The report provides an extensive analysis of packaging design for recyclability, examining the mechanics and economics of blown film extrusion, cast film extrusion, bi-axially oriented film extrusion, and thermoforming across three key regions: the United States Gulf Coast (USGC), Western Europe, and China, referencing Q2 2023 pricing data. The report delves into the carbon intensity of these processes measured in tons of CO2 equivalent per ton of produced material. The report covers the fundamentals of the recycling value chain for both mechanical and chemical recycling, analyzing recyclable contents beyond plastic as well, and offering insights into recycling practices for aluminum, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, and glass. The report examines the factors affecting the recyclability of plastic packaging, the obstacles to achieving effective recyclable packaging, touching on technological limitations, regulatory factors, and material availability, and discusses the dynamics of global harmonization and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. The report also analyses various polymer types and their suitability for recycling, building on the earlier discussions of material requirements and recycling challenges.

This TECH report provides an overview of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology and economics, as well as market aspects and climate landscape in terms of key policies and project status. This includes DAC technology process descriptions, key challenges and limitations, advantages and disadvantages, and areas for cost-reducing innovation. The report primarily focuses on sorbent- and solvent-based DAC approaches, with a minor focus on other developmental DAC methods such as moisture/humidity swing adsorption, cryogenic, electrochemical/electro-swing adsorption, and membrane-based DAC technologies. In addition, this report discusses key players and technology holders/licensors of DAC technology and includes base-case cost of CO2 capture estimates for sorbent- and solvent-based DAC processes.

This report assesses Renewable DME production pathways in terms of their technical, economic, and carbon intensity aspects, in line with increasing pressure to decarbonize industrial boilers, off-grid power, medium- and heavy-duty transport, heating, and cooking applications. Key technologies covered at the cost of production level include gasification of forestry, agricultural, and municipal solid waste, reforming of glycerine, and biogas, and renewable power to DME. This report also presents a comparative analysis of the overall carbon intensity, considering scope 1, scope 2, and upstream scope 3 emissions across these fuel pathways.

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a polyethylene with a molecular weight range of two to six million, compared with 300 000 to 500 000 for high density polyethylene. UHMWPE is a specialty polymer with performance that exceeds many types of polymers and steel, and as such is found in an increasing number of applications. This report covers the manufacturing process and fabrication methods to make UHMWPE products, as well as the cost of production for UHMWPE fabrication in different regions.