Petrochemical production accounts for an estimated 15% of global oil demand, and as electrification and renewable energy penetration increase, the sector is exploring decarbonization pathways beyond bio-based feedstocks.
In this context, Norsk e-Fuel AS and Braskem are collaborating to integrate e-Naphtha—a synthetic, PtL-derived feedstock—into the plastics value chain, representing a practical application of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) strategies.
Norsk e-Fuel is advancing industrial-scale Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technology, converting fossil-free electricity, water, and captured CO₂ into synthetic fuels and chemical feedstocks. The company plans to operate at least three plants by 2032, producing over 200,000 tons of e-Fuels annually, with roughly a quarter of this output projected as e-Naphtha. This aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing circularity and carbon-optimized feedstocks in response to both climate policy and market demand for lower-carbon materials.
Braskem’s “Keeping Carbon in the Loop” strategy provides the industrial context for this integration. Already producing I’m green™ bio-based polyethylene at industrial scale from sugarcane ethanol, Braskem also leverages mass balance–certified materials where fully segregated production is operationally challenging. The introduction of e-Naphtha into polypropylene and other polymers allows the company to expand its portfolio with feedstocks that maintain carbon within the economy rather than releasing it into the atmosphere.
From a technical perspective, e-Naphtha derived from PtL processes is chemically compatible with conventional petrochemical crackers, limiting the need for extensive downstream process modification. Lars Bjørn Larsen, CCO of Norsk e-Fuel, emphasizes that embedding captured carbon into durable, recyclable plastics extends the lifecycle of CO₂ within the economy. Braskem CEO Walmir Soller underscores the strategic value: producing essential polymers from captured carbon reduces climate impact while maintaining operational and material performance.
Scaling this approach involves addressing key challenges. PtL production is constrained by the availability and cost of renewable electricity, electrolyzer efficiency, and CO₂ sourcing. Even at Norsk e-Fuel’s projected scale, e-Naphtha volumes will remain a fraction of total naphtha demand, highlighting the need to integrate multiple CCU and recycling pathways to meet circularity targets. Nevertheless, early adoption provides opportunities to establish traceability frameworks, certification protocols, and market acceptance for low-carbon polymers.
The partnership between Norsk e-Fuel and Braskem also reflects the growing industrial role of CCU in plastics. By evaluating market applications and engaging customers interested in circular, low-carbon solutions, the collaboration seeks to operationalize carbon-circular value chains, moving beyond pilot projects toward commercially viable feedstock flows.
