From factories cutting carbon at record rates while dramatically increasing output to companies reimagining waste as a resource, the chemical industry is undergoing a radical green transformation, proving that essential products can be produced with far less impact on our planet.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, the European chemical industry reduced its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 4% compared to 2021, achieving a 62% reduction since 1990 despite a 91% increase in production.
- The global chemical sector emitted 1.8 GtCO2e in 2021, representing 5.5% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions.
- BASF achieved a 27% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per ton of sales product in 2022 versus 2018 baseline.
- In 2021, the chemical industry used 12% of global industrial energy, down from 15% in 2000.
- European chemical firms improved energy efficiency by 2.3% per year on average from 1990-2022.
- BASF's energy efficiency improved by 23% since 2010 per ton of product.
- In 2020, chemical waste generation was 50 Mt globally, with 70% recycled.
- European chemical industry reduced hazardous waste by 65% since 2004.
- BASF recycled 85% of its production waste in 2022.
- In 2022, global chemical industry freshwater withdrawal was 150 billion m³.
- European chemical sector reduced water use intensity by 55% since 1990.
- BASF used 1.8 m³ water per ton of sales product in 2022, down 20% since 2005.
- 45% of chemical feedstocks now bio-based or recycled.
- European chemical industry bio-based chemical sales €10 billion in 2022.
- BASF launched 50 green chemistry products generating €6 billion revenue.
The chemical industry is significantly reducing its emissions and improving its resource efficiency worldwide.
Emissions Reduction
1In 2022, the European chemical industry reduced its direct greenhouse gas emissions by 4% compared to 2021, achieving a 62% reduction since 1990 despite a 91% increase in production.
Verified2The global chemical sector emitted 1.8 GtCO2e in 2021, representing 5.5% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions.
Verified3BASF achieved a 27% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per ton of sales product in 2022 versus 2018 baseline.
Verified4Dow Chemical reduced its global GHG emissions intensity by 20% from 2015 to 2020.
Directional5The American Chemistry Council reported a 72% decline in chemical industry GHG emissions per unit of output since 1990.
Single source6LyondellBasell cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2025 target, achieving 15% reduction by 2022.
Verified7In Europe, chemical companies invested €3.3 billion in 2022 for emission reduction technologies.
Verified8Covestro reduced GHG emissions by 53% since 2005 on a product basis.
Verified9Global chemical industry methane emissions from operations totaled 12 MtCH4 in 2020.
Directional10Eastman Chemical lowered its carbon footprint by 25% per ton of product since 2010.
Single source11INEOS committed to net-zero Scope 1 and 2 by 2050, reducing 50% by 2030 from 2020 baseline.
Verified12The chemical industry in the US achieved a 59% drop in energy-related CO2 emissions since 1974.
Verified13SABIC reduced GHG emissions intensity by 14% from 2017 to 2022.
Verified14Evonik Industries cut direct emissions by 20% since 2019.
Directional15Europe's chemical sector's N2O emissions fell 92% since 1990.
Single source16Mitsubishi Chemical Group achieved 15% reduction in CO2 emissions per unit production by FY2022.
Verified17Air Products reduced GHG emissions by 28% since 2015 on absolute basis.
Verified18The industry-wide HFC emissions from chemical processes were 0.15 GtCO2e in 2019.
Verified19Celanese Corporation lowered Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 22% per metric ton since 2019.
Directional20Formosa Plastics Group reduced CO2 emissions by 18% from 2018 to 2022.
Single source21Europe's chemical industry SF6 emissions dropped 99% since 1990.
Verified22Linde plc achieved 15% reduction in GHG emissions intensity since 2020.
Verified23Wanhua Chemical reduced carbon emissions by 20% per ton of product by 2022.
Verified24The global chemical industry's PFC emissions were 0.02 GtCO2e in 2020.
Directional25Solvay cut GHG emissions by 35% since 2008 baseline.
Single source26PPG Industries reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2025, on track with 12% by 2022.
Verified27Clariant achieved 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per ton since 2014.
Verified28The chemical sector's fugitive emissions contributed 1.2% of industrial GHGs in 2021.
Verified29Arkema reduced GHG emissions intensity by 23% from 2019 to 2022.
Directional30Sumitomo Chemical cut CO2 emissions by 17% per unit output since 2013.
Single sourceEmissions Reduction Interpretation
While the global chemical sector remains a substantial slice of the emissions pie, a growing fleet of its corporate tankers are steadily patching their leaks, lightening their cargo per voyage, and even charting a course for net-zero, proving that heavy industry doesn't have to mean a heavy conscience.
Energy Efficiency
1In 2021, the chemical industry used 12% of global industrial energy, down from 15% in 2000.
Verified2European chemical firms improved energy efficiency by 2.3% per year on average from 1990-2022.
Verified3BASF's energy efficiency improved by 23% since 2010 per ton of product.
Verified4The US chemical industry saved 5.5 quadrillion BTU of energy through efficiency since 1974.
Directional5Dow implemented 500 energy-saving projects in 2022, yielding $100 million savings.
Single source6LyondellBasell achieved 25% energy efficiency gain since 2008.
Verified7Global chemical production energy intensity fell 1.8% annually 2010-2020.
Verified8Covestro's steam efficiency improved 15% through cogeneration upgrades by 2022.
Verified9INEOS saved 1.5 TWh energy via efficiency measures in 2021.
Directional10Europe's chemical sector energy consumption per ton of output down 45% since 1990.
Single source11SABIC reduced energy use by 15% per ton of sales since 2005.
Verified12Evonik improved primary energy efficiency by 18% from 2011-2021.
Verified13Eastman saved 20% energy per pound of product since 2005.
Verified14Air Liquide achieved 2% annual energy efficiency improvement target met in 2022.
Directional15Mitsubishi Chemical's energy intensity reduced 12% FY2014-2022.
Single source16Linde's energy efficiency index improved 10% since 2018.
Verified17Celanese improved energy efficiency by 22% per ton since 2007.
Verified18Solvay's energy consumption per ton down 25% since 2010.
Verified19PPG saved $50 million annually through energy efficiency programs since 2010.
Directional20Clariant reduced energy use by 28% per ton since 2008.
Single source21Arkema improved energy efficiency 20% from 2012 baseline.
Verified22Sumitomo Chemical energy intensity down 22% since 2013.
Verified23Wanhua Chemical saved 10% energy through digital optimization in 2022.
Verified24Formosa Plastics energy efficiency up 15% since 2015.
Directional25Global chemical industry cogeneration provides 30% of its electricity needs.
Single source26Europe's chemical plants operate at 90% average capacity utilization for energy optimization.
Verified27BASF's Verbund system saves 40% energy compared to standalone plants.
Verified28The industry invested $10 billion globally in energy efficiency in 2022.
Verified29US chemical sector energy productivity doubled since 1975.
Directional30The chemical industry generated 650 TWh of renewable electricity in 2022.
Single source31Dow's renewable energy procurement reached 1.2 million MWh in 2022.
Verified32LyondellBasell sourced 20% of energy from renewables by 2022.
VerifiedEnergy Efficiency Interpretation
The chemical industry, often painted as a fossil-fuel-guzzling behemoth, has been quietly and stubbornly dieting for decades, swapping its energy appetite for the leaner, more profitable physique of relentless efficiency and a growing taste for renewables.
Sustainable Products
145% of chemical feedstocks now bio-based or recycled.
Verified2European chemical industry bio-based chemical sales €10 billion in 2022.
Verified3BASF launched 50 green chemistry products generating €6 billion revenue.
Verified4Dow's bio-circular products reached 2 million tons production capacity.
Directional5Global green chemistry market grew 15% to $12 billion in 2022.
Single source6LyondellBasell produced 1 Mt renewable polymers in 2022.
Verified7Number of 12 Principles of Green Chemistry adopted by 80% of top firms.
Verified8Covestro's TPU bio-based content reached 60% in select grades.
Verified9INEOS developed 100% bio-attributed propylene.
Directional10Europe's sustainable chemical production up 20% since 2015.
Single source11SABIC's Trucircle portfolio included 500 kt circular products.
Verified12Evonik's biotech processes produced 200 kt specialty chemicals.
Verified13Eastman molecular recycling converted 100 kt waste to virgin-like products.
Verified14Air Products supplied green hydrogen for 50 chemical processes.
Directional15Mitsubishi Chemical bio-PET production capacity 50 kt/year.
Single source16Linde's carbon capture tech enabled 1 Mt CO2-free ammonia.
Verified17Celanese TCAT process recycled 50 kt nylon waste.
Verified18Solvay's epoxy resins 30% bio-based content.
Verified19PPG's waterborne coatings market share 40% sustainable.
Directional20Clariant's Plantasol solvents 100% bio-derived.
Single source21Arkema's Rilsan polyamide 98% bio-sourced.
Verified22Sumitomo Chemical's bio-materials revenue ¥100 billion.
Verified23Wanhua's bio-polyols used in 20% PU foams.
Verified24Formosa's green methanol plant capacity 100 kt/year.
Directional25Global sustainable polymers production 5 Mt in 2022.
Single source2625% of new chemical plants designed for green processes.
Verified27BASF's climate-neutral products portfolio €15 billion sales.
Verified28Chemical firms patented 1,200 green chemistry innovations in 2022.
Verified29Dow's renewable feedstocks used in 1 billion lbs products.
Directional30LyondellBasell MoReTec recycled 50 kt post-consumer waste.
Single sourceSustainable Products Interpretation
The chemical industry is finally getting the message that the green in 'green chemistry' should stand for profit as well as the planet, with nearly half its feedstocks now sustainably sourced and innovation sprinting from lab benches to billion-dollar bottom lines.
Waste Management
1In 2020, chemical waste generation was 50 Mt globally, with 70% recycled.
Verified2European chemical industry reduced hazardous waste by 65% since 2004.
Verified3BASF recycled 85% of its production waste in 2022.
Verified4Dow diverted 95% of waste from landfill in 2022.
Directional5The US chemical sector recycled 4.2 billion pounds of material in 2021.
Single source6LyondellBasell achieved zero waste to landfill at 50 sites globally.
Verified7Global chemical industry waste intensity fell 20% from 2015-2020.
Verified8Covestro recycled 92% of waste, incinerating only 5% with energy recovery.
Verified9INEOS recycled 1.2 million tons of plastics in 2022.
Directional10Europe's chemical waste to energy recovery rate is 25%.
Single source11SABIC achieved 97% waste recycling rate in 2022.
Verified12Evonik reduced total waste by 15% since 2019.
Verified13Eastman recycled 200,000 tons of plastic waste mechanically in 2022.
Verified14Air Products sent zero non-hazardous waste to landfill from operations.
Directional15Mitsubishi Chemical recycled 80% of waste, targeting 90% by 2030.
Single source16Linde reduced waste generation by 10% per ton produced since 2020.
Verified17Celanese recycled 90% of total waste in 2022.
Verified18Solvay achieved 88% waste recovery rate globally.
Verified19PPG diverted 96% of waste from disposal in 2022.
Directional20Clariant reduced waste intensity by 30% since 2014.
Single source21Arkema recycled 75% of waste, with 20% energy recovery.
Verified22Sumitomo Chemical reduced industrial waste by 25% since 2013.
Verified23Wanhua Chemical achieved zero landfill waste certification at key sites.
Verified24Formosa Plastics recycled 85% of process waste in 2022.
Directional25Global plastics chemical recycling capacity reached 1 Mt/year in 2023.
Single source26Europe's chemical industry hazardous waste landfill rate <1%.
Verified27BASF's circular economy initiatives recycled 15% of feedstock from waste.
Verified28The industry treated 95% of wastewater to meet standards.
Verified29Dow's circular solutions recycled 500,000 tons of plastics annually.
Directional30LyondellBasell invested $200 million in waste-to-chemicals tech.
Single source31Chemical industry global waste recycling rate improved to 75% by 2022.
VerifiedWaste Management Interpretation
While the industry is still wrestling with a monstrous volume of waste, the collective sprint toward circularity—marked by drastically slashed hazardous waste, a plague of zero-landfill certifications, and billions of pounds diverted from the trash heap—proves that turning chemistry green is less alchemy now and more just good, stubborn engineering.
Water Stewardship
1In 2022, global chemical industry freshwater withdrawal was 150 billion m³.
Verified2European chemical sector reduced water use intensity by 55% since 1990.
Verified3BASF used 1.8 m³ water per ton of sales product in 2022, down 20% since 2005.
Verified4Dow withdrew 1.1 billion m³ water, recycling 75% internally.
Directional5US chemical industry water use per value added down 70% since 1980.
Single source6LyondellBasell reduced freshwater use by 25% since 2016.
Verified7Global chemical water intensity 10 m³ per ton of product average.
Verified8Covestro recycled 60% of process water in 2022.
Verified9INEOS achieved 80% water reuse at manufacturing sites.
Directional10Europe's chemical industry wastewater discharge down 40% since 2000.
Single source11SABIC reduced water intensity by 30% from 2010-2022.
Verified12Evonik used 90% recycled water in cooling systems.
Verified13Eastman achieved zero liquid discharge at 10 sites.
Verified14Air Liquide reduced water withdrawal by 15% per ton since 2015.
Directional15Mitsubishi Chemical water use per ton down 18% since 2014.
Single source16Linde recycled 70% of water at hydrogen plants.
Verified17Celanese improved water efficiency 35% since 2014.
Verified18Solvay reduced freshwater use by 20% since 2015.
Verified19PPG achieved 85% water reuse rate in 2022.
Directional20Clariant cut water consumption by 40% per ton since 2008.
Single source21Arkema reduced water use intensity 25% from 2012.
Verified22Sumitomo Chemical water recycling rate 75% in 2022.
Verified23Wanhua Chemical achieved zero wastewater discharge to environment at new plants.
Verified24Formosa Plastics recycled 80% of cooling water.
Directional25Global chemical industry invested $2 billion in water tech in 2022.
Single source26Europe's chemical sector water stress sites reduced to 5% of total.
Verified27BASF restored 1.2 billion m³ water equivalent via stewardship.
Verified28Chemical wastewater treatment efficiency >98% COD removal.
Verified29Dow's water restoration projects replenished 50 billion liters since 2015.
Directional30LyondellBasell zero water discharge at Gulf Coast sites.
Single sourceWater Stewardship Interpretation
The chemical industry is clearly trying to wash away its thirsty reputation, as these global statistics prove that when it comes to water, the sector is finally learning to take a bath without draining the tub.
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