Chemical Chemical Special Reports

A Sea Change: Plastics Pathway to Sustainability Special Report

Plastics sustainability is the most critical issue facing the plastics industry and is likely to lead to greater regulation (including bans) and deselection by consumers, retailers & brand owners.

This issue is challenging the entire chemical value chain.

This study will address key questions surrounding plastic sustainability:

What is the current and future impact on virgin and PCR plastics demand from sustainability initiatives?
How will various end-use demand segments be impacted by sustainability developments?
How do global and regional regulatory trends impact plastics demand?
What is the potential impact on petrochemical monomer and feedstock demand resulting from plastics sustainability development?
How well is PCR supply positioned to satisfy demand? What are the current and future constraints?
How do sustainability initiatives affect future plastic prices?
How much PCR will be available? Where does it end up and why?

A Sea Change: Plastics Pathway to Sustainability special study helps stake holders move progressively to address the issues of plastics sustainability with extensive analysis and data quantifying the impacts.

The study deliverables include:

Review of current and evolving government regulations and Consumer Product Companies’ policies for plastics sustainability initiatives for major consuming geographies
An in-depth review of the infrastructure disconnect between post-consumer recycle demand and supply.
Demand analysis by detailed end-use segment for major polymers (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, EPS, PVC, PET) for the time period 2018-2030 for major demand centers (Europe, U.S. & Canada, China, India). The demand analysis compares a Base Trendline to a Maximum Viable Threshold view by assessing the potential for:
- de-selection via bans or alternative material
- increased use of post-consumer recycle content
Global integrated supply/demand views for the major polymers base chemicals and associated feedstocks for 2018 - 2030 reflecting the changes associated by the Maximum Viable Threshold demand compare to the Base Trendline.
Profile the major technologies for plastics recycling and the potential impact on PCR resin supply volumes.
Assess the impact of PCR chemical recycling technologies on monomer and/or hydrocarbon supply.

Study content will be delivered via:

Detailed PowerPoint slide decks
Excel files containing the data that forms the basis of the analysis with capability to run demand scenarios
Optional, complimentary interactive 1.5 day study presentation where subject matter experts provide detailed insight and commentary

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Study Collaborators

More Recycling (MORE) is a research and technology company that provides forward-thinking programs, tools, and strategic planning services to accelerate the transition to a society that manages resources sustainably. With over 25 years of experience in the recycling of postconsumer materials, specifically plastics, MORE offers a deep understanding of the complex and ever-changing lifecycle of plastic packaging—from collection to recycling infrastructure to end-use markets. The company serves as a liaison between industry, public agencies, and NGO’s and prioritizes accurate information and neutrality in the marketplace.

Environmental Packaging International (EPI) is a consultancy specializing in environmental compliance, product stewardship and sustainability related to packaging and products. EPI works with US-based and multinational companies (retailers, producers, manufacturers and brand owners), including Fortune 500s and smaller startups, to help them achieve their sustainability goals and comply with Extended Producer Responsibility and other global requirements. EPI provides techniques and tools to assist companies in tracking their progress towards corporate sustainability goals and assists clients with integrating aspects of environmental compliance into their supply chain management, product design processes and other business systems. Located in Jamestown, RI, EPI’s 20 years of experience in packaging and product stewardship provides high-quality consulting services that advance sustainability.

Experts

Joel Morales

Mr. Morales is currently the service leader of three market advisory subscription services: The Global Plastics and Polymers Report, the North American PE Report and the North American PP report. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge to IHS Markit through multiple stints along the plastics' value chain. Prior to joining the company in March 2013 to cover PE and PP in North America, he was a purchasing manager for Silgan Plastics, a major, blow-molding and injection molding plastics converter. He worked in resin distribution sales for both Muehlstein and United Polychem, where he managed and sold polyethylene and polypropylene resins into various customer segments, after beginning his career in technical services, product development and later field sales with polyolefins manufacturer, Solvay Polymers (now Ineos). Mr. Morales graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a minor in psychology.

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Mark Morgan, Ph.D.

Dr. Morgan has dedicated more than two decades to consulting in specialty chemicals, process technology and industrial biotechnology. In addition, to chemicals consulting, he supports work in other IHS Markit business units where chemicals and materials are involved, in particular Aerospace, Defence and Security (AD&S). In 2011, he joined Chemical Market Associates, Inc. (CMAI) to lead its global activities in renewables. Previously, he was with Chem Systems, a leading boutique consulting firm serving chemicals and allied industries. His work covered lenders advisory work, M&A due diligence, project feasibility, technology validation and valuation, legal work and more. Following service in the army, he began has chemicals career with BP undertaking blue sky research as well as plant support, together with taking new ideas from concept to commercialization. Dr. Morgan earned his doctorate in chemical physics at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.He leads consulting projects in all regions in specialty chemicals, biotechnology, renewables and advanced materials. He has strong experience across multiple specialty chemical value chains; linear alpha olefins, detergent alcohols, surfactants, nutraceuticals, the C4 chain, the C5 chain, specialty aromatics, biodegradable polymers, bio-based building blocks, engineering polymers, higher performance materials, carbon fibre, construction chemicals, food/feed additives, valorizing cracker by-product streams, etc. Mark has also undertaken lenders advisory work - commercial and technical for small and large capital projects, as well as supporting due diligence processes in M&A transactions, venture capital, etc.

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Anthony Palmer

Mr. Palmer directs diverse client engagements related to the business, technical, and financial aspects of the energy, chemicals, plastics, and associated industries. Mr. Palmer's consulting activities focus on helping companies plan and implement business and corporate development programs worldwide. His expertise includes strategic business management, financial and acquisition analysis, technology assessment, capital project planning, manufacturing strategy, international project development, expert witness/litigation support, and material supply strategy.In addition to consulting, Mr. Palmer is an Adjunct Professor of Management at Connecticut State University's Ancell School of Business Administration, where he teaches courses in Strategic Management using the case analysis approach.Previously, Mr. Palmer worked at CMAI (acquired by IHS Markit in 2011) now part of IHS Markit, as well as CPI Consulting Associates, Chem Systems, and Exxon Corporation. He holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College, and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and International Business from Fordham University, New York, US.

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