The global warming potential and the material utility of PET and bio-based PEF bottles over multiple recycling trips

Biomass use and recycling are among the few options to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of growing plastics sector. The bio-based plastic polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is a promising alternative terephthalate (PET), in particular for small bottle applications. For first time, we assessed life cycle global warming potential (GWP) 250 mL PET PEF bottles over multiple mechanical (MR) chemical (CR) trips Netherlands. We found that would offer 50–74% lower GHG emission after one trip compared PET, depending on waste management case. Our results also show deposit-based systems significantly cumulative cradle-to-grave net both types, especially when applied. propose complementary material utility (MU) indicators reveal synergies trade-offs between circularity GWP: While CR shows best performance terms MU, it falls behind MR comes due energy intensity CR. Hence, combining could contribute achieving goals circular economy climate change mitigation alike.