not change the product. Neste RE is a raw material for the production of plastics that can replace fossil raw materials for steam crackers.

Read more about Neste RE
Polymers

Downloads

Learn more about sustainable solutions for polymers and chemicals

Read more
Water rain drops on waterproof textile | Neste

Segments

More sustainable plastics for all segments.

Read more
Two sample bottles of Neste RE product.

FAQ on Neste RE

Frequently asked questions about Neste RE.

Read more

Releases and news

Here you will find our latest press releases and news on renewable plastics and circular economy.

See all

Contact Neste

Which product are you interested in?

*The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics, World Economic Forum, 2016 ; Plastics and Climate: the hidden cost of a plastic planet, Center for International Environmental Law, 2019

**Global Plastics Outlook World, OEC, 2022