This report examines the main commercial processes for mechanically recycling polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, and polypropylene. Profiles of the main companies that offer mechanical recycling equipment for bottle-to-bottle processes are included. Cost estimates are presented to produce recycled PET, recycled HDPE, and recycled PP from waste material, at USGC, Western Europe, China, and Japan locations. Global recycled PET, recycled HDPE, and recycled PP market outlooks are also provided.

The 2021 Cost Curve Analysis model for Ethylene - Polyethylene and Propylene - Polypropylene combines Nexant’s global plant capacity database and views on supply and demand with an extensive cost of production database and Nexant’s annual price forecasts developed for three oil scenarios.  Delivered as an interactive spreadsheet, the model offers views of historical, current, and forecast cost competitiveness and profitability for the industry.    

A study of the supply chain and processing of commoditized spherical graphite, conductive carbon black, and other advanced carbon materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Examines both natural graphite and synthetic graphite value chains as well as acetylene black. Strategic outlook for graphite is examined in the context of public policy for environmental protection from the perspective of climate change and fluoride pollution, as well as changes in supply chain, changes in battery technology, and battery-electric vehicles.

For achieving “net-zero” emissions by 2050 for constraining global temperature rise to 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius (°C), negligible or minimal (low) carbon hydrogen is receiving much attention. Different types of hydrogen are based on a color palette defined by environmental footprint and impact include grey, blue, green, brown, and others. Blue hydrogen projects are a major enabler for achieving “net-zero” emissions. Viable pathways for producing blue hydrogen mainly consist of steam methane reforming (SMR) and Autothermal Reforming (ATR). These are advanced commercial technologies and processes which must be integrated with carbon capture and sequestration where national and state level subsidies or incentives are utilized.