fossilbased

Fossilbased refers to substances, materials, or products derived from fossil fuels or fossil feedstocks, primarily coal, oil, and natural gas. The term contrasts such materials with those derived from renewable or biological sources, such as biobased plastics or biobased fuels. In industrial contexts, fossilbased materials dominate many sectors, including energy, transport, and manufacturing.

Key examples include fossilbased plastics produced from petrochemical feedstocks like ethylene and propylene to yield polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride; fossilbased fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels; and a wide range of fossilbased chemicals and solvents used in agriculture, construction, and consumer goods. Some fertilizers and lubricants also rely on fossilbased feedstocks derived from natural gas or crude oil.

Environmental and sustainability considerations are central to discussions of fossilbased materials. The extraction, processing, and combustion of fossil fuels contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, while the materials themselves can pose pollution concerns at end of life, especially plastics. Efforts to reduce reliance on fossilbased resources include increasing energy efficiency, improving recycling and circularity, and substituting with renewable or biobased alternatives and electrification where feasible. Policy instruments such as carbon pricing, subsidies, and regulations also influence the balance between fossilbased and alternative options.