The European chemical industry as “the industry of industries” is a key player in enabling sustainable development in an environmental, economic and societal context. Cefic supports the role of the chemical industry as solution provider for a society in transition.

In March 2012 Cefic developed a Sustainable Development Vision. This vision illustrates how the European chemical industry can ensure that by 2050 over 9 billion people live well, within the planetary boundaries. It builds on the Responsible Care® programme – the industry’s ethical commitment to improving safe production, handling and use of chemicals across the supply chains – by addressing health challenges, economic prosperity and societal progress.

In 2016 Cefic adopted its Sustainability Charter. The Charter puts the vision of the chemical industry into operation, defining the pathway to sustainability. It provides a framework for action and dialogue on current and future challenges and includes a roadmap which contributes to the UN2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

With this ambition in mind, Cefic and its members focus action and foster innovation in four key areas that are critical for progressing in sustainable development:

• Enable a low carbon economy
• Drive resource efficiency across global value chains
• Promote the adoption of circular economy principles
• Care for people and planet

Discover how the chemical industry is implementing these actions

Cefic’s Sustainability Progress Report update captures initiatives taken by Cefic and its members as part of the chemical industry’s overall commitment to sustainable development. Listed below are some of the examples driven by Cefic. Examples initiated by the industry are picked up on our ChemistyCan website.