Cefic appreciates the opportunity to provide feedback on the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) Sectoral Guidance for target-setting in the chemical industry. Cefic strongly supports the ambition to become climate-neutral by 2050, but has reservations about the current version of the Guidance. Cefic believes that without significant industry participation, particularly from larger Base Chemicals producers, the Guidance will not effectively support the industry’s progress towards climate-neutrality. The current version is seen as overly prescriptive and not compatible with the complexity of the chemical sector, potentially leading to investments in non-cost-effective solutions and hindering overall emission reductions.
Cefic recommendations:
- Clarity in Sector-Specific Approach: Cefic emphasises the need for a sector-specific approach for “Other chemicals” to accurately reflect their abatement potential and avoid oversimplification.
- Flexibility in Target Setting: Cefic advocates for a cradle-to-gate approach for reduction pathways for base chemicals to ensure comparability and flexibility across the industry.
- Integration of Circular Content: Cefic supports the use of a circular content cut-off method as an alternative to a sub-target for 3.12 emissions to incentivise the use of non-fossil based feedstocks and recycling.
- Consideration of Power-Related Emissions: Cefic recommends nuanced treatment of power-related emissions within cradle-to-gate pathways to account for the complexity of decarbonising self-generated power.
- Recognition of Biogenic Emissions: Cefic calls for the recognition of both biogenic emissions and removals in target setting methodologies to align with existing standards and guidance.