The decade of permanent sustainability efforts

Since 1990, the EU chemical industry has reduced its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 325 mtons of CO2 equivalents to 135mtons – a big change! This change was accompanied with many measures and investments into infrastructure, products, safety and recording.  Nevertheless, since 2015 the reduction effects have flattened.

The discussion on e-mobility as the solution to reduce pollution from fossil-based engines has gained significant traction since 2018. It already has had and will continue to have an impact on the setup of many chemical companies, not only in the petrochemical space. Chemical companies, both small and large, will be fighting more than ever for acceptance in society and are expected to provide product solutions for the problems of today, tomorrow and the future. A lack of sustainability will cause a gap in competitiveness and subsequently value of companies.

Circular Economy became a symbol for further reductions of emissions and improved technologies along the value chain. The circular transition for chemical companies relies on internal transformation that starts with a solid strategy and objectives followed by the decision on a portfolio of specific circular initiatives.

The selection of initiatives should always be made based on a thoroughly conducted analysis of the company’s current situation. Reduction of GHG in any process step – whether in production, engineering or maintenance – is key. It is no longer the big bang solution, but rather a number of small steps in all these areas to be done to reduce GHG to a much lower level and net zero by 2050.

We are in a decade of ongoing change to come for Chemical and Industrial companies – not only in the EU but globally.