This data-file captures c10% of the plastics market that is derived from mechanical recycling, from biologically-sourced feedstocks or that is bio-degradable.
The largest and most attractive option today is conventional mechanical recycling, which tends to reduce CO2 by 50% and cost less than virgin plastic. But only c25% of plastic is well-suited to mechanical recycling.
Bio-degradable plastic derived from biomass is likely c30% lower in CO2 than conventional plastics, but around 2x more costly.
The data-file reviews seventeen distinct plastic products, estimating the market sizes, CO2 levels, costs, production processes, uses and other notes from technical papers.