Summary
Carbon is an essential element of most products needed by society, and carbon is part of the structure of most chemicals. Recycling carbon from CO2 (and CO from ‘industrial waste gases’) is one of the options that can be considered by the chemical industry to reduce the environmental footprint of chemicals and polymers, develop the use of alternative carbon feedstock and improve carbon circularity.
For the chemical valorisation of CO2 to effectively support the development of a more circular and climate neutral economy, with industrial leadership of Europe in related technologies, Cefic calls for:
- A clear terminology with regard to the types of utilisation of CO2.
- Guidelines enabling a common understanding of how to evaluate the environmental impacts of CO2 valorisation technologies for various applications.
- An appropriate European policy framework – including ETS – that supports the utilisation of CO2 as carbon feedstock with environmental benefits.
- Risk-sharing measures to facilitate investment in Europe in related technologies.
- Support to Research and Innovation at EU and national level to develop the next generation of CO2 valorisation technologies.