Tracking chemicals along the value chain to ensure recyclability

Today, the global chemical industry spends an estimated €9.5 billion per year on information about the 150,000 chemical substances marketed worldwide. Why? There is a need for more data and transparency in the value chains to understand whether substances of concern are present in products. Recyclers need to have reliable information about the chemical composition of the products they’re processing.

ChemChain, launched in 2020, is a blockchain platform which transfers information on chemicals in products along the value chain, from chemical manufacturers to consumers, waste operators and recyclers. Solvay, Dow and P&G have been working on a pilot with ChemChain to check the block chain technology, learn how its working and get stakeholder involvement. Solvay is participating in the pilot with yarn solutions that are combined with other raw materials for the textile producers. Dow is participating with polyurethane foam for mattresses.

With ChemChain, production companies – in this case textile and mattress producers – will know the exact origin of their materials; consumers will know what their purchase is made of and if it is recycled or biodegradable; recycling companies will know the precise nature of what they have to recover; and the materials will return to the chemical handling companies, who will be able to prove their origin.

In short, ChemChain can ensure transparency in a circular product without compromising confidentiality.

Associated SDG Targets