Explorative Scenario – Carbon Embedded in Chemicals and Derived Materials (PNG)

Figure from the RCI Carbon Flows Report 2023

The nova October 2023 update shows a steady increase in the share of bio-based chemicals from 8% in 2020 to 20% in 2050. CO₂-based chemicals require a lot of investment to become relevant after 2030, with strong growth between 2040 and 2050. The recycling of virgin fossil chemicals and plastics dominates the recycling sector until 2035. After 2035, bio-based, CO₂-based and recyclates increasingly dominate the recycling sector.