Green

The following are excerpts from a recent report by Lux Research.

Future projections of a circular economy emphasize that a combination of recycled and bio-based resources will serve as a feedstock for plastic needs. However, in order for that idealistic future to be realized, there must be a major investment in new technologies, including advanced recycling tech and bio-based plastic capacity. In its new report, “The Sustainable Plastics Roadmap: Recycling, Bioplastics, and Alternatives,” Lux Research forecasts the adoption of conventional and advanced recycling, bio-based plastics, and alternative materials and quantifies the impact of bans and other regulations to predict the future of sustainable plastics.

Single-use plastics are particularly in the crosshairs with consumers and regulators, and companies across a wide range of industries are trying to deploy sustainable solutions. Both companies that produce plastics and those that use them in their products need to understand the outlook for sustainable plastics and alternatives in order to prepare their strategy.

Lux’s new report explores the combined impact of new technologies and approaches on the six major commodity plastics – polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polypropylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) – focusing on the impact of four major types of threats to conventional plastics production: recycling, bio-based polymers, legislation, and alternative materials like paper and metal.

“A combination of negative consumer sentiment about plastics, regulation, and a global focus on sustainability have combined to push the issue of plastics sustainability to the fore,” explains Anthony Schiavo, research director at Lux. “In 2030, 15% of plastics will be sustainable, fueled primarily by a tripling of global plastics recycling along with strong regulatory action that bans the most problematic types of plastic products.” He adds, “Major practical challenges, like the difficulty of waste collection and sorting and the unprofitability of pyrolysis, will still remain in 2030. Companies that move quickly to build their own sustainable supply chains will find success, while those that wait for the ecosystem to fix these problems will be left behind.”

To view the report, visit www. luxresearchinc.com.

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Boston – Boston Properties, Inc. (BXP), a national developer, owner, and manager of Class A office properties, announced several milestones that reinforce the company’s longstanding focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

As part of its 2020 ESG report, the company announced it has: • Committed to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2025. Approximately one-third of its total carbon reduction is expected to be the result of energy conservation and more efficient operations. The company will develop onsite renewable energy systems, offsite renewable energy procurement, and voluntarily transition to 100% renewable green tariffs and community choice aggregation programs. In addition, it will study and strive to replace onsite gas-fired systems at the end of useful life.

To the extent it is necessary, remaining emissions will be offset during the transition to carbon-free energy. • Established a sustainability committee of its board of directors to increase board oversight of sustainability issues. • Launched a diversity & inclusion committee with the mission of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and transparency. • Earned a 2020 Best in Building Health award and has completed Fitwel’s Viral Response Module enterprise certification.

“ Focusing on ESG is both the right and smart thing for us to do,” said Owen Thomas, CEO, BXP. “The important role of real estate companies in addressing the climate crisis and the opportunities for BXP to provide leadership has never been more evident. Today’s announcement reinforces our ongoing dedication to advancing our efforts in the areas where we can have the greatest impact including energy use, carbon neutrality, climate resilience, diversity and inclusion, health security, and community engagement.”