The plastic industry could significantly cut its CO2 footprint if new developments in chemical processing are successfully applied. German materials manufacturer Covestro has been researching the potential for capturing carbon dioxide and turning it into plastic using a catalyst. In an interview with DW, Covestro's chief scientist Dr. Andreas Scheufele explains how this process works. Further advances in the technique could produce other plastic materials and reduce the industry's reliance on fossil fuels.
The plastic industry could significantly cut its CO2 footprint if new developments in chemical processing are successfully applied. German materials manufacturer Covestro has been researching the potential for capturing carbon dioxide and turning it into plastic using a catalyst. The process they have developed so far is able to turn CO2 into polyol, a main component in polyurethane foam, and this will initially be used in the production of mattresses and other furniture. Further advances in the technique could produce other plastic materials and reduce the industry's reliance on fossil fuels.