Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap-2

Chemical Sector
SDG Roadmap
Overview
Contents
Part
Overview
Foreword 04
1
The Chemical Sector and the SDGs 09
Executive summary 06 The chemical sector 10
Introduction 08 The chemical sector and the SDGs 12
Key goals for the sector 18
Part Part
2
Impact Opportunities 20
3
Pathways to 2030 38
Description of cross-cutting factors 22 Food 39
Food 24 Water 40
Water 26 People and health 41
People and health 30 Energy 42
Energy 32 Infrastructure and cities 43
Infrastructure and cities 35 The road to 2030 44
Acknowledgments 45
Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap3

Overview
Foreword
There is growing appreciation It is also increasingly clear We are delighted that a number
across the global business however, that this potential of forward-thinking companies
community of the immense will only be unlocked through and industry associations
potential of the Sustainable pioneering new forms of from the chemical sector have
Development Goals (SDGs) to partnerships, with sector peers shown leadership in piloting
unleash innovation, economic coming together to plot new these guidelines and produced
growth, and development at pathways for realizing the this important Roadmap, which
an unprecedented scale. This transformative ambitions of the provides direction and support
potential was clearly captured SDGs, rallying behind a common for the sector as it looks to
by the Business & Sustainable 2030 vision for their industries. maximize its potential to drive
Development Commission’s In April 2018, WBCSD published positive impact across the
flagship Better Business, Better a set of SDG Sector Roadmap spectrum of the SDGs.
World report, which points to Guidelines detailing a step- We hope this work will serve
US$12 trillion of additional by-step methodology for how as a platform for ongoing
market value that could be companies within a given collaboration between chemical
unlocked by 2030 if the SDGs industry can come together and sector industry peers and wider
are achieved. explore their collective potential stakeholder groups, as we seek
to advance the SDG agenda. to realize the unique potential
of this sector to drive forward
the SDG agenda on the road
to 2030.
The road-mapping process that WBCSD’s chemical

sector members have undertaken exemplifies the
type of action-focussed collaboration that will be
instrumental in realizing the broad ambitions of the
SDG agenda.
Peter Bakker
President and CEO, WBCSD
4 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

Overview
The SDGs are a priority for the chemical sector

and this Roadmap clearly outlines where we
can simultaneously unlock significant business
opportunities and contribute tremendously in
delivering the SDG agenda across the sector and
through collaboration with other sectors.
Jean-Pierre Clamadieu
CEO, Solvay
The chemical sector is uniquely placed to drive

positive impact across the full spectrum of the SDG
agenda. Coming together as a sector helps us to
make sure we are maximizing this potential.
Thierry Vanlancker
CEO, AkzoNobel
Contributing companies and associations
Co-chairs Project members

Overview
Executive summary
Purpose Method and approach Impact opportunities

The SDGs present a universal framework In the production of this Roadmap the and pathways
that can be used to drive collaboration chemical sector has piloted the three- The Roadmap outlines a series of 18
among industry peers and across step framework described in the WBCSD impact opportunities that the sector
sectors, on how to most effectively SDG Sector Roadmap Guidelines.1 has to contribute to the 10 priority SDGs
harness the potential of the private sector In doing so, participating companies identified. These opportunities have
to drive sustainable development on and industry associations have come been grouped into five key themes: food,
the road to 2030. The Chemical Sector together to establish a collective water, people and health, energy, and
SDG Roadmap (Roadmap) is an initiative understanding and position around infrastructure and cities. The Roadmap
led by a selection of leading chemical several key factors, including: the sector’s then proceeds to map out key pathways
companies and industry associations, current level of SDG interaction across for how these opportunities can be
convened by the World Business Council the value chain; key areas where the realized by the sector through various
for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), sector can make the most transformative collaborative efforts moving forward.
to explore, articulate and help realize contribution to the SDGs; and actions Realizing these opportunities will require
the potential of the chemical sector to that the sector can take to deliver a commitment to innovation across:
leverage its influence and innovation to meaningful SDG impact. The leadership
contribute to the SDG agenda. shown by the chemical sector in piloting • Products – to address challenges that
the SDG Sector Roadmap Guidelines currently lack a viable solution;
The Roadmap offers a unique and
has also helped WBCSD to refine this • Processes – to improve the way the
collective vision for the sector on
resource, making it more easily applicable sector operates; and
what the key impact opportunities to
and pragmatic to take up for subsequent
contribute to its most material SDGs and • Partnerships – to leverage collective
sectors.
specific SDG targets are — from product resources and drive mutual value
innovation to process improvement propositions.
through to innovative public-private Priority SDGs
partnerships. It also outlines tangible The chemical sector is diverse and Road to 2030
actions that the chemical sector may complex, and as such interacts with a
take to accelerate impact in the short-, wide number of SDGs. It is also important This Roadmap highlights the significant
medium- and long term in the run up to note that many interconnections exist role that the chemical sector has to
to 2030. Finally, the Roadmap also across most of the SDGs themselves. play in realizing the SDG agenda. It also
communicates the sector’s willingness to Taking these complexities into account, represents an invitation for the entire
engage with relevant stakeholder groups 10 goals were identified as being priority sector to work together while engaging
to promote sustainability throughout the SDGs for the sector. with suppliers, customers and other
value chain in support of the SDGs. stakeholders to maximize SDG impact.
Audience Priority SDGs for the sector

This Roadmap is for the chemical sector
to help identify potential opportunities
for collaboration to enhance SDG impact,
and to inspire action from across the
industry as a whole. It will also provide a
window into the capacity of the chemical
sector to contribute to the SDGs for
interested groups of stakeholders in
other sectors and potentially foster
chances for cross-sectoral cooperation.
1 https://www.wbcsd.org/Programs/People/Sustainable-Development-Goals/SDG-Sector-Roadmaps/Resources/SDG-Sector-Roadmaps

Overview
Moving forward the companies involved The contributors to the Roadmap also The following table summarizes the 18
in the production of this Roadmap will strongly encourage other companies impact opportunities identified across
seek to establish working groups to throughout the sector, and wider the five themes as well as associated
advance the various impact pathways stakeholder groups to reach out and get impacts on the prioritized SDGs.
that have been identified, and set up in touch with ideas on how best to align
appropriate frameworks to track and projects or strengthen partnerships that
communicate progress. will ultimately accelerate SDG progress.
Impact opportunities
Food Water People and Energy Infrastructure

health and cities
1. Contribute to 4. Increase resilience 8. Transform portfolio to 11. Accelerate energy 16. Scale and evolve
sustainable and for water pipe have more products efficiency in involvement in
healthy food supply systems with positive impact downstream sectors multi-stakeholder
2. Transform food 5. Improve urban water 9. Reduce impact of 12. Enable production collaboration to
packaging to prevent treatment capabilities operations to people and storage of make cities more
food loss and waste renewable energy/ sustainable and
6. Accelerate water 10. International inclusive, improving
3. Transform food stewardship chemical industry renewable energy
infrastructure lives of the urban
additives to combat 7. Work with others in capacity building poor
malnutrition the value chain on 13. Continue to improve
energy efficiency in 17. Demonstrate
aquatic waste issues benefits of industrial
own processes
symbiosis
14. Breakthrough
technologies 18. Strengthen
for alternative production assets to
production promote resiliency
processes
15. Increase proportion
of renewable energy
or innovative energy
technologies used in
production
Cross-cutting factors
Human rights Low carbon economy Circularity Digitization

Overview
Introduction
What are the Sustainable The Business & Sustainable Development Embracing these recommendations,
Development Goals? Commission’s flagship Better Business, the Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap
Better World report points to US$12 (Roadmap) is an initiative led by a
In 2015, the United Nations established trillion of additional market value that selection of leading chemical companies
a set of goals to end poverty, protect the could be unlocked by 2030 if the SDGs and industry associations, convened
planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Each are successfully implemented, creating by the World Business Council for
of these 17 Sustainable Development 380 million jobs in the process. Sustainable Development (WBCSD), to
Goals (SDGs) includes specific targets to explore, articulate, and ultimately realize
be achieved by 2030. Achieving the SDGs The SDGs can also help companies to
the potential of the sector to leverage its
requires the efforts of governments, the analyze and address operational and
influence and drive innovation that will
private sector, civil society, communities regulatory risk, and to secure a strong
significantly contribute to the realization
and individuals. and enduring license to operate.
of the SDG agenda. The Roadmap
identifies areas where the sector can
What do the SDGs mean for Why an SDG Roadmap for the have the most SDG impact and explores
business? sector? key opportunities and pathways to
accelerate and optimize this impact on
Governments have been tasked with the The SDG agenda is ambitious,
the road to 2030, while also presenting
implementation of the SDGs however, this transformative, and universal. It will not
a strong business case for action. The
is an agenda that fundamentally will not be achieved through incremental change
Roadmap is also important as it will
be realized without strong engagement and calls upon all actors to go beyond
provide a means to communicate with
by the private sector. Business has a business as usual to tackle complex
potential partners in other sectors
critical role to play in helping to realize societal and environmental challenges.
and relevant stakeholders on key
the ambitions of the SDGs; as an engine Realizing the ambitions of the goals and
sustainability activities and initiatives.
of economic growth and employment; unlocking the potential they represent is
as a source of finance; and as a driver of beyond the reach of any one organization
and so calls for innovative new forms of Method and approach
technology and innovation.
partnerships at scale. In order to develop this Roadmap, nine
And there’s lots to be gained for
From a corporate perspective, the SDGs leading chemical companies and two
companies strategically aligning with the
present both opportunities and risks. industry associations formed a dedicated
SDGs. The goals provide a new cross-
Realizing SDG-related opportunities and working group, convened by WBCSD. The
sector global framework to translate
effectively managing risks will require group took a leadership role in piloting
the world’s most pressing needs into
innovation and transformative change and refining the three-step framework
business solutions. Companies that are
that incorporates efforts spanning described in WBCSD’s SDG Sector
able to deliver inclusive and sustainable
across industry sectors, with individual Roadmap Guidelines. The group worked
products and services in line with these
organizations working together with collaboratively with input from external
ambitions stand to open up significant
their peers to tackle obstacles and scale experts to collectively:
market opportunities.
solutions. In this context, the Better • Map perspectives around the chemical
Business, Better World report underlines sector’s current level of SDG impact at
the importance of drawing up detailed the target-level across the value chain
sector “roadmaps” to guide and support and identify priority SDGs for the sector
specific industries in their shift towards to address;
sustainable development in line with
the SDGs. • Conceptualize where the sector
can collectively make the most
transformative contribution to
the SDGs, and identify key impact
Players in all sectors will benefit from opportunities to drive progress
developing detailed “roadmaps” to guide towards realization of the SDGs; and

• Set out a series of key actions for
their sector’s shift to sustainable the industry to pursue in the short-,
medium-, and long-term with a view to
development in line with the Global Goals. making these impact opportunities a
reality on the path to 2030.
Better Business, Better World Report
Business & Sustainable Development Commission

Part One
Part
1
The chemical
sector and
the SDGs
Understanding the chemical
sector and how it relates to
the SDGs
The chemical sector is a four trillion
dollar global business, employing more
than 20 million people directly and
indirectly.1 Today’s world – from the
food we consume, the way we travel, the
clothes we wear, and the technology we
harness – depends on the products of
the chemical industry.
Through the responsible production,
use, and management of chemicals,
the chemical sector can support the
SDGs through innovative products
and practices that minimize negative
impacts, protect the environment,
promote social progress, and support
economic growth. Many of these
principles are already enshrined in the
industry’s Responsible Care® Program.2
This Roadmap sets out to explore how
the chemical sector can contribute
to achieving the SDGs through more
effectively managing its own operational
footprint, working with others to
enhance capacities along the value
chain, and leveraging its expertise and
innovation to unlock new business
opportunities that are aligned with the
SDGs. This will require action to minimize
any adverse aspects while maximizing
positive impacts.
The chemical sector at large is a supplier
of products and services into virtually
every other industry. Due to this, the
Roadmap is not an exhaustive overview,
but instead describes areas where the
chemical sector is uniquely suited to
make a considerable and lasting impact.
1
https://www.icca-chem.org/about-us/
2
https://www.icca-chem.org/responsible-care/

Part One
The chemical sector
The chemical sector creates an immense Manufacturers in the chemical sector can • Specialty chemicals. Companies that
variety of products which interact with be divided into five categories1: primarily produce high value-added
virtually every aspect of our lives. While chemicals used in the manufacture of a
• Commodity chemicals. Companies
many products from the industry, such wide variety of products, including but
that primarily produce industrial
as detergents, soaps and perfumes, are not limited to fine chemicals, additives,
chemicals and basic chemicals.
purchased directly by the consumer, advanced polymers, adhesives,
Including but not limited to plastics,
others are used as intermediates to sealants and specialty paints, pigments
synthetic fibers, films, commodity-
support the development of other and coatings, and intermediates used
based paints & pigments, explosives
products such as foods, plastics, and in renewable materials and in the food,
and petrochemicals.
pharmaceuticals. The complexities of pharmaceutical and other industries.
the industry are broadly highlighted in • Diversified chemicals. Manufacturers
The complex and diversified nature of the
the figure below. The industry uses a of a diversified range of chemical
sector is accounted for in the Roadmap,
wide range of raw materials, from air products.
which is inclusive of all sub-sectors from
and plants to minerals and oil. With
• Fertilizers & agricultural chemicals. basic chemicals, intermediates and
increasing competition worldwide,
Producers of fertilizers, pesticides, formulated products through to end use
innovation remains crucial to finding
potash or other agriculture-related markets.
new ways for the industry to satisfy its
chemicals.
increasingly sophisticated, demanding
and environmentally-conscious market. • Industrial gases. Manufacturers of
industrial gases.
1
https://www.msci.com/gics
The chemical
sector
value chain
Raw materials Basic Chemical Formulated products Customers of the chemical

chemicals intermediaries and product materials sector
• Olefins • Commodities • Plastics and Engineering • Automotive/

(ethylene, propylene, • Differentiated Resins Transportation
butylene) commodities • Extruded films, pipes, • Consumer Products
• Aromatics • Technical specialities profiles, coatings, sheets, • Packaging
(benzene, toluene, foams
xylenes) • Building & Construction
• Blow-molded parts
• Chlor-Alkali • Recreation/sport
• Injection molded parts
(chlorine, caustic soda) • Industrial
• Composites
• Methanol • Medical
• Synthetic Fibers
• Bio-based materials • Pharmaceuticals
(e.g. sugars, starches, • Rubber Products
• Personal care
natural oils and acids) • Paints & Coatings
• Textiles
• Others • Adhesives & Sealants
(e.g., ammonia, • Electrical/electronics
• Lubricants
phosphorous) • Aircraft/aerospace
• Water Treatment
Products • Food
• Cleaning Products • Bio-based materials
• Industrial Chemicals
• Flame Retardants
• Many others…

Part One
Facts and figures Highlights of innovative • The Together for Sustainability

chemical sector sustainability (TfS) initiative was set up in 2011 by
• The global chemical industry is a a number of chemical companies
initiatives
$4 trillion The sector’s approach to sustainability
with the purpose of developing and
implementing a global auditing program
enterprise that impacts virtually every
is long-standing. Here are selected to assess and improve sustainability
sector of the economy. Over 95% of
examples that demonstrate how practices within the supply chains of
manufactured goods are touched by
the sector is collaborating to tackle the chemical industry.6 4,500 suppliers
chemistry.1
sustainability issues. have been assessed and 70% of
• More than 20 million • Responsible Care® 4 was first launched

in 1985 and is a voluntary commitment
suppliers have improved scores
upon evaluation.7
people around the globe are employed
directly or indirectly by the chemical by the global chemical industry to drive • The chemical sector, as a solutions
industry.1 continuous improvement and achieve provider, is an enabler of sustainability
excellence in environmental, health across value chains. In order to
• The energy savings enabled by and safety and security performance. understand the opportunities and
chemical products are Responsible Care encourages levers to reach scale, in 2013, WBCSD
double those required

collaborative work between the
domestic and international industry,
chemical sector companies established
a “Reaching Full Potential” initiative,
to manufacture them.2 which has since published a series
government, and local authorities to
• In 2030 the solutions provided by help demonstrate best practices in of guidance documents including: a
the chemical industry could reduce safe chemicals management around framework to help companies assess
emissions by the globe. the sustainability of their product
2.5 GtCO2e
portfolios8; guidance to support
• The International Council of Chemical
chemical companies to assess the
Associations (ICCA) launched the
per year – a reduction equivalent social impact of their products9; and
Global Product Strategy5 (GPS),
to total emissions from France, guidance for environmental footprint
in 2006, to advance the product
Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom of products10. Addressing the Avoided
stewardship performance of individual
combined.3 Emissions Challenge11, guidelines
companies and the global chemical
for accounting for and reporting
https://www.icca-chem.org/wp-content/
industry as a whole. Together with the
1
uploads/2015/09/2015-Responsible-Care-Status- greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

Report.pdf Responsible Care Global Charter, GPS
2
https://www.icca-chem.org/energy-climate/ avoided along the value chain based
3
https://www.icca-chem.org/wp-content/ is the chemical industry’s contribution
uploads/2017/11/Ecofys-tryptique_PP.pdf on comparative studies were also
to the Strategic Approach to
4
https://www.icca-chem.org/responsible-care/ published in 2013 by the ICCA and
5
https://www.icca-chem.org/global-product-strategy- International Chemicals Management
gps/ WBCSD.
6
https://tfs-initiative.com/ (SAICM). The overall objective of
7
http://www.ecovadis.com/library/together-
sustainability-chemical-industry-supply-chain/
this policy framework, initiated by • The Chemicals in Products12 (CiP)
8
https://www.wbcsd.org/Projects/Chemicals/ the United Nations Environment Programme is an ongoing activity at UN
Resources/Framework-for-portfolio-sustainability-
assessments Programme (UNEP), is that by 2020, Environment on the policy and practical
https://www.wbcsd.org/Projects/Chemicals/
facets of access to information on
9
Resources/Social-Life-Cycle-Metrics-for-Chemical- chemicals are produced and used in

Products
ways that minimize significant adverse the chemicals contained in everyday
10
https://www.wbcsd.org/Projects/Chemicals/
Resources/Life-Cycle-Metrics-for-Chemical- impacts on human health and the products. The multi-stakeholder project
Products
11
https://www.wbcsd.org/Projects/Chemicals/ environment. SAICM plans for sound developed a voluntary framework
Resources/Addressing-the-Avoided-Emissions-
Challenge management of chemicals and waste in 2015 to improve the exchange of
12
http://web.unep.org/chemicalsandwaste/what-we-do/ beyond 2020 are now in discussion. information on chemicals contained in
science-and-knowledge/chemicals-products-cip-
programme products and proposed cooperative
actions to address gaps in the current
Highlights timeline levels of information access.
Responsible Care® Global Product The Together for WBCSD members Chemicals in Products
first launched Strategy (GPS) Sustainability (TfS) establish Reaching Full (CiP) Programme
launched by ICCA Initiative established Potential initiative developed by
UN Environment
1985 2006 2011 2013 2015

Part One
The chemical sector and the SDGs
The chemical sector is a The chemical sector can contribute to

partner, innovation enabler each of the 17 SDGs in different ways.
Some of these are described over the
and solutions provider to next five pages, which also highlight
essentially all sectors of a number of case studies relating to
the economy. The scale and existing partnerships that are helping to
diversity of the industry advance specific SDGs. The remainder
provide it with widespread of this Roadmap will seek to dive
deeper and identify the SDGs where the
opportunities to contribute
sector has the most potential to drive
to the realization of the SDGs transformation and innovation focused
by 2030. on lasting SDG impact.

Part One
Chemical sector interactions with the SDGs
The chemical sector contributes to economic Human health and safety are among the Equitable quality education supports
growth and improvements in the quality chemical sector’s highest priorities. The economic growth, improved public health
of life for people globally. As responsible industry strives to minimize negative health and more stable societies. The chemical
employers, chemical companies provide impacts from the exposure to chemicals in sector promotes science education
living wages and benefits to their employees the workplace, at home and in the community. through philanthropic investment and
and uphold their supply chain responsibilities. Innovations and a commitment to product specific initiatives that target certain
Through investments and partnerships, stewardship have increased the availability regions or populations, including technical
chemical companies make a positive of products with health and safety benefits apprenticeships and programs which help
contribution to combating poverty by while reducing their environmental footprint. improve the professional skills of existing and
strengthening and revitalizing communities This includes accelerated deployment of potential employees.
and improving infrastructure. Innovative best practices in safe production, distribution
products directly support affordable and and management of chemicals in emerging
accessible shelter and other basic goods markets through uptake of Responsible
while creating capacity for economic growth Care. In addition, medical breakthroughs
in countries most in need. and innovative technologies made possible
by chemistry provide deeper understanding
of the causes of – and better treatments for
– medical diseases and ailments, enabling
people to live longer and healthier lives.
The chemical sector has a key role in

supporting a more sustainable food supply
that meets the basic nutritional needs of
a growing global population. Advances in
chemistry help protect plants from pest
infestations, improve food distribution
channels, extend lifetimes of food and
food packaging and maintain food quality
and safety. High-yield seeds and fertilizers
increase food production and slow soil
erosion. Fortified crops and processed foods
help combat malnutrition in areas with limited
access to healthy foods.
Case study
Food Reform for Sustainability and Health Several WBCSD chemical companies are
(FReSH) is a joint program between the EAT founding members of the FReSH initiative
Foundation and nearly 40 WBCSD companies, highlighting the critical role of the sector in
designed to accelerate transformation in the helping to achieve a healthy and sustainable
global food system. Through jointly created food system.
business solutions, it aims to scale new http://www.wbcsd.org/Projects/FReSH
pathways to reach healthy, enjoyable diets
for all, produced responsibly within planetary
boundaries.

Part One
The chemical sector and the SDGs continued
The chemical sector continues to support Access to clean water and sanitation is a
the participation, contribution and success global issue that must be managed at a local
of women throughout the industry through level and chemistry has an essential role.
the implementation of programs and Advances in chemistry include disinfectants
management approaches to advance gender that kill germs and prevent disease; polymer
equality. Beyond this, the sector also has the membrane filters that remove impurities;
capacity to develop and market products that materials for desalination; and materials for
address women’s health and well-being, such pipes that protect water from its source to
as food fortification initiatives. the tap. Chlorine-based water disinfectants
maintain drinking water quality during storage
and distribution.
Innovative piping solutions prevent
water loss in operations and supply chains Case study
and help transform water distribution
The WBCSD Pledge for Access to Safe
networks. Advances in chemical sector
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) at the
water management improve water
Workplace is an opportunity for companies to
quality by reducing pollution, eliminating
contribute concretely to the implementation
improper disposal and minimizing release
of SDG 6. A number of leading chemical
of hazardous chemicals and materials,
companies have committed to the WASH
reducing the proportion of untreated
Pledge and recognize the business value of
wastewater and increasing recycling and
investing in a healthier and more productive
safe reuse. Water stewardship increases
workforce.
water use efficiency and ensures sustainable
withdrawal of freshwater. Focused research https://www.wbcsd.org/Clusters/Water/WASH-
and development improves urban water access-to-water-sanitation-and-hygiene/
treatment capabilities through desalination, WASH-at-the-workplace-Pledge
filters, energy efficient processes and
treatment chemicals.
The chemical sector is continuously improving

energy efficiency in its facilities, and its
companies manufacture products that help to
improve efficiency for downstream customers
and users as well. The chemical sector helps
enable production and storage of renewable
energy and renewable energy infrastructure
through the supply of key materials for wind
turbines and solar PV panels. Chemistry is
also a key component of innovations in carbon
capture and storage/utilization technology.
Working in partnership with others, the sector
is also collaborating on efforts to validate Case study this work, ICCA completed a study on the
and scale hydrogen cell technologies as a maximum potential for annual GHG emissions
new chemical carrier for energy and battery To improve consistency on how the chemical reduction enabled by the chemical industry
technology, which will help to improve access sector can assess avoided GHG emissions using the avoided emissions methodology.
to new sustainable energy sources. from chemical processes and products,
the ICCA and the WBCSD Chemical Sector https://www.icca-chem.org/wp-content/
project, Reaching Full Potential, formed a uploads/2015/08/Addressing-the-Avoided-
taskforce to develop practical guidelines to Emissions-Challenge.pdf
measure carbon savings. Building on

Part One
Case study
Sustainable chemical hubs and eco-industrial
parks have been in place since the 1960’s
to enable sustainable economic growth for
the sector. The SDGs offer a new universal
framework for chemical parks to challenge
current sustainability strategies to meet local
The safe production and management of The chemical sector is strengthening its community and greater societal needs. Two
chemicals is crucial to economic growth and production assets to promote resiliency. examples of chemical industry hubs that are
enhancing quality of life for people globally. Frameworks that promote industrial contributing the SDGs are listed below:
Innovation provides business opportunities symbiosis for chemical sector companies • Grangemouth’s chemicals sciences cluster
and a sustainable foundation for global and their value chains help address has developed a vision to be a key European
growth. Furthermore, upholding labour environmental and resource concerns, hub for sustainable high value chemical
standards and respecting human rights reduce raw material and waste disposal costs, manufacturing, which anticipates creating
throughout the chemical sector’s operations earn new revenue from residues and by- an additional 3,591 jobs and £206 million
and the entire value chain represents a products, support circular business models, generated annually in the local area.
substantial opportunity to advance human and develop new business opportunities.
development globally. Chemical products play an important role in • The Korea Industrial Complex Corporation
enabling and building resilient infrastructure (KICOX) is leading the development of South
solutions and by engaging with other sectors, Korea’s Eco-Industrial Park Program to
chemical companies can further enable promote cleaner production and industrial
open-innovation and manufacturing symbiosis, which has resulted in 56 new
advancements to encourage development of patents, 6.48m tCO2e savings and collective
integrated and end-to-end models. financial benefits of US$1,680 million.
http://www.chemicalsciencesscotland.
com/content/uploads/2017/11/Future-
Grangemouth-Vision-2025.pdf
http://www.greengrowthknowledge.
org/case-studies/greening-industrial-
The global chemical industry is a USD $4 parks-%E2%80%94-case-study-south-
trillion business affecting virtually every korea%E2%80%99s-eco-industrial-park-
sector of the economy. Worldwide, more program
than 20 million people are employed
directly or indirectly by the sector. Chemical
manufacturers can advocate for equality in
developed countries that the sector operates
in, and provide investment into emerging
and developing countries to encourage
development that reduces inequality. Many
companies have adopted global policies that
support issues such as fair wages, safety and
ethical standards, and social protections.
Not only do chemical products help improve

buildings, transport and infrastructure,
they also help strengthen community
resilience. As the rate of population growth
in urban areas increases there is tremendous
pressure for cities to scale implementation of
sustainable solutions that meet the needs of
the local communities. The chemical sector is
working to increase its involvement in multi-
stakeholder collaboration to make cities more
sustainable and inclusive, improving the lives Case study of global and local partners from business,
of the urban poor. governments, academia and civil society to
Founded in 2016, the Human Cities Coalition help make megacities in the emerging world
is focused on contributing to SDG 11. This more liveable and prosperous places for all.
public-private partnership was driven forward
by a leading representative of the chemical https://www.humancities.co/
sector and brings together a unique coalition

Part One
The chemical sector and the SDGs continued
Many chemical companies are taking

concerted action to address the issue of
climate change through a variety of initiatives
including: energy efficiency, reducing
the footprint of their products and the
development of innovative solutions to avoid
downstream emissions.
In addition, chemical companies are working
together to build resilience and adaptive
capacity for the sector and its supply
chain in response to the impacts of climate
change. The sector also plays a key role in
the development of solutions that will enable
other sectors to strengthen their resilience to
climate related risks.
Case study
The Low Carbon Technology Partnerships
initiative (LCTPi) is an action-oriented
program that brings together companies
and partners to accelerate the development
and deployment of low-carbon technology
solutions to stay below the 2°C ceiling.
Launched at COP21 in Paris, LCTPi
incorporates a chemicals workstream, which
is comprised of companies working together
Case study
on options and pathway scenarios to deliver a
In 2018 a number of WBCSD member low-carbon, sustainable chemical industry.
companies from the chemical sector
http://lctpi.wbcsd.org/
collaborated in the publication of a
Chemical Industry Methodology for
Portfolio Sustainability Assessments. This
comprehensive resource provides specific
Chemical products help improve the guidance for chemical companies to assess
quality and efficiency of production sustainability “signals” across their entire
processes across industries. Through product portfolio, and then steer their portfolio
chemistry, operations in a wide range of towards improved sustainability outcomes.
sectors and geographies have improved their This includes efforts to advance sustainability
water stewardship efforts and accelerated across various functions – including research
energy efficiency. From food packaging and and development, mergers and acquisitions,
additives to prevent food loss and waste, to innovation, marketing, communication and
innovations in waste management systems, design.
the chemical sector is helping to transform https://www.wbcsd.org/Programs/
production and reduce the life cycle impacts Energy-Circular-Economy/Factor-10/
of consumption. Through Responsible Sector-Deep-Dives/Resources/Chemical-
Care and the Global Product Strategy, the Industry-Methodology-for-Portfolio-
chemical industry is committed to advancing Sustainability-Assessments
sustainable management of materials in all its
phases, and achieving greater transparency in
environmental, health, and safety performance.

Part One
Case study
Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), coordinated by
the American Chemistry Council, the Plastics
Industry Initiative and Plastics Europe, supports
plastic resin handling operations to work
towards achieving zero pellet, flake, and powder
loss in order to keep plastics out of the marine
The chemical sector works with others in the environment. Many chemical companies have The chemical sector measures and manages
value chain to reduce marine pollution of taken the OCS pledge and the program has now its environmental impacts and dependencies.
all kinds, including nutrient pollution and the developed beyond its origins in the USA and This includes efforts to mitigate negative
prevention and reduction of ocean plastic established a significant global reach. impacts that some products can have on
waste. www.opcleansweep.org ecosystems and biodiversity by improving
product formulations and design as
well as managing such products further
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals downstream. The sector directly reduces its
Association (GPCA) established its Waste Free impacts on land and other natural resources
Environment campaign in 2013. It has evolved through improving operational management,
from being a clean-up activity to an advocacy and amplifies philanthropic efforts to halt
initiative and in 2017 it had 29 companies environmental degradation and protect
participating in initiatives to change people’s critical ecosystems.
attitude and mind-sets towards litter disposal.
www.wastefreeenvironment.com
11
8
Case study
ICCA and the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) partnered on a large-scale,
24-month initiative to promote chemicals
safety management in East and West Africa.
The two organizations hosted workshops
focused on basic training in dangerous goods
The sector is focused on maintaining Partnerships are a key enabler to accelerate handling and capacity building for emergency
standards of ethical business conduct sustainable development and advance the preparedness and emergency response.
throughout the value chain. This can be SDGs. ICCA has also worked collaboratively with
achieved through partnerships that allow The chemical sector has opportunities to: other regional associations to deliver capacity
industry to reduce corruption wherever it building programs in Eastern Europe, Central
may exist in the supply chain. The sector can • Develop multi-stakeholder and cross border
Asia and Asia-Pacific.
also engage with local, regional, national and partnerships and agreements to achieve
sustainable development; https://www.icca-chem.org/wp-content/
international bodies on societal structures
uploads/2017/02/Global-Chemical-Industry-
and laws to promote responsible business • Collaborate with downstream partners, Contributions-to-the-UN-Sustainable-
practices (including anti-bribery and government organizations, NGO groups and Development-Goals.pdf
corruption). other involved stakeholders working towards
sustainable development;
• Contribute to improving environmental and
safety performance in emerging countries
through capacity building;
• Incorporate collaboration as a critical pillar
of sustainability efforts/programs, and
share technologies/science with partners to
enhance sustainable development globally;
and
• Encourage open innovation initiatives for the
sector.

Part One
Key goals for the sector
As already described, the chemical sector Method and approach to Through mapping the sector’s current
has the capacity to help advance each prioritization level of impact (positive and negative)
of the 17 SDGs in a range of different against the opportunities where
ways and should remain alert to emerging This is the first collective initiative by the sector has the most potential to
opportunities to contribute across the full the chemical sector to extensively map contribute towards the SDGs, it was
spectrum of the goals. However, in order and prioritize the 17 SDGs and their 169 possible to establish priority areas of
to advance its interaction with this crucial targets in the context of the sector as a focus, as shown opposite.
agenda, it is also important for the sector whole. This prioritization was conducted
to prioritize the SDGs where it has the in order to narrow the wide playing field Goals where the sector can
most influence or the most ability to drive that the SDGs represent and identify the
most critical focus areas for the sector in
have the greatest impact
innovation, transformation and impact
through leveraging its role in the value view of maximizing its capacity for SDG 10 goals were identified by the working
chain. With this in mind a key component impact. This exercise was completed group as being priority areas of
of the road-mapping exercise was for collaboratively with involvement from engagement for the sector. These have
parties involved to establish a common participating chemical sector companies been identified with the understanding
view of which are the priority SDGs for and industry associations, WBCSD and that interdependencies exist across all
the sector. external experts. The following four the SDGs, and specific contributions
activities were undertaken: related to one goal can have potentially
positive or negative contributions to
• Exploration of how the chemical sector
other goals. This is something that the
value chain interacts with each SDG;
sector should remain conscious of
• Identification of the sector’s current and alert to moving forward. Although
level of positive and negative impact on SDG 17 (Partnerships for the goals)
the goals; was not identified as a priority goal, it is
recognized that the spirit of partnership
• Assessment of the sector’s untapped
and collaboration that it embodies
potential to impact each goal and
is a recurring theme throughout this
the potential for accompanying
Roadmap and indeed is central to
opportunities to create business
the exercise of undertaking a sector
value; and
roadmap itself.
• Mapping of SDGs in a materiality matrix
to understand sector priorities.
The first three activities were completed
at SDG target level, based on participants’
knowledge of the sector, and third-party
industry expertise, alongside published
literature. A number of workshops were
then held to assess and explore the
level of potential the sector has to drive
change for each of the mapped SDGs,
during which representatives considered
how current programs could be scaled
or replicated, or where innovation and
new partnerships could be leveraged
to address sustainability challenges.
Anticipated changes in technology,
new products, business models and
sector dynamics through the SDG time
horizon of 2030 were also factored
into discussions.

Part One
Prioritization of SDGs
Sector priority: Sector priority:

Minimize negative Maximize positive
impact impact
7
High
13 7 12 13
12
Sector potential to contribute to SDGs
3 3
2 2
17 17
Medium
9 9
6 11
11 6
8 8
14
14 5
Low
5
10 1 10
1
15 15
4 16 4 16
High Medium Low Low Medium High
Current level of negative impact Current level of positive impact
Priority SDGs
End hunger, achieve Ensure healthy lives Ensure access to water Ensure access to Promote inclusive and
food security and and promote well-being and sanitation for all affordable, reliable, sustainable economic
improved nutrition and for all at all ages sustainable and growth, employment
promote sustainable modern energy for all and decent work for all
agriculture
Build resilient Make cities inclusive, Ensure sustainable Take urgent action to Conserve and
infrastructure, safe, resilient and consumption and combat climate change sustainably use the
promote sustainable sustainable production patterns and its impacts oceans, seas and
industrialization and marine resources
foster innovation
* SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) has not been specifically identified as a priority goal, however the spirit of collaboration that it embodies cuts across the sector’s interaction with
the entire SDG agenda.

Part Two
Part
2
Impact
opportunities
Identifying where the
chemical sector can make the
most transformative impact
to contribute to the SDGs
Having established a common
understanding of the key SDGs to
which the chemical sector is well placed
to make substantial contributions, a
structured process was used to identify
the most significant opportunities to
generate impact (referred to hereafter
as impact opportunities) across the
spectrum of these goals.
The impact opportunities identified
fall into five main systemic themes:
food, water, people and health, energy,
and infrastructure and cities, again
underlining the wide-ranging reach of
the sector’s influence. Cross-cutting
factors have also been identified
that relate to a number of impact
opportunities. These are human rights,
the low carbon economy, circularity,
and digitization.
Each of the impact opportunities can
be broadly categorized as relating to
either product, process, or partnership
innovation.

Part Two
Areas for sector innovation
Products Processes Partnerships
Key themes and cross-cutting factors
Food Water People and Energy Infrastructure

health and cities
Human rights Low carbon Circularity Digitization

economy
Impact opportunities across

key SDGs for the sector

Part Two
Description of cross-cutting factors
While this Roadmap sets out to identify Low carbon economy

a series of detailed impact opportunities
for the chemical sector in the context of Combating climate change and
the SDGs, it is also important to note that transforming the energy system are core
there are several cross-cutting factors challenges on the path to a sustainable
that will be central to these efforts. Four future for business, society and the
of the factors that will be most critical to environment. The Paris Agreement has
the sector’s capacity to generate impact sent a decisive and global signal that the
across a broad selection of SDGs are start of the transition to a thriving, clean
introduced below. economy is inevitable and irreversible.
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and
SDG 13 (Climate Action) are clearly linked
Human rights to a low carbon economy; however, the
It is important to underline the critical success of many other goals will require
role that corporate respect for human this transformative shift as well.
rights has to play in the realization of the
The chemical sector is a major energy
ambitions of the SDGs. The 2030 Agenda
user but has also made significant
for Sustainable Development is explicitly
progress to decouple economic growth
grounded in the Universal Declaration
from carbon emissions. Additional
of Human Rights, as well as other
efficiency gains are becoming more
international instruments.
difficult to realize, but the sector has
This Roadmap recognizes that a robust the potential to thrive in an economy
commitment by the chemical sector based on low carbon power sources that
to respect human rights throughout its minimize carbon dioxide emissions.
operations and the entire value chain
The chemical sector is also a critical low
represents a substantial opportunity to
carbon solutions provider, serving as a
advance human development globally.
catalyst for helping to improve energy
By proactively implementing the tenets
efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas
of the UN Guiding Principles on Business
emissions across multiple value chains.
and Human Rights and engaging in
Chemical products are a building block in
collaborative initiatives to tackle systemic
fully realizing the potential of renewable
challenges, companies have the potential
and innovative energy sources to enable
to break down significant barriers to
all industry sectors to drive towards a low
development and positively impact the
carbon economy.
lives of millions of some of the most
vulnerable individuals in society – helping
to fulfil the central commitment of the
SDGs of leaving no one behind.

Part Two
Circularity Digitization
If current trends continue, global demand Chemicals 4.0 – the sector-specific
for resources is expected to reach 130 reference to the fourth industrial
billion tons by 2050, up from 50 billion in revolution – describes how the chemical
2014, representing an an overuse of the sector is being transformed at all stages
Earth’s total capacity by more than 400%1. of the value chain to integrate and
The global economy is only 9% circular.2 optimize digital, physical and biological
Closing the gap will help to prevent advancements. This includes a broad
further and accelerated environmental range of concepts based on having a
degradation, as well as safeguarding deep understanding of how to meet
against future resource scarcity. Circular customer needs in a world that is digitally
business models can help decouple connected across the value chain, from
growth from resource use, allowing raw materials to operations, customers
economic development to continue and communities.
within planetary boundaries.
With the emergence of Chemicals 4.0
The chemical sector will play a central come threats to and opportunities for
role in enabling the circular economy by achieving the SDGs. If significant jobs are
developing new products, encouraging lost through technological innovations, it
eco-efficient use of materials and could hamper efforts to reduce poverty,
resources and through collaboration hunger and inequality as well as finance
with others in researching effective improvements to the environment,
raw materials recovery from waste healthcare and infrastructure. At the
streams to facilitate the cycling of same time, innovations may create new
molecules. Carbon is often the focus of types of jobs while providing technical
circular conversations, but nitrogen and solutions to some of the most critical
phosphorous also require fundamental social, environmental and economic
changes to overcome the status quo in issues facing the planet. The challenge
order to be more sustainable. Achieving for the chemicals sector is to identify,
circularity is challenging and reliant understand and leverage technological
on sufficient clean and renewable transformation in a manner that mitigates
power being available as well as on a negative consequences and optimizes
supporting policy environment which society’s ability to achieve the SDGs.
helps to reduce the costs of reusing
and recovering waste.
1
https://www.accenture.com/t20150523T053139__w__/us-en/_acnmedia/Accenture/Conversion-Assets/DotCom/
Documents/Global/PDF/Strategy_6/Accenture-Circular-Advantage-Innovative-Business-Models-Technologies-
Value-Growth.pdf
2
https://www.circle-economy.com/the-circularity-gap-report-our-world-is-only-9-circular/#.WuZCT8gvw2w

Part Two
Food
Some 795 million people in the world – The SDGs aim to end hunger and Key SDGs impacted
about one in nine – do not have enough malnutrition by 2030, making sure all
food to lead a healthy active life. The people have access to sufficient and
vast majority of the world’s hungry live in nutritious food. The chemical sector
developing countries, where some 13% of has the technological expertise to
the population is undernourished.1 Food help transform sustainable agricultural
insecurity, famine, and nutrient deficiency practices, develop innovative solutions
co-exist with obesity, rising food-related to improve agricultural productivity
lifestyle diseases (including diabetes) and yields, preserve natural resources,
and food waste. Food production minimize food loss and waste, and
suffers from – and also contributes to – improve the livelihoods of small-scale
climate change, water stress, and many farmers across the globe.
interrelated socio-economic issues.
Impact opportunity 1:
Contribute to sustainable and healthy food supply
Chemistry is fundamental to the global food value chain, enabling higher yields, longer
shelf lives, and improved nutrition. The chemical sector will innovate, invest, and share
knowledge to help increase the productivity of farmers in its supply chain and wider
communities. Companies can also lead by improving access to healthy foods where
they are needed most and by developing fortified crops and processed foods that are
compatible with development goals for human and environmental health.
Prioritized SDGs: 2, 12
Targets:
2.1 By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and
people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food
all year round
2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient
agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain
ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme
weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land
and soil quality
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
12.3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and
reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
1
http://www.foodaidfoundation.org/world-hunger-statistics.html (retrieved 18 January 2018).

Part Two
Transform food packaging to prevent food loss and waste
To combat the significant global food waste problem, the chemical sector is leading
the development of technologies and products to transform food packaging to reduce
food waste and enable better food availability to communities around the world.
Opportunities to scale solutions and further innovate offer tremendous potential to
substantially reduce food waste, as well as reduce plastic packaging waste; a significant
cause of marine pollution. Innovative partnerships to transform consumer behavior and
advance waste management infrastructure will be key.
Prioritized SDGs: 2, 9, 12, 14

Targets:
2.1 By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and
people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient
food all year round
2.a Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in
rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology
development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural
productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed
countries
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional
and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human
well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
12.3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and
reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest
losses
12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction,
recycling and reuse
14.1 By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular
from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
Transform food additives to combat malnutrition
The chemical sector has a long track record of being an innovative solution provider
for societal challenges related to health and nutrition, where safety is of paramount
importance. Food additives rely on chemistry to maintain or enhance nutrient
composition, as well as to improve food shelf life and taste/texture. The opportunity to
understand different nutrition gaps at a regional level and how chemistry can help fill
those through innovative food solutions has the potential to make a significant impact
towards ending malnutrition.
Prioritized SDGs: 2
Targets:
2.2
By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally
agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and
address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and
older persons

Part Two
Water
The SDGs call for universal access to The SDGs also aim to protect and Key SDGs impacted
safe and affordable drinking water for all sustainably manage marine and coastal
by 2030. According to the World Health ecosystems. Protecting the world’s
Organization, 2.1 billion people lacked ocean system is essential, with more
access to safely managed drinking-water than three billion people depending
services in 2015. on oceans for their primary source of
protein, and over 200 million people
The chemical sector offers innovative
employed directly or indirectly by marine
solutions that can help achieve universal
fisheries. By working to tackle the
access to water, by improving water
critical issue of marine pollution through
treatment technology, preventing loss in
product innovation, the chemical sector
distribution systems, and sharing best
can play an important role in protecting
practices for water stewardship and
our oceans.
wastewater management.
Increase resilience for water pipes and systems
The chemical sector offers innovative piping solutions to improve resilience and reduce
water loss through transport, which is one of most common ways water is lost from a
system. This is an opportunity for the sector to utilize its own products to prevent water
loss in operations and supply chains as well as scale efforts to transform water and
wastewater distribution networks.
Targets:
6.1
By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water
for all
6.2
By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and
end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and
those in vulnerable situations
9.1
Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and
transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being,
with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
9.4
By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with
increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally
sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in
accordance with their respective capabilities

Part Two
Improve urban water treatment capabilities through
focused research and innovation to accelerate breakthrough
technology development
Water use and demand is growing rapidly. Common treatment technologies for reusing
and recycling water include biological processes, membrane filtration and separation,
and chemical oxidation processes – mostly continuous electrodeionization (CEDI), ultra-
violet (UV) and ozone-based systems. The chemical sector plays an important role in
scaling current technologies and working in partnerships to make the technology more
accessible and affordable to the markets that need them most.

Targets:
6.3
By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and
minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of
untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.a
By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to
developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes,
including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment,
recycling and reuse technologies
9.1
Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and
trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being,
9.5
Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial
sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030,
encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and
development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and
development spending
11.1
By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic
services and upgrade slums
11.5
By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected
and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross
domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus
on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations
13.1
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural
disasters in all countries

Part Two
Water continued
Accelerate water stewardship
The chemical sector is a large water user and has the opportunity to have impact
by sharing best practices and consistently applying catchment area management
concepts to water stewardship. Water scarcity and competition for water resources is a
business risk for the chemical sector. Increased water demand from people, agriculture,
energy and industry endangers water supply security and has the potential to disrupt
business operations.
Prioritized SDGs: 6, 9, 11, 12, 14

Targets:
6.4 By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure
sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and
substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity
6.5 By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including
through transboundary cooperation as appropriate
9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and
transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being,
11.3 By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for
participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and
management in all countries
12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt
sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting
cycle
14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid
significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take
action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

Part Two
Work with others in the value chain on aquatic waste issues
(including ocean plastic)
The chemical sector’s role in addressing the issue of ocean pollution is imperative.
Managing and reducing ocean waste will require a multitude of actions and involvement
of the entire value chain. The sector can provide leadership in product design and
work with governments and stakeholders for on-land solutions that incentivize proper
collection and enable a circular economy.
Targets:
6.3 By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and
minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of
untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
6.a By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to
developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes,
including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment,
recycling and reuse technologies
14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid
significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take
action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

Part Two
People and health
Nearly all the SDGs directly or indirectly Chemistry makes significant Key SDGs impacted
contribute to human health. The World contributions to advancing human
Health Organization estimates that the health benefits as a key enabler in
benefits of investing in health systems to the development of medicines, clean
achieve the SDG health-related targets water, and more efficient agriculture.
by 2030 include up to 8.4 additional years The sector is well positioned to make
of life expectancy and the prevention of health contributions through product
97 million premature deaths.1 innovation in these and other areas, as
well as through continued efforts to
reduce potential negative health impacts
of the sector’s own operations through
improvement and capacity building
at an international scale.
Transform portfolios to have more products with positive
impacts on health and people
There are three explicit references to chemicals in the SDGs: target 3.9 related to
reducing the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals; 6.3 related
to improving water quality and eliminating dumping of hazardous chemicals; and
12.4 achieving environmentally sound management of chemicals throughout their
lifecycle. Successfully managing the risks derived from the misuse of chemicals is the
fundamental health, safety and environmental mission of the industry. However, the
chemical sector can also leverage its expertise, resources and knowledge in product
innovation to better understand, monitor, mitigate, and remediate negative impacts on
health and transform business models to focus on growth of product portfolios that
provide benefits to people and health.
Targets:
3.9
By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous
chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination
12.4
By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes
throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and
significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse
impacts on human health and the environment
12.a upport developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity
S
to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production
1
http://www.who.int/sdg/en/

Part Two
Reduce impact of operations to people
The sector’s own operations and supply chain can have direct negative impacts on
people; from labor issues through to pollution in local communities, to health and safety
standards on the work floor. Sector leaders and industry associations have an important
role to play in promoting the adoption of practices that protect the safety and human
rights of workers throughout the value chain as well as local communities and society as
a whole. Ensuring corporate respect for human rights, founded on robust due diligence
processes, is critical for achieving the vision of the inclusive future that sits at the heart
of the SDG agenda.
Targets:
3.9
8.7
Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery
and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of
child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor
in all its forms
8.8
Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all
workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in
precarious employment

International chemical industry scientific and technological
capacity building
The global chemical sector has a long history of promoting sustainable development
in the communities in which it operates around the world. There is scope however for
the sector to make a significant contribution towards the SDGs by enhancing capacity
building efforts in developing markets in relation to promoting awareness of chemical
hazards, managing the risks associated with manufacturing and use of chemicals and
developing the necessary national infrastructure and capacities for regulatory and
voluntary approaches on chemicals management.
Prioritized SDGs: 3, 8, 12
Targets:
3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous
8.4 Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption
and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental
degradation, in accordance with the 10‑Year Framework of Programmes on
Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead
12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes
throughout their life cycles, in accordance with agreed international frameworks,
and significantly reduce their releases to air, water and soil in order to minimize their
adverse impacts on human health and the environment
12.a Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity
to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production

Part Two
Energy
SDG 7 calls for access to affordable, sources and technologies depend on Key SDGs impacted
reliable, sustainable and modern innovations in chemistry to become more
energy for all by 2030. Yet today one efficient, affordable and scalable.
in five people lack access to modern
To fulfill this energy-saving role and to
electricity, posing a significant barrier
reduce the sector’s own energy use,
to development and hindering progress
the focus of the sector should include:
across a wide range of SDG goals
identifying new catalysts and process-
and targets.
related opportunities; accelerating
The chemical sector has an important R&D and capital investments that
role to play in the transition towards a low improve energy efficiency; facilitating
carbon society as a provider of products the advancement of game-changing
and technologies used in energy saving innovations with partners by lowering
and renewable energy applications.1 barriers and operating costs; and
These include applications for fuel cells, promoting global and regional
solar cells, batteries, nanostructured cooperation on reducing energy use
materials, and carbon capture, among and emissions.2
others. Nearly all renewable energy

Accelerate energy efficiency in downstream sectors
Chemical products and technologies are used in a wide array of energy saving
applications and the industry plays an important role in enabling the savings of GHG
emissions through its application in many sectors (e.g. insulation, efficient lighting,
lighter materials for automobiles and advanced materials for renewable technologies).
Close collaboration with customers to identify needs and innovate products will help
accelerate energy efficiency in downstream sectors.

Targets:
7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural
https://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/
1,2
TechnologyRoadmapEnergyandGHGReductionsintheChemicalIndustry
viaCatalyticProcesses.pdf (retrieved 23 January 2018).

Part Two

Enable production and storage of renewable energy/renewable
energy infrastructure
The chemical sector has an important role to play in the energy transition beyond 2030.
It provides key materials to renewable power generation systems, including gear oils for
wind turbine gearboxes, resins for blades and coating materials for wind turbines, and
silicon ingots, semiconductor gas and sealant for solar PV panels. The sector should
continue to push the boundaries of innovation and support research to develop new
products that will make renewable energy more affordable, reliable and accessible.
Targets:
7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

Continue to improve energy efficiency in own processes
The chemical and petrochemical sector is the largest industrial energy user, accounting
for approximately 10% of total worldwide final energy demand and 7% of global GHG
emissions.1 Basic chemicals are among the most energy-intensive manufacturing
industries in the world.2 Continuous improvement to realize energy efficiency is normal
business practice in the chemical sector, but the sector can collaborate to make best
practice more affordable and accessible to all companies including SMEs and chemical
companies in emerging and developing markets.

Targets:
7.3
By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
7.a
By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy
research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced
and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure
and clean energy technology
12.4
By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes
12.6
Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt
sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting
cycle
13.1
1,2
https://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/
TechnologyRoadmapEnergyandGHGReductionsintheChemicalIndustryviaCatalyticProcesses.pdf (retrieved 24 January 2018).

Part Two
Energy continued

Breakthrough technologies
for alternative production processes
The climate and energy efficiency ambitions of the SDGs require a significant
change in current business models. Research programs should focus on achieving
improvements to further the commercial viability of proven breakthrough technologies.
Key implementation barriers of availability of low carbon energy, availability of alternative
feedstock, and the significant CAPEX and lead times involved in new manufacturing
infrastructure will need to be considered and addressed through innovative public-
private partnerships. The chemical sector is a critical actor in this process and has the
potential to drive ground-breaking innovation.
Targets:
7.3
By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
7.a
By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy
research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced
and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure
and clean energy technology
13.1

Increase proportion of renewable energy or innovative energy
technologies used in production
The production of chemical sector products is energy intensive. Even small shifts in
energy mixes can have significant impact given the scale of the industry. The sector
has the potential to generate significant SDG impacts through collaborative efforts to
address region-specific barriers slowing the advancement and uptake of renewable
energy use.
Targets:
7.2
By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
13.1

Part Two
Infrastructure and cities
Quality infrastructure goes hand-in- The chemical sector has a strong history Key SDGs impacted
hand with achieving the SDGs. Without of working together and with others.
adequate infrastructure, people lack This spirit of collaboration provides
access to markets, jobs, information, opportunities for more innovative and
health care, training, and education.1 resilient infrastructure development.
The chemical sector contributes to Chemical companies can collaborate
infrastructure improvements in several with governments and others to
ways: through innovations integral to the develop public private partnerships for
life cycle of products used in buildings, infrastructure investment, implement
power, water, sewer, communications, local procurement and employment
and transportation; and in collaborating initiatives, support education and
with others to help improve living community-based programs, and
standards. incorporate sustainability features across
the life cycle of capital projects.

Scale and evolve involvement in multi-stakeholder collaboration to
make cities more sustainable and inclusive, improving lives of the
urban poor
Today, more than half of the world’s population live in cities and more than two-thirds
will do so by 2050. The chemical sector has an opportunity to scale the use of products
that support more sustainable buildings and lifestyles while also exploring business
opportunities around the development of more inclusive markets. It is estimated that
affordable housing solutions alone could open up market opportunities in excess of
one trillion US dollars per year by 20302, representing a significant opportunity for the
chemical sector as a key solutions provider.
Targets:
3.9
11.6
By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by
paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
11.c
Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical
assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing local materials
1
http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-9-industry-innovation-and-infrastructure/targets/
TechnologyRoadmapEnergyandGHGReductionsintheChemicalIndustryviaCatalyticProcesses.pdf
2
http://report.businesscommission.org/uploads/BetterBiz-BetterWorld_170215_012417.pdf

Part Two
Infrastructure and cities continued

Demonstrate benefits of industrial symbiosis
Chemical hubs are a well-established concept in many regions and provide opportunity
by helping reduce raw material and waste disposal costs, earning new revenue from
residues and by-products, supporting circular business models, and developing new
business opportunities. Best practice principles that enable industrial symbiosis in the
chemical sector – and with peers in other sectors – can be deployed at a far greater
scale to help address feedstock availability issues and improve resource management in
a cost-effective manner.

Targets:
9.4 By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with
11.3 By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for
participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and
management in all countries
11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities,
including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other
waste management
12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of
natural resources
12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes

Part Two

Strengthen production assets to promote resiliency
The chemical sector is known for its ability to adapt, but there is a need to improve
approaches to promote resiliency for the industry’s own assets and supply chains. Many
chemical companies do not yet have strategies to understand and manage climate
risks, which can create enormous financial and operational exposures. Best practices
to assess and manage resiliency already exist and leading chemical companies are
well versed in their application. The opportunity for the sector is to share, build capacity
and encourage more consistent application of these methods to adapt and improve
resiliency.

Targets:
9.4
By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with
11.6
By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by
paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
13.1

Part Three
Part
3
Pathways
to 2030
Inspiring the sector to action
and engaging with partners
to deliver impact
The impact opportunities identified in
Part two will only be realized at the scale
necessary to make a significant contribution
to the SDGs through timely, continued
and combined efforts by leading players
within the chemical sector. With a view to
advancing these impact opportunities and
fulfilling the potential that they represent,
this Roadmap also identifies a series of
short-, medium- and long-term actions,
making up so-called “impact pathways”
to deliver each opportunity and to inspire
the chemical sector and other sectors it
works with to enable or deliver tangible
SDG progress.
These impact pathways were developed
through a series of deep-dive working
sessions for each of the five themes
with subject matter experts from
participating chemical sector companies
and associations. They take into account
known barriers to implementation and/or
deployment, potential solutions and ways
to accelerate SDG impact. Draft plans for
action went through rigorous screening to
ensure they had the potential to have a step-
change impact – beyond business as usual -
to one or more prioritized SDGs and that the
action could either be led by the chemical
sector or that it would not happen at the
same pace or scale without the chemical
sector as a key stakeholder.
The final pathways for each thematic
area are highlighted in a series of tables
across the following pages. Each action is
linked to the SDGs and targets with which
it most closely corresponds. Each table
also contains a qualitative analysis of the
potential level of impact that the action
stands to have on the SDG agenda and the
level of collective effort it will require from
the sector in order to be realized.

Part Three
Food impact pathways
Impact Category Key action points Key partners Low, Short-, Associated Associated
opportunity medium, medium-, SDGs SDG targets
high level long-term and level of
of input timeframe potential
from impact
sector
1. C
ontribute to Product i - Scale existing programs Farmers, suppliers, M 2.1
sustainable innovation aimed at driving step changes downstream 2
and healthy in the sustainable production customers, food H 2.4
food supply of food and drink products, the brands, NGOs, M M
reduction of waste, and helping WBCSD FReSH H 12.2
people to eat healthily and program
sustainably
12
H 12.3
ii - Increase adoption Waste collectors,

of circular, low carbon recycling H 12.2
technologies that use companies, food
unavoidable waste from agri, companies M M
bio, food and food packaging
12
value chains to be used as
H 12.3
chemical feedstocks
iii - Accelerate knowledge H 2.1

transfer and best practice Farmers, WBCSD
regarding fertilizer and Climate Smart and 2
pesticide chemistry GAA Group H 2.4
performance against socio- M S
economic, environmental and
health criteria for different
seeds and plants to meet 12 H 12.2
regional needs
2. Transform food Product & i - Increase implementation of Government and

packaging to process high performance packaging value chain 2 H 2.1
prevent food innovation to improve food safety, shelf
loss and waste life and nutrition while also
improving recyclability L M H 12.3
12
M 12.5
14 M 14.1
ii - Collaborate with multi- Government and 2 M 2.a

stakeholder platforms to value chain
ensure the right infrastructure
is in place to manage food 9 M 9.1
package waste (incl. reverse M M

logistics) H 12.3
12
M 12.5
14 M 14.1
3. Transform Product & i - Scale multi-stakeholder Financial services,

food additives partnership platforms to improve efforts governments, food
to combat innovation to combat micronutrient brands L – M M – L 2 H 2.2
malnutrition deficiencies while meeting
regional societal needs

Part Three
Water impact pathways
from impact
sector
4. Increase Product i - Increase use of innovative Water utilities, M 6.1

resilience for innovation piping solutions through local government, 6
water pipes collaboration with sustainable building code/ M 6.2
and systems cities initiatives focusing on standard M M
local needs related to access organizations H 9.1
to drinking water and reduced
water pollution 9
H 9.4
5. Improve Product i - Engage with water Downstream M 6.3

urban water innovation companies and other customers, water 6
treatment stakeholders to co-develop utilities, local M 6.a
capabilities treatment solutions that governments
through are more affordable and
focused accessible H 9.1
research and 9
innovation to H 9.5
accelerate H L
breakthrough H 11.1
technology
development
11
H 11.5
13 M 13.1
6. Accelerate Process i - Apply best practices for Water NGOs, M 6.4

water innovation circular water management government, peers 6
stewardship and watershed-level risk M 6.5
assessment, including water
valuation 9 M 9.1
H M
11 H 11.3
12 M 12.6
H 14.1
14
H 14.2
7. Work with Partnership i - Collaborate to develop Local governments, M 6.3

others in the innovation circular design solutions water agencies,
6
value chain to address root causes downstream
M 6.a
on aquatic of improper disposal and customers and M M
waste issues enhance understanding stakeholders
(including of waste infrastructure H 14.1
ocean plastic) requirements to manage 14
plastic H 14.2

Part Three
People and health impact pathways
from impact
sector
8. Transform Product i - Identify regional societal Sector peers, local

portfolios to innovation health and safety needs and governments, NGOs,
have more gaps to 1) scale deployment financial, value chain 3 H 3.9
products of current chemical sector (consumer product
with positive products that enable positive manufacturers), M M
impacts on impact and 2) scale R&D and start-ups H 12.4
health and innovation on issues where
people there are lack of affordable 12
solutions M 12.a
ii - Encourage use of WBCSD members,

sustainable portfolio industry
3 H 3.9
management techniques (in associations,
line with those published by reporting
H S – M
WBCSD) to assess impact and frameworks, value
communicate best practise chain, NGOs H 12.4
12
M 12.a
9. R
educe impact Process i - Operationalize the United Sector peers and
of operations innovation Nations Guiding Principles on value chain, human
to people Business and Human Rights rights community, 3 H 3.9
(UNGPs) throughout the governments,
chemical sector and its value WBCSD
chain. Establish a forum for M L
engagement and collaboration
M 8.7
around advancing human
rights due diligence in the 8
context of the sector
M 8.8
10. International Partnership i - Leverage resources devoted Industry

chemical innovation to ICCA engagement to associations
industry develop thought leadership 3 H 3.9
scientific and and industry/regional
technological mentors that will accelerate
capacity the international roll out of M S
building Responsible Care based on
regional needs and where 8 H 8.4
the most SDG impact can be

achieved M 12.4
12
M 12.a
ii - Enhance support of Industry 3 H 3.9

UN’s Strategic Approach associations
to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM) plans M S 8 H 8.4
for sound management of

chemicals and waste beyond M 12.4
2020 12
M 12.a

Part Three
Energy impact pathways
from impact
sector
11. Accelerate Product i - Collaborate with customers Customers, peers,

energy innovation - with a particular focus local governments 7 M 7.3
efficiency in on transport, construction
downstream and packaging sectors - to
H M
sectors increase deployment of
technologies and products 12 M 12.2
with the most potential to scale
downstream energy savings 13 L 13.1
12. Enable Product i - Accelerate the deployment Government,

H 7.2
production innovation of innovative materials to research institutes,
and storage improve the efficiency of solar, green building 7
of renewable wind and other sources of associations L M M 7.3
energy/ renewable power and energy and product
renewable storage manufacturers
energy
infrastructure 13 L 13.1
13. Continue Process i - Scale efforts to improve Peers M 7.3

to improve innovation energy efficiency of
energy technologies, processes and 7
M 7.a
efficiency products over their life cycles so
in own as to avoid harm to people and
processes the environment through more H 12.4
open reporting on performance,
L M 12
achievements and shortcomings; M 12.6
more engagement with peers,
governments and organizations
to tackle barriers; and by
providing greater knowledge 13 M 13.1
transfer of best practices along
the value chain
14. Breakthrough Process i - Demonstrate nascent Chemical sector

technologies innovation technologies by leveraging peers, start-ups, M 7.3
for alternative public-private partnerships energy sector,
production and other models to tackle government
7
processes CAPEX barriers with a focus on M 7.a
areas including: CCU & CCS, H M
electrification of processes
that can benefit from the power
sector energy transition, low-
carbon hydrogen production and
13 H 13.1
geothermal power
15. Increase Process i - Increase proportion of Government, peers,

proportion innovation renewable energy or innovative start-ups
of renewable energy technologies used 7 H 7.2
energy or in chemical processes and
innovative supply chains by removal H S
energy of barriers (price, physical
technologies stability, regulatory framework,
used in availability, capacity, public 13 M 13.1
production acceptance, etc.).

Part Three
Infrastructure and cities impact pathways
from impact
sector
16. S
cale and Partnership i - Scale involvement in and Various industry,
evolve innovation development of public-private local government,
involvement partnerships to pioneer viable NGOs, finance 3 M 3.9
in multi- chemical sector products organizations, local
stakeholder and business models that are communities
collaboration inclusive and serve the needs M 11.6
to make of the urban poor H M
cities more
sustainable
and inclusive, 11
improving M 11.c
lives of the
urban poor
17. Demonstrate Partnership i - Define conditions for Government,

benefits of & Process favourable cross-sector industry 9 L 9.4
industrial innovation industrial symbiosis to support associations

symbiosis the development of relevant M 11.3
legislation and institutional
settings that will support 11
L 11.6
proliferation of industrial hubs M M
M 12.2
12
L 12.4
13 M 13.1
18. Strengthen Process i - Assess production assets Chemical sector,

production innovation and value chain climate value chain partners, 9 M 9.4
assets to change-related resilience risk WBCSD working
promote and share best practices groups on water and
M M
resiliency climate & energy 11 L 11.6
13 M 13.1

Part Three
The road to 2030
This Roadmap underlines The articulation of the key impact This Roadmap is intended to serve
the unique and important opportunities and actions highlighted in as an invitation to industry peers as
this report is just the first step on the road well as other public and private sector
role of the chemical sector to continued SDG engagement. Leading stakeholders to collaborate around
in the context of sustainable chemical sector representatives from efforts for SDG action moving forward.
development. It confirms within WBCSD’s membership will now Contributors to the Roadmap strongly
that the SDGs are a priority look to evolve this work from ambition to encourage interested parties to contact
for the chemical sector and implementation. This will include ongoing the group at [email protected]
efforts to: with ideas on how to align projects or
plots a series of tangible
strengthen partnerships to accelerate
pathways towards maximizing • Develop targeted working groups to
SDG impact.
the sector’s potential to advance the different action points
identified in the Roadmap, convening Updates on progress regarding the
contribute to them.
the most relevant expertise to deliver implementation of the Roadmap will
progress; be made available on a continuing basis
via a dedicated microsite:
• Leverage this Roadmap to reach out to
www.sdgroadmaps.wbcsd.org/chemicals
potential collaborators both from within
the chemical sector and beyond; and
• Establish appropriate mechanisms
and frameworks to regularly report on
progress against the Roadmap and to
keep stakeholders updated.

Part Three
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the following Coordination: About the World Business Council for
people for their valuable contribution to Sustainable Development (WBCSD):
WBCSD: James Gomme and Uta
the development of this Roadmap. WBCSD is a global, CEO-led organization
Jungermann
of over 200 leading businesses working
Contributors: ERM: Bryan Hartlin, Linden Edgell, together to accelerate the transition to
Jo Lloyd and Claire Stevens a sustainable world. We help make our
AkzoNobel: Mark Didden
For more information contact: member companies more successful and
The American Chemistry Council (ACC):
James Gomme, Director, sustainable by focusing on the maximum
Bryan Kuppe, Sean Stephan
Sustainable Development Goals at positive impact for shareholders, the
The European Chemical Industry Council [email protected]. environment and societies.
(Cefic): Ann Dierckx
Our member companies come from
Disclaimer:
Covestro: Lydia Simon all business sectors and all major
This publication is released in the economies, representing combined
The Dow Chemical Company:
name of the WBCSD. Like other revenue of more than $8.5 trillion and 19
Mark Weick, Jihane Ball
WBCSD publications, it is the result of million employees. Our Global Network
DSM: Jeff Turner, Simon Gobert a collaborative effort by members of of almost 70 national business councils
the secretariat and senior executives gives our members unparalleled reach
Evonik Industries AG: Stefan Haver, across the globe. WBCSD is uniquely
from member companies. A wide range
Volker Kerscher positioned to work with member
of members reviewed drafts, thereby
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings: Kiyoshi ensuring that the document broadly companies along and across value chains
Matsuda, Takashi Morishima represents the perspective of the to deliver impactful business solutions
WBCSD membership. It does not mean, to the most challenging sustainability
SABIC: Daniel Gambus, Gretchen Govoni issues.
however, that every member company
Solvay S.A.: Dominique Debecker agrees with every word.
Together, we are the leading voice of
Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited: business for sustainability: united by our
Yoshihisa Takasaki vision of a world where more than nine
billion people are all living well and within
the boundaries of our planet, by 2050.
www.wbcsd.org
Follow us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/wbcsd
and LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/
wbcsd/
Credits
Copyright © WBCSD July 2018

World Business Council
for Sustainable Development
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Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2B
CP 2075, 1211 Geneva 1
Switzerland
www.wbcsd.org

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Chemical Sector

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap3

The road-mapping process that WBCSD’s chemical

4 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

The SDGs are a priority for the chemical sector

The chemical sector is uniquely placed to drive

Contributing companies and associations

Co-chairs Project members

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap5

Purpose Method and approach Impact opportunities

Audience Priority SDGs for the sector

6 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

Food Water People and Energy Infrastructure

Human rights Low carbon economy Circularity Digitization

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap7

developing detailed “roadmaps” to guide towards realization of the SDGs; and

8 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap9

The chemical sector

Raw materials Basic Chemical Formulated products Customers of the chemical

• Olefins • Commodities • Plastics and Engineering • Automotive/

10 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

Facts and figures Highlights of innovative • The Together for Sustainability

• More than 20 million • Responsible Care® 4 was first launched

double those required

uploads/2015/09/2015-Responsible-Care-Status- greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

Resources/Social-Life-Cycle-Metrics-for-Chemical- chemicals are produced and used in

1985 2006 2011 2013 2015

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap11

The chemical sector and the SDGs

The chemical sector is a The chemical sector can contribute to

12 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

Chemical sector interactions with the SDGs

The chemical sector has a key role in

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap13

The chemical sector and the SDGs continued

Chemical sector interactions with the SDGs

The chemical sector is continuously improving

14 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

Chemical sector interactions with the SDGs

Not only do chemical products help improve

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap15

The chemical sector and the SDGs continued

Chemical sector interactions with the SDGs

Many chemical companies are taking

16 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

Chemical sector interactions with the SDGs

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap17

Key goals for the sector

18 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

Sector priority: Sector priority:

High Medium Low Low Medium High

Current level of negative impact Current level of positive impact

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap19

20 Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap

Areas for sector innovation

Products Processes Partnerships

Key themes and cross-cutting factors

Food Water People and Energy Infrastructure

Human rights Low carbon Circularity Digitization

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap3

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap5

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap7

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap9

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap11

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap13

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap15

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap17

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap19

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap21

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap23

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap25

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap27

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap29

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap31

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap33

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap35

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap37

2. Transform food Product & i - Increase implementation of Government and

3. Transform Product & i - Scale multi-stakeholder Financial services,

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap39

4. Increase Product i - Increase use of innovative Water utilities, M 6.1

5. Improve Product i - Engage with water Downstream M 6.3

6. Accelerate Process i - Apply best practices for Water NGOs, M 6.4

7. Work with Partnership i - Collaborate to develop Local governments, M 6.3

8. Transform Product i - Identify regional societal Sector peers, local

10. International Partnership i - Leverage resources devoted Industry

Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap41

11. Accelerate Product i - Collaborate with customers Customers, peers,

12. Enable Product i - Accelerate the deployment Government,

13. Continue Process i - Scale efforts to improve Peers M 7.3

14. Breakthrough Process i - Demonstrate nascent Chemical sector

15. Increase Process i - Increase proportion of Government, peers,