The chemical industry is a key player in the quest for sustainability, as it is the backbone of virtually every other industry and helps, directly or indirectly, make all products we use in our daily lives.
Health, safety and environment have been on the chemical industry’s agenda for years as part of our Responsible Care programme. Today, the need for a broad sustainability effort is more topical than ever, as highlighted at recent international conferences such as Rio+20 and ICCM3.
EU chemical industry's Sustainability Report
In May 2012, Cefic stepped up its commitment to sustainability by presenting the 2050 sustainability vision of the European chemical industry and publishing the sector’s first collective sustainability report.
The report is the result of a significant effort by many players within our industry, including individual companies and national associations. It reviews the sector’s performance against a set of key performance indicators and gives examples of how the products of chemistry are meeting the needs of society and contributing to sustainable development. Progress will be measured and publicised every two years.
Visit the Cefic Sustainability Report section.
From vision to flagship initiatives
The sustainability report was a first step of a journey that the Cefic Board decided to initiate. In parallel, we are translating our 2050 vision into action by conducting several projects that respond to challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency or demographic changes.
These major projects, or flagship initiatives, require a joint effort by several companies and organisations. Current initiatives include:
"The chemical industry is a key enabler for sustainability".
What's the link between sustainability and the chemical industry? In this video, Carl Van Camp and Hans Bender explain Cefic's commitment and how it is translated into action.
Read more about our sustainability issues
Energy & Climate Change
While the chemical industry is a major energy user, its products help save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Chemistry enables energy-efficient, low-carbon solutions in areas such as insulation for buildings, lightweight materials for transport, and advanced materials for renewable energy generation. Read more
Environment & Health
The chemical industry is committed to advancing sound chemicals management and safe use of chemical substances through voluntary industry initiatives and compliance with global, EU and national regulation. Read more.
Industrial Policy
In today’s globalised world, regions are competing for skills, companies and investment. A competitive chemical industry operating in Europe provides high-quality jobs and adds value to the European economy and society.
Read more.
Innovation
Innovation is crucial to address sustainability challenges. The European chemical industry is already working with EU authorities and other partners to shape a sustainable and innovative future in areas such as resource efficiency, raw materials, water use and smart cities. Read more.
Partnerships
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The European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (SusChem) is one of the platforms that allows the European chemical industry to work with its stakeholders. SusChem addresses challenges specific to the European chemical and industrial biotechnology industry for the benefit of society as a whole. Read more. |
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Responsible Care® is the global chemical industry’s initiative to improve health and environmental performance, enhance security, and to communicate with stakeholders, ensuring that operations and products are safe for workers and consumers alike. Read more
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Global Product Strategy
| Another global programme, the Global Product Strategy (GPS), provides access to information to downstream producers and customers to help reduce differences in the safety assessment of chemicals between developing, emerging and industrialised countries. Read more. |