New alliance formed to supercharge UK’s sustainable chemicals sector

A NEW alliance for sustainable chemicals has called on the UK government to create a long-term plan to help the chemicals and materials industries bolster economic growth.

Members of the new UK Alliance for Sustainable Chemicals and Materials (UK-ASCM) include the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA), the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), the National Interdisciplinary Centre for the Circular Chemical Economy, and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The alliance has been created to boost innovation, promote circular carbon feedstocks, and reshore production of chemicals manufacture in an effort to foster green growth and regional development.

Jen Vanderhoven, COO of BBIA, said “With the formation of the UK-ASCM, we have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the UK’s economic future, our environment, and our communities. Sustainable chemicals and materials are essential to achieving a net zero economy and securing our industrial strength in a competitive global market.”

The alliance has urged the UK government to devise a long-term plan and stable policies to enable investment in research, development, commercialisation, and manufacture of sustainable chemicals and materials across the UK. This includes using public procurement to create demand for greener chemicals. It also wants the government to work with the sector to shore up the skills, feedstocks, and infrastructure needed to develop resilient supply chains.

Anju Massey-Brooker, a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the leader of its Sustainable Polymers in Liquid Formulations (PLFs) programme, said: “Sustainable chemicals are fundamental to building a resilient, sustainable society. By bringing together leaders from industry and academia, the UK-ASCM will catalyse the research and development needed to accelerate the transition to sustainable materials.”

Responding to the news, Penny Fowler, head of corporate climate campaigns at the financially focused NGO ShareAction, said: "For this to be a success, we need to see the industry go further by setting out a clear path towards fossil-free chemical production, delivering on commitments by transitioning to non-fossil feedstocks and using energy from renewable sources.

“Investors understand the sector's critical role on the path to net zero – they want to see both companies and governments working to deliver a timely and orderly transition to prevent the risk of fossil fuel lock-in and stranded assets. Decarbonising the chemicals industry is key to building a safer future for us all."

The alliance is inviting others who are interested in joining to contact it by email. The other members of the alliance are Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet); Biorenewables Development Centre; Green Alliance; the High Value Biorenewables Network (HVB); Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst; Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre; the Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST); the Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub (SCHEMA Hub); and SCOTCHEM.