What you should know about sustainable carbon cycles
As the European chemical industry accelerates its transition toward climate neutrality, the concept of “Sustainable Carbon Cycles” is moving to the forefront of scientific research, policy discussions, and industrial innovation. But what does this term really mean, and why is it so crucial for the future of chemistry in Europe?
Rethinking carbon
Traditionally, the chemical sector has relied heavily on fossil carbon—both as a source of energy and as a fundamental building block for products ranging from plastics to specialty chemicals. Today, only about 7% of the carbon used in Europe’s chemical and plastics industries comes from renewable or recycled sources. Recognizing this challenge, the European Commission has set an ambitious target: by 2030, at least 20% of the carbon used in chemical and plastic products should be sustainable and non-fossil.
Sustainable carbon can be sourced from:
- Recycled materials (such as waste plastics and industrial by-products)
- Biogenic feedstocks (like sustainably managed biomass)
- Captured CO₂ (from industrial emissions or even directly from the air)
Closing the loop
A central pillar of sustainable carbon cycles is circularity—keeping carbon in use for as long as possible by recycling it within products and processes. This approach not only reduces demand for new fossil resources but also cuts greenhouse gas emissions. The chemical industry is investing in new technologies and product designs to maximize the use of recycled and bio-based feedstocks, supporting the EU’s vision for a circular carbon economy.
Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are gaining momentum as essential tools for decarbonizing the chemical sector. By capturing CO₂ from industrial processes or the atmosphere, and converting it into useful chemicals or storing it safely underground, the industry can tackle hard-to-abate emissions and even achieve negative emissions in some cases.
The EU is backing these efforts with investments in CO₂ transport infrastructure and new certification frameworks to ensure the integrity and traceability of carbon removals.
Policy drivers and investment needs
To turn vision into reality, the EU is developing a comprehensive policy framework for sustainable carbon cycles. This includes:
- Setting minimum quotas for sustainable carbon in chemical products
- Financial incentives and carbon pricing mechanisms
- Certification systems for carbon removals and recycled content
Transitioning Europe’s chemical sector to net zero by 2050 may require over €1 trillion in new investments. This transformation will demand coordinated action from policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators across the value chain.
More than a buzzword?
The road ahead is not without obstacles. Key challenges include:
- Creating sufficient incentives for switching to sustainable feedstocks
- Ensuring the environmental integrity of carbon sequestration
- Mobilizing the massive investments needed for new infrastructure and technologies
Yet, the opportunities are equally significant. By embracing sustainable carbon cycles, the chemical industry can unlock new business models, enhance resource efficiency, and position itself as a global leader in climate solutions.
Thus Sustainable carbon cycles can be more than a buzzword—they can serve as a blueprint for the future of chemistry in Europe. By rethinking how carbon is sourced, used, and recycled, the industry can drive climate action, foster innovation, and build a resilient, circular economy for generations to come.
Read more about ‘Sustainable Carbon Cycles’
- EU Think Tank Briefing: Sustainable carbon cycles: Promoting removal, storage and recycling (October 2022)
- RCI’s scientific background report: “Renewable carbon as a guiding principle for sustainable carbon cycles” (September 2023)