Creating Sustainability in the Chemicals Industry

The Chemical Industry, its processes and products play a crucial role in the global economy. Chemicals play a huge part in our day-to-day lives, impacting almost every sector and many of the things we create, use and rely on. Unfortunately, the impact of chemicals on the environment and on human life is just as vast. That’s why, as we discuss here, now is the time to make chemicals more sustainable.

Why is sustainability so important in the Chemical Industry?

Chemicals are a vital part of almost every sector – from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to engineering and energy. They are at the heart of developing new technologies and materials; integral to many of the goods that people use and rely on; shape the ways industries and companies operate; and much more.

The impact of the Chemicals Industry isn’t just felt in the way we live our lives though; it has huge implications on the natural environment where we live our lives too. Historically, the Chemicals Industry has always been an energy and CO2-intense sector. In 2019 for example, according to a report from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the industry’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions was 6.3%. So, whilst it powers positive development, it can also make a negative impact on the environment.

Therefore, it is not only imperative for the Chemicals Industry to make a change; it is vital that the change is soon, if not immediate. Making both chemicals and the industry processes more sustainable is key. Thankfully, organisations, industries and companies – such as the European Commission – are already making tracks, introducing new strategies, goals and legislations that will drive a shift towards chemicals and production technologies that are not only safer, but more sustainable too.

Driving sustainability in the Chemical Industry

The time for change in the Chemical Industry is now. Thankfully, urgent plans are already being made and put in place; to shape the industry and the way we approach, create and use chemicals and ensure that the positive impact they make far outweighs the potential negative one – now and long into the future.

The United Nations (UN) have, as part of their Environment Programme (UNEP), have developed a framework for developing green and sustainable chemistry. This framework is designed to raise awareness, enhance knowledge and identify ways and opportunities for key industrial sectors to advance sustainable chemical consumption, production and product innovation. At the heart of their plans, they’ve outlined 10 objectives to drive action from stakeholders and organisations across the chemical industry, from minimising chemical hazards and pollution to advancing sustainable resourcing and maximising social benefits.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Towards Planet Positive Chemicals: A Chemical Transformation Roadmap Enabled by the Circular Economy report, created by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) further highlights the need for change in chemicals and a action pathway to make that change. Produced in collaboration with a leading consultation consultancy and nine of the world’s largest chemical companies, it calls for a drive towards net-zero and nature-positive chemicals and a transition to solutions that prioritise equity and well-being for workers, chemical users and producers and the planet; and emphasises a focus on empowering circular economies, activating sustainable chemistry and tackling industry-wide pollution as the key enablers to do so.

There is a global effort to ensure all industries become more sustainable and less impactful on the environment, as we work towards net-zero emissions and environmental targets that are looming large. Making changes to chemicals – and the way we produce, use and dispose of them – is hugely important. And so are the plans already being made by organisations such the UN and WBCSD, as well as key figures and companies across the Chemical Industry.

Taking action for the future of sustainability in the Chemicals Industry

Without actions, however, the plans and objectives set out for a more sustainable future in the Chemicals Industry are simply words on a page. Having the foresight to understand the lasting, growing impact of chemicals and make plans and strategies for change must be supported – and acted upon – by the companies and organisations who have the power and means to make a difference.

So, what actions should stakeholders across the industry take? Once again, organisations are already putting in the work, leading by example for others to follow.

For example, as part of their Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the European Commission have taken a lead on advising on tangible and manageable actions to guide companies within the Chemicals Industry – in the EU and beyond – into a more sustainable future. The key actions of their strategy include encouraging companies to ban the use of the most harmful chemicals; boost investment in chemicals that are safe and sustainable by design; establishing simpler risk and hazard processes; and promoting high chemical safety standards.

The UNEP have highlighted a variety of actions that, through utilising new technologies, techniques and materials, can make rapid, long-lasting and industry-changing impacts. They cite the use of advanced technologies to not only find alternative functional chemicals with minimised hazards, but create them too; promote the development of green and sustainable chemistry using alternative products and processes through biomimicry; highlight how there is potential for turning waste gas from the industry into sustainable fuels or chemicals; and encourage chemistry innovations that are safer and greener for all to use, within – and outside of – the industry.

And this is just scratching the surface. The Chemicals Industry is powered by the expertise of some of the very best, brightest and most talented people, and it is this expertise – driving the development of strategies and new processes – that will ensure the future of chemicals is sustainable for the benefit of us all.