An Integrated ESG–Circular Economy Framework for Hydrogen Production from Plastic Waste: Theoretical Foundations and Technical Assessment

Abstract

The imperative to decarbonise industrial systems whilst simultaneously addressing the global plastic waste crisis has substantially accelerated scholarly and policy interest in waste-to-hydrogen technologies. Existing evaluation frameworks, however, operate at corporate reporting level rather than technology-specific assessment, creating a significant gap in decision-support tools for investors, policymakers and project developers. This paper addresses that gap by developing the Integrated ESG–Circular Economy (ESG–CE) Framework, a structured KPI assessment system purpose-built for plastic-waste-to-hydrogen production systems. The framework synthesises Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria with circular economy performance indicators to enable technology evaluation across three interdependent pillars: environmental impact (lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and waste diversion), social inclusion (employment, equity and community engagement) and governance transparency (disclosure quality, regulatory alignment and green finance access). The technical foundation of the framework is grounded in a rigorous assessment of pyrolysis–steam reforming–water–gas shift (WGS)–pressure swing adsorption (PSA) conversion pathways, demonstrating hydrogen yields of 600–700 kg h⁻1 from a 2,000 kg h⁻1 mixed-plastic feed, with energy efficiencies of 60–75% and lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions relative to conventional steam methane reforming (SMR). The framework's three-pillar structure draws on established international standards, including Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the EU Taxonomy and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Circular Economy (CE) Guidelines, whilst extending them through a structured KPI assessment system tailored to waste-valorisation contexts. To the author's knowledge, this is the first framework to integrate ESG criteria and CE indicators specifically for waste-to-hydrogen systems in the MENA context. The framework is designed to permit contextual calibration across emerging economies pursuing circular hydrogen transitions, with particular relevance for resource-rich, waste-generating nations in the MENA region and beyond. It should be noted that the framework is conceptual at this stage; empirical validation through pilot-plant data is an essential next step and is identified as a priority for future research. Whilst the GRI, TCFD, the EU Taxonomy and the OECD CE Guidelines operate at corporate reporting and policy level, the ESG-CE Framework integrates process-level technical assessment of the pyrolysis-steam reforming-WGS-PSA conversion pathway with ESG criteria and CE indicators within a single structured KPI assessment system. This technology-specific integration constitutes the principal contribution of the framework.