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5 Five problem areas
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2023 Ambition: sustainable PLFs
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It is impossible to understand the sustainability challenges inherent in PLFs without looking at their full lifecycle – and we urge all stakeholders to do so in the delivery of our missions.
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Inputs at the feedstock level will by definition impact the outputs at the point of fate, and so a holistic approach to sustainability requires that the RSC map the breadth and complexity of the PLFs landscape. We defined the 'Five Fs' framework considering issues arising from PLFs as feedstock , the formulation of PLFs, their functionality , the fate of PLFs, and the future environment for PLFs. We offer this as a useful framework to analyse the impact of PLFs and understand the scale of research and innovation required.
1. Feedstocks Feedstocks are the building blocks of polymers. Plotting the transition away from fossil feedstocks will force us to consider the impacts on industry, biodiversity and land use of this shift. We must test assumptions for pivoting to bio- based and alternatives to virgin fossil feedstocks, particularly looking at the implications for resource security and de- fossilisation. Functionality Adoption of new polymers will only be successful if they replicate – or improve upon – the functionality of fossil fuel-dependent incumbents without placing an onerous cost burden on producers and consumers committed to emphasising sustainability. It is therefore crucial that we find a balance between performance and cost. 2. 3. Formulation PLF formulation is the chemical dispersed in a solvent or water. This is then mixed with other ingredients to create products. The production processes used to manufacture PLFs have a huge bearing on their impact, both in products and in the wider world. We must predict how to match the performance of best-in-class existing PLFs and test for new behaviours.
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