Sustainable Chemistry as a Driver of Transformation

The following is a translation from an article in the German media outlet "Handelsblatt".

Hardly any other industry shapes our economy and everyday life as profoundly as chemistry. Around 90 percent of global production today depends directly or indirectly on chemical products. Whether in agriculture, construction, energy, electronics, or medicine – without chemicals, modern life would not be possible. Yet the downside is significant: the chemical sector consumes about ten percent of global energy demand and is responsible for around eight percent of worldwide CO₂ emissions.

The industry is at the heart of a profound transformation. If the global community wants to tackle major challenges such as the climate crisis, social inequalities, and resource scarcity, there is no alternative to rethinking the current system. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals sets the framework – and requires a fundamental societal shift.

man holding speech — Dr. Thomas Wanner, Managing Director ISC3

Circular Economy as Part of the Solution

Products must be designed from the start in such a way that they can be repaired, reused, or recycled; substances that inevitably enter the environment must be fully degradable. But the reality is that not everything can be circulated. Material and product flows must therefore be considered and reduced – in terms of variety, volume, and all impacts on climate, environment, and health.

Sustainable Chemistry Takes the Broader Context into Account

This is where sustainable chemistry comes in: it promotes a circular economy that integrates the diverse aspects of sustainability across the entire life cycle of substances, materials, and products. This leads to innovative solutions – products and processes that address key issues such as resource and energy efficiency, decarbonization, defossilization, and social justice. They are aligned with the needs of society and the economy, while remaining competitive in both local and international markets.

“This transformation requires a cultural shift: politics, businesses, science, civil society, and consumers must change their behavior,”

says Dr. Thomas Wanner, Managing Director of the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3).

“Sustainable chemistry comes into play wherever sustainable change begins. We know that this is a long-term process – and that is precisely why we work on many levels to harness ecological, economic, and social opportunities. It is about spreading awareness of sustainable chemistry, connecting stakeholders from diverse fields, and fostering responsible, sustainable innovation.”

ISC3 makes it clear: Sustainable Chemistry is not a vision for tomorrow but a prerequisite for a future-proof industry and a central lever for turning the global sustainability agenda into reality.