ICCA Publishes New Report: ‘Pathways for the Global Chemical Industry to Climate Neutrality’
The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has taken a bold step in outlining how the global chemical industry can achieve climate neutrality by mid-century. In its newly released report, Pathways for the Global Chemical Industry to Climate Neutrality, ICCA provides a comprehensive roadmap that integrates the latest scientific modeling and industry expertise to identify four distinct pathways toward a climate-neutral future.
The report, commissioned by ICCA and developed by Carbon Minds and ICIS, sheds light on the industry’s challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the transformative role of innovation in reaching climate goals.
This article explores the report's findings, emphasizing the critical enabling factors and innovative strategies required for a successful transition. For Catalisti, as a key driver of innovation in Flanders’ chemical industry, these insights resonate strongly with our mission to foster collaborative projects that propel the industry toward a sustainable future.
Dual challenge
The chemical industry is a cornerstone of modern society, supporting essential sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and construction. However, it also faces the dual challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with energy-intensive production processes and the reliance on carbon-rich feedstocks.
According to the ICCA report, emissions in the chemical industry can be divided into two primary categories: Feedstock-related emissions arise from the extraction, processing, and conversion of fossil-based materials into valuable products. At the end of their lifecycle, many chemical products release stored carbon back into the atmosphere if not recycled or captured. The second category are energy-related emissions. High-temperature processes necessary for chemical production rely heavily on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to GHG emissions.
Addressing these challenges requires a systemic shift driven by technology and innovation—areas where Catalisti and its partners excel.
Four pathways to climate neutrality
The ICCA report identifies four pathways for the global chemical industry, each reflecting varying levels of resource availability and technological readiness:
- Abundant Biomass and CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage).
- Abundant Biomass, Limited CCS.
- Abundant CCS, Limited Biomass.
- Limited Biomass and CCS.
Each pathway emphasizes the importance of tailored solutions that adapt to local resources and conditions—a principle that underscores the role of regional innovation clusters like Catalisti.
| What does the term “climate neutral” mean in this study? In this study, “climate neutrality” is defined according to IPCC’s “net-zero emissions” definition. In other words, climate neutrality is achieved when “anthropogenic emissions and removals of greenhouse gases (GHG) to the atmosphere are balanced over a specified period of time,” and therefore, there is no change in atmospheric GHG concentration. These GHG emissions include carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxides, among others. In the context of the chemical industry, achieving climate-neutral operations indicates that GHG emissions resulting from the industry’s key activities are reduced and that residual emissions are balanced via carbon absorption. |
Innovation as the driving force
Central to all pathways is the recognition that no single solution can address the industry’s challenges. Instead, a portfolio of innovative strategies is required:
1. Recycling and plastic waste management
Only 9% of global plastic waste is currently recycled. The ICCA report highlights the need for improved recycling technologies, including chemical recycling, which complements traditional mechanical recycling. Chemical recycling can process a broader range of plastic types, overcoming issues like polymer degradation. Catalisti has been at the forefront of projects like MATTER and PolyAl Circular, which develop advanced recycling methodologies to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
2. Sustainably sourced biomass
Biomass offers a renewable carbon feedstock for the chemical industry, capturing CO2 during its growth and reducing net emissions when processed responsibly. Innovations in biomass conversion—such as fermentation and gasification—enable its use in producing key chemicals. However, the report cautions against unsustainable sourcing practices, highlighting the importance of balancing environmental, social, and economic factors.
3. Low-emission hydrogen
Hydrogen is a cornerstone of chemical production. Transitioning to low-emission hydrogen—produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy or methane reforming with CCS—is vital. This aligns with Catalisti-supported initiatives like WATCH, which explore the role of hydrogen in creating circular chemical systems.
4. Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) and CCS
CCU and CCS are critical for managing residual emissions. By capturing CO2 at various stages of the value chain, these technologies enable its use as a feedstock or its storage in geological formations. ICCA emphasizes the need for significant investment in infrastructure and regulatory support to scale these solutions.
5. Affordable low-emission energy
The industry’s energy-intensive processes require reliable access to low-emission energy sources such as renewables and nuclear power. Catalisti’s projects often incorporate energy efficiency and renewable energy integration, ensuring that Flemish companies remain competitive while reducing their carbon footprint.
Catalisti and the road ahead
As an innovation cluster for the chemical and plastics industry in Flanders, Catalisti is uniquely positioned to support the transition to climate neutrality. Especially in our role as coordinator of the Moonshot Flanders program, we have a strong focus on climate-neutrality. Through collaborative projects that bring together academia, industry, and government, we drive the development of groundbreaking technologies aligned with the ICCA report’s recommendations.
The ICCA report’s findings underscore the complexity and urgency of achieving climate neutrality in the chemical industry. While challenges remain, the pathways outlined in the report provide a clear framework for action. The key to success lies in fostering collaboration and investing in innovation to develop and scale sustainable solutions. Catalisti is committed to this mission, leveraging its role as an innovation catalyst to transform the Flemish chemical sector. By aligning our projects with these insights we aim to make Flanders a leader in the global transition to climate neutrality.
For more details on the ICCA report, Pathways for the Global Chemical Industry to Climate Neutrality, visit ICCA’s website.