In an exploratory scenario, this study investigates the CO_₂ emission reductions that can be achieved in the global chemical and derived material industries if the entire demand for embedded carbon is met solely and exclusively via CO_₂ instead of from fossil sources. Major simplifications are used to achieve transparency and comprehensibility of the issue. Methanol (CH₃OH) is considered to cover the needs for hydrocarbons for chemicals and derived materials among the various chemical intermediates as a representative pathway for renewable carbon. It is a plausible scenario to assign methanol a central role in supplying the chemical industry of the future.

The GHG emissions of CCU-based methanol could be 67 to 77 % lower compared to emissions from releasing embedded carbon of fossil fuels, when using current energy supply based on photovoltaics. With improvements in renewable energy production, the reduction could increase to levels between 96 and 100 %.

When fossil feedstock is used, the fossil-based embedded carbon contained in chemicals and materials is emitted to the atmosphere at their end of life, assuming complete oxidation (e.g. through combustion or (bio)degradation).

When using CCU-based feedstock to replace the fossil feedstock, at the end of life, no additional carbon (or CO₂, respectively) is emitted to the air because it was captured from the air (or from point sources) before through carbon capture. Only the electricity demand for CCU-based feedstock production causes CO₂ emissions.