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Circular solutions: transforming chemical products for a sustainable future

24 Feb 2025

The chemical industry stands at the heart of global manufacturing, shaping 96% of the products we rely on daily. This unique position presents both a challenge and an opportunity: how can we ensure that the essential products of tomorrow are created with sustainability at their core? One of the most powerful tools to answer this question is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Rethinking resources with bio-based materials

Transitioning to bio-based materials is a promising step toward reducing reliance on fossil resources. Derived from renewable feedstocks such as agricultural residues or algae, bio-based chemicals offer the potential for lower greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller environmental footprint compared to their fossil-based counterparts. For example, agricultural residues can be converted into bioplastics or co-produced alongside biofuels in biorefineries, maximising resource utilisation.

However, such transitions are not without complexities. While bio-based materials may reduce climate-related impacts, they can increase demands on land or water resources. This is where LCAs play a critical role. By providing a comprehensive analysis across multiple environmental indicators, LCAs will support companies to weigh up the trade-offs and make informed decisions that align with their sustainability objectives.

Capturing carbon for a cleaner future

Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) represents another frontier for reducing environmental impacts. This emerging technology captures carbon dioxide emissions at their source and finds innovative ways to repurpose it into useful products. The potential applications are vast, ranging from fuels to building materials.

The challenge lies in understanding the full environmental implications of CCU. For example, the process’s energy requirements and the dual role of CO2 as both a feedstock and an emission complicate the assessment. An LCA can provide a holistic view of the entire lifecycle, identifying potential benefits that carbon capture solutions may deliver.

Embracing circularity in product design

At the heart of sustainability lies the concept of circularity – the idea of designing products to remain in use for as long as possible, minimising waste and recovering materials for reuse. For the chemical industry, this means creating products with end-of-life considerations in mind, whether through repair, remanufacturing or recycling.

By mapping the environmental impacts across a product’s lifecycle, LCA can pinpoint opportunities to improve resource efficiency and reduce waste. Circularity isn’t just good for the planet; it also strengthens business resilience, reduces dependency on finite resources and fosters innovation.

The role of LCAs in driving change

Life cycle assessments empower chemical companies to identify their impact hotspots. Through analysing every stage of a product’s lifecycle, LCAs uncover areas where interventions can have the greatest environmental benefit. This optimises decision-making for organisations, from material selection to process improvements as LCAs provide the data needed to make choices that can effectively reduce environmental footprints.

With regulatory frameworks like the European Commission’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability, LCAs can also help companies meet legal requirements and stay ahead in a competitive market. And, transparent LCAs results provide the evidence required to support sustainability claims, attract eco-conscious customers, and build trust with partners.

For a sustainable future

The journey toward circularity and sustainability is complex but essential. By undertaking LCAs, chemical companies can take a leadership role in shaping a more sustainable future, guided by better decision-making and providing the transparency and accountability that today’s consumers and regulators demand.

Ready to transform your approach to product sustainability? Download our comprehensive guide to explore practical strategies, in-depth case studies, and actionable insights tailored to the chemical industry. Together, let’s innovate for a cleaner, greener future.

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