Accounting for carbon flows into and from (bio)plastic in a national climate inventory

Abstract Despite the time‐dependent behavior of carbon stored in plastic materials, literature assessing flows into and from typically applies a static approach. To better understand climate impacts such storage, this study explores how plastics can contribute over time to national inventory with various emphasis on recycling. This is accomplished by implementing material stock change estimations for materials that follow first‐order decay include recycling rates Integrated MARKAL‐EFOM System model generator Sweden (TIMES‐Sweden). Thereafter, three approaches released accounted were applied determine each approach affects resulting emission net‐zero pathways different rate scenarios. An accounting follows pattern stocks was found be important capturing neither over‐ nor underestimating impact plastics. Accounting may provide incentives producing renewable reducing dependence removal technologies. Because its synergies recycling, storage potential products well worth recognizing promoting policy setting aims circularity. For Sweden, reduces need bioenergy capture makes more biomass‐based electricity available use elsewhere energy system.