New industry briefing note highlights urgent need for sustainability shift in UK chemicals sector

new industry briefing note developed by Pioneer Group in collaboration with the UK chemicals sector community highlights the urgent need for the sector to transition to a more sustainable, circular economy.

The paper, developed at a ‘Pioneer Presents’ workshop held at the Wilton Centre, Tees Valley, earlier this year, outlines the environmental challenges associated with the sector’s current reliance on fossil resources, the potential of sustainable carbon feedstocks, and the significant actions required to transform the UK chemicals industry.

Over 40 representatives from industry, academia, funding bodies, investors, and policymakers contributed to the briefing note, including NEPIC, Newcastle University, Biorenewables Development Centre, Royal Society of Chemistry, CPI, Innovate UK Business Connect, and Green Alliance. Together, the group has developed a comprehensive two-year action plan to support the UK’s transition to a sustainable chemicals industry.

Amongst the tactical actions identified are the mapping of sustainable carbon feedstock and UK chemicals sector assets, as well as the development of concept incubator spaces, a ‘sustainable carbon’ community of practice, and a cohesive UK approach for the management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle.

Miranda Knaggs, Pioneer’s Corporate Development Director, says: “As global temperatures continue to rise, transitioning to a more sustainable economy is no longer an option but an obligation. The chemicals industry relies heavily on fossil fuels and is responsible for ~10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To sustain modern life in an environmentally friendly way, sustainable alternatives like biomass, recycled carbon, and CO2 must be explored, and associated cost and technical challenges therefore addressed.”

Building on significant prior work carried out by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Innovate UK, Green Alliance, and others, the briefing note recognises the critical role of the chemicals industry in modern society but calls on policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers to embrace sustainable chemicals as a key part of future strategies.

“As the UK strives for a greener future, aligning industry practices with governmental goals, including Labour’s mission-driven government initiative, is crucial.” Miranda continues. “This requires collaboration across industry, government, research institutions, and other stakeholders. Pioneer and the community behind this briefing is dedicated to accelerating the UK’s shift to a sustainable chemicals industry, ensuring the UK remains a leader in chemical production and innovation.

“As an organisation, Pioneer is committed to supporting the objectives identified in this briefing note through leveraging the largest collective of scientists and technologists in Europe and bringing together experts and thought leaders from across the Pioneer community, our wider network, and industry through a series of in-person events, online panels, and roundtable discussions.”

Download the briefing note: Sustainable Chemicals: Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable UK Chemicals Industry.

For more information about Pioneer, visit www.thepioneergroup.com.