The chemical industry as a beacon of sustainability and innovation

Imagine a world where every product we use—from the buildings we live in and the clothes we wear to the smartphones in our pockets—is created without harming the environment. A world where the chemical industry, often seen as a major polluter, becomes a beacon of sustainability and innovation and where we as formulators and sellers of chemical products are seen as facilitators of a more sustainable future. I want to take you on a journey into this future, a future where the chemical industry not only survives but thrives by embracing sustainability at its core.   

I am Valerie Diele-Braun, the CEO of IMCD, one of the leading specialty chemicals distributors in the world. I have been an executive within the chemicals industry for the past 28 years and I am deeply passionate about the intersection of chemistry and sustainability and how we can create a positive impact whilst not forgetting the economic and societal constraints. 

I believe the chemical industry is at a crossroads. For decades, it has been the backbone of modern society, providing essential products and materials. But this progress has come at a significant environmental cost. Climate change, pollution, high energy demand, product safety concerns and resource depletion are critical issues that demand a fundamental shift in how we operate and which products can be used and sold.

This will create challenges and risks, but it will also create new opportunities for those companies that act decisively and proactively. It will mean that some companies emerge as winners, and some will be left behind. Some will adapt to the new reality, some will try to continue with the same old way of working. 

For those who hold on to the same way of working, it will not be possible for long: the various Green Deal legislations in Europe, the competitive advantages the Inflation Reduction Act provides and the continued global investigation on product safety will mean that portfolios will shift. Sellers who do not adapt to these new business realities will become less competitive and producers of finished products will need to have back-up options available or launch new products to stay ahead of the game.

And this is not only true for our customers but also our other key stakeholders – our employees, communities and investors. They are expecting companies to do their part and stay ahead of the curve whilst improving their footprint. 

But the sad reality is that today the chemical industry is still responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions and a vast array of pollutants. Traditional processes often rely on non-renewable resources, generate hazardous waste, and consume large amounts of energy. These same processes however are also today often cheaper, and more available and have facilitated our modern lifestyle and high-performing products. 

The challenge we face is monumental: how do we maintain the benefits and performance of chemical products whilst mitigating their environmental impact and making the finished products still affordable?

I believe the answer lies in reimagining the very foundations of the chemical industry: Innovation, collaboration, and responsibility.

Firstly, innovation. We need to develop and adopt sustainable chemistry, which emphasizes designing formulations that minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances. This involves using renewable feedstocks, employing energy-efficient processes, and creating safe, non-toxic products. Breakthroughs in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and materials science are opening new pathways for sustainable chemical production. But also reviewing existing products and formulations to make them more efficient and add benefits whilst decreasing their impact on people and the environment are at the core of this.

Secondly, collaboration. Only by working closely together across the value chain with producers and customers as well as understanding consumer needs can we as an industry be successful. No company on its own will change the world, but together and by sharing our resources, know-how and skills, we can make an impact.

IMCD will provide support to those customers who are struggling with their products and formulations as well as to those who are already excellent but want to continuously improve because we profoundly believe in collaboration as a key success factor.

Thirdly, responsibility. This encompasses ethical sourcing, transparency, and a commitment to the well-being of all stakeholders, including workers, communities, and ecosystems. 

At IMCD we adopt comprehensive sustainability goals, report their progress transparently, and engage with local communities to ensure that our operations do not harm the environment or public health. We believe in fostering a culture of responsibility, where environmental stewardship is integrated into every decision-making process.

The future of the chemical industry and its use in finished formulations hinges on our ability to embrace sustainability wholeheartedly. Only using our joint capabilities and continuously improving in what we are doing, we can turn the tide and create an industry that can recruit talent and grow whilst not only meeting the needs of today but also ensuring a healthy, thriving planet for today and future generations.

At IMCD we are well on our way and want to do more. There are already inspiring examples of products we developed with our suppliers to satisfy the changing market needs, formulations we developed with substantially improved footprints and logistic paths where we saved vital CO2 whilst ensuring timely delivery. Our fundamental goal is to support the industry in innovating with sustainable chemistry solutions, especially small-to-medium-sized companies.

So, let's embark on this journey together. Let’s innovate, formulate consciously, and take responsibility. I believe the path to a sustainable chemical industry is challenging, but the rewards—a cleaner, healthier, and more just world—are worth the effort.

IMCD is committed to breaking down complex sustainability topics to support you at every step of your sustainability journey; whether you’re at the start or looking to optimize your current efforts. Click here to learn more about our Sustainable Solutions program and explore the sustainable materials we offer in your area.