Fortum produces first biodegradable plastic from CO2 emissions

Finnish energy company Fortum Oyj has developed a method to produce biodegradable plastic from carbon dioxide emissions, a world-first achievement. The plastic is manufactured using captured CO2 from the waste incineration process at Fortum's plant in Riihimäki. The initiative aims to reduce and utilize industrial carbon dioxide emissions, offering a more sustainable alternative to fossil-based raw materials.

According to Tony Rehn, Head of Fortum's Carbon2x program, the CO2-based plastic provides a new, sustainable raw material for the plastics industry. He emphasizes that this development helps reduce reliance on fossil resources and promotes a circular economy. While many industrial sectors focus on carbon capture and storage (CCS) or utilization for synthetic fuels, Fortum's approach centers on material production.

Europe generates nearly 100 million tons of non-recyclable waste annually, which is incinerated for energy. Fortum's innovation could potentially capture and bind up to 90% of CO2 emissions from waste incineration into products. The new biodegradable plastic possesses similar quality properties to traditional fossil-based virgin plastics and can serve as a replacement, particularly in packaging applications.

The biodegradable, CO2-based plastic can be recycled like many other plastics, closing the carbon cycle. A key advantage is its ability to decompose in nature without leaving harmful microplastics, should it accidentally end up in the environment. Fortum estimates that industrial production could begin by the end of the decade. A new brand for these "plastics born from CO2" will be introduced to the European market in November 2024.