The idea of recapturing the energy in plastics as part of burning municipal waste streams to generate electricity has been around for a long time. Today, record energy costs are driving governments at all levels to take a look at all clean energy options.

Public perceptions of plastics are often negative and plastics are rarely considered a sustainable solution. The truth is that plastics make everyday life safer, healthier and easier, and are a significant contributor to sustainable solutions in every area of life. Plastics contribute to source reduction, reduce energy consumption and are often re-used and recycled.

Energy From Waste (EFW) is a process that takes municipal solid waste - including plastics at the end of their practical life, and plain old household trash - and combusts at a high temperature, creating steam that turns turbines to generate electricity to power homes and businesses.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes EFW as "a clean, reliable, renewable source of energy…with less environmental impact than almost any other source of electricity."

EFW is an important addition to our industry's sustainability offering.

Our basic beliefs

• Economic barriers of recycling continues to limit its ability to divert materials from landfills
• Together with source reduction, re-use and recycling, EFW can achieve a high level of diversion of plastics from landfills
• EFW is a viable and clean energy option, with growing momentum and political support in Canada and the U.S.
• EFW has proven commercially viable with safe, reliable and environmentally friendly technology
• EFW is increasingly trusted and utilized worldwide (89 U.S. and 400 European facilities existing, with 100 new proposed in Europe and nine at various stages of implementation in Canada)

NOVA Chemicals’ position

EFW is an effective waste management end-of-life alternative and a viable clean energy option. We will continue to support our industry organizations in their work to educate and influence government and public audiences about this opportunity to recapture the energy in plastics.

Additional information

Canada’s Chemical Producers at www.ccpa.ca

Canadian environment and Plastics Industry Council (EPIC) —
www.cpia.ca/epic and www.plastics.ca

The American Chemistry Council at www.americanchemistry.com