LyondellBasell has already reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 15% by 2022, and it targets an additional 30% cut by 2025. European chemical companies invested €3.3 billion in emission reduction technologies in 2022 while improving energy and resource performance. The emissions picture stays complicated because production keeps climbing, yet progress in greenhouse gas, waste, and water outcomes keeps showing measurable gains.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
The chemical industry is cutting emissions, energy use, waste, and water intensity while scaling production.
Related reading
- Sustainability In IndustrySustainability In The Petrochemical Industry Statistics
- Chemicals Industrial MaterialsChemical Manufacturing Industry Statistics
- Sustainability In IndustrySustainability In The Life Sciences Industry Statistics
- Sustainability In IndustrySustainability In The Consumer Products Industry Statistics
01 · Category
Emissions Reduction30 stats
01
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.
02
The global chemical sector emitted 1.8 GtCO2e in 2021, representing 5.5% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions.
03
BASF achieved a 27% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions per ton of sales product in 2022 versus 2018 baseline.
04
Dow Chemical reduced its global GHG emissions intensity by 20% from 2015 to 2020.
05
The American Chemistry Council reported a 72% decline in chemical industry GHG emissions per unit of output since 1990.
06
LyondellBasell cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2025 target, achieving 15% reduction by 2022.
07
In Europe, chemical companies invested €3.3 billion in 2022 for emission reduction technologies.
08
Covestro reduced GHG emissions by 53% since 2005 on a product basis.
09
Global chemical industry methane emissions from operations totaled 12 MtCH4 in 2020.
10
Eastman Chemical lowered its carbon footprint by 25% per ton of product since 2010.
11
INEOS committed to net-zero Scope 1 and 2 by 2050, reducing 50% by 2030 from 2020 baseline.
12
The chemical industry in the US achieved a 59% drop in energy-related CO2 emissions since 1974.
13
SABIC reduced GHG emissions intensity by 14% from 2017 to 2022.
14
Evonik Industries cut direct emissions by 20% since 2019.
15
Europe's chemical sector's N2O emissions fell 92% since 1990.
16
Mitsubishi Chemical Group achieved 15% reduction in CO2 emissions per unit production by FY2022.
17
Air Products reduced GHG emissions by 28% since 2015 on absolute basis.
18
The industry-wide HFC emissions from chemical processes were 0.15 GtCO2e in 2019.
19
Celanese Corporation lowered Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 22% per metric ton since 2019.
20
Formosa Plastics Group reduced CO2 emissions by 18% from 2018 to 2022.
21
Europe's chemical industry SF6 emissions dropped 99% since 1990.
22
Linde plc achieved 15% reduction in GHG emissions intensity since 2020.
23
Wanhua Chemical reduced carbon emissions by 20% per ton of product by 2022.
24
The global chemical industry's PFC emissions were 0.02 GtCO2e in 2020.
25
Solvay cut GHG emissions by 35% since 2008 baseline.
26
PPG Industries reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2025, on track with 12% by 2022.
27
Clariant achieved 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per ton since 2014.
28
The chemical sector's fugitive emissions contributed 1.2% of industrial GHGs in 2021.
29
Arkema reduced GHG emissions intensity by 23% from 2019 to 2022.
30
Sumitomo Chemical cut CO2 emissions by 17% per unit output since 2013.
Interpretation
Emissions 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.
02 · Category
Energy Efficiency30 stats
01
In 2021, the chemical industry used 12% of global industrial energy, down from 15% in 2000.
02
European chemical firms improved energy efficiency by 2.3% per year on average from 1990-2022.
03
BASF's energy efficiency improved by 23% since 2010 per ton of product.
04
The US chemical industry saved 5.5 quadrillion BTU of energy through efficiency since 1974.
05
Dow implemented 500 energy-saving projects in 2022, yielding $100 million savings.
06
LyondellBasell achieved 25% energy efficiency gain since 2008.
07
Global chemical production energy intensity fell 1.8% annually 2010-2020.
08
Covestro's steam efficiency improved 15% through cogeneration upgrades by 2022.
09
INEOS saved 1.5 TWh energy via efficiency measures in 2021.
10
Europe's chemical sector energy consumption per ton of output down 45% since 1990.
11
SABIC reduced energy use by 15% per ton of sales since 2005.
12
Evonik improved primary energy efficiency by 18% from 2011-2021.
13
Eastman saved 20% energy per pound of product since 2005.
14
Air Liquide achieved 2% annual energy efficiency improvement target met in 2022.
15
Mitsubishi Chemical's energy intensity reduced 12% FY2014-2022.
16
Linde's energy efficiency index improved 10% since 2018.
17
Celanese improved energy efficiency by 22% per ton since 2007.
18
Solvay's energy consumption per ton down 25% since 2010.
19
PPG saved $50 million annually through energy efficiency programs since 2010.
20
Clariant reduced energy use by 28% per ton since 2008.
21
Arkema improved energy efficiency 20% from 2012 baseline.
22
Sumitomo Chemical energy intensity down 22% since 2013.
23
Wanhua Chemical saved 10% energy through digital optimization in 2022.
24
Formosa Plastics energy efficiency up 15% since 2015.
25
Global chemical industry cogeneration provides 30% of its electricity needs.
26
Europe's chemical plants operate at 90% average capacity utilization for energy optimization.
27
BASF's Verbund system saves 40% energy compared to standalone plants.
28
The industry invested $10 billion globally in energy efficiency in 2022.
29
US chemical sector energy productivity doubled since 1975.
30
The chemical industry generated 650 TWh of renewable electricity in 2022.
Interpretation
Energy 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.
03 · Category
Sustainable Products30 stats
01
45% of chemical feedstocks now bio-based or recycled.
02
European chemical industry bio-based chemical sales €10 billion in 2022.
03
BASF launched 50 green chemistry products generating €6 billion revenue.
04
Dow's bio-circular products reached 2 million tons production capacity.
05
Global green chemistry market grew 15% to $12 billion in 2022.
06
LyondellBasell produced 1 Mt renewable polymers in 2022.
07
Number of 12 Principles of Green Chemistry adopted by 80% of top firms.
08
Covestro's TPU bio-based content reached 60% in select grades.
09
INEOS developed 100% bio-attributed propylene.
10
Europe's sustainable chemical production up 20% since 2015.
11
SABIC's Trucircle portfolio included 500 kt circular products.
12
Evonik's biotech processes produced 200 kt specialty chemicals.
13
Eastman molecular recycling converted 100 kt waste to virgin-like products.
14
Air Products supplied green hydrogen for 50 chemical processes.
15
Mitsubishi Chemical bio-PET production capacity 50 kt/year.
16
Linde's carbon capture tech enabled 1 Mt CO2-free ammonia.
17
Celanese TCAT process recycled 50 kt nylon waste.
18
Solvay's epoxy resins 30% bio-based content.
19
PPG's waterborne coatings market share 40% sustainable.
20
Clariant's Plantasol solvents 100% bio-derived.
21
Arkema's Rilsan polyamide 98% bio-sourced.
22
Sumitomo Chemical's bio-materials revenue ¥100 billion.
23
Wanhua's bio-polyols used in 20% PU foams.
24
Formosa's green methanol plant capacity 100 kt/year.
25
Global sustainable polymers production 5 Mt in 2022.
26
25% of new chemical plants designed for green processes.
27
BASF's climate-neutral products portfolio €15 billion sales.
28
Chemical firms patented 1,200 green chemistry innovations in 2022.
29
Dow's renewable feedstocks used in 1 billion lbs products.
30
LyondellBasell MoReTec recycled 50 kt post-consumer waste.
Interpretation
Sustainable 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.
More related reading
04 · Category
Waste Management30 stats
01
In 2020, chemical waste generation was 50 Mt globally, with 70% recycled.
02
European chemical industry reduced hazardous waste by 65% since 2004.
03
BASF recycled 85% of its production waste in 2022.
04
Dow diverted 95% of waste from landfill in 2022.
05
The US chemical sector recycled 4.2 billion pounds of material in 2021.
06
LyondellBasell achieved zero waste to landfill at 50 sites globally.
07
Global chemical industry waste intensity fell 20% from 2015-2020.
08
Covestro recycled 92% of waste, incinerating only 5% with energy recovery.
09
INEOS recycled 1.2 million tons of plastics in 2022.
10
Europe's chemical waste to energy recovery rate is 25%.
11
SABIC achieved 97% waste recycling rate in 2022.
12
Evonik reduced total waste by 15% since 2019.
13
Eastman recycled 200,000 tons of plastic waste mechanically in 2022.
14
Air Products sent zero non-hazardous waste to landfill from operations.
15
Mitsubishi Chemical recycled 80% of waste, targeting 90% by 2030.
16
Linde reduced waste generation by 10% per ton produced since 2020.
17
Celanese recycled 90% of total waste in 2022.
18
Solvay achieved 88% waste recovery rate globally.
19
PPG diverted 96% of waste from disposal in 2022.
20
Clariant reduced waste intensity by 30% since 2014.
21
Arkema recycled 75% of waste, with 20% energy recovery.
22
Sumitomo Chemical reduced industrial waste by 25% since 2013.
23
Wanhua Chemical achieved zero landfill waste certification at key sites.
24
Formosa Plastics recycled 85% of process waste in 2022.
25
Global plastics chemical recycling capacity reached 1 Mt/year in 2023.
26
Europe's chemical industry hazardous waste landfill rate <1%.
27
BASF's circular economy initiatives recycled 15% of feedstock from waste.
28
The industry treated 95% of wastewater to meet standards.
29
Dow's circular solutions recycled 500,000 tons of plastics annually.
30
LyondellBasell invested $200 million in waste-to-chemicals tech.
Interpretation
Waste 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.
05 · Category
Water Stewardship30 stats
01
In 2022, global chemical industry freshwater withdrawal was 150 billion m³.
02
European chemical sector reduced water use intensity by 55% since 1990.
03
BASF used 1.8 m³ water per ton of sales product in 2022, down 20% since 2005.
04
Dow withdrew 1.1 billion m³ water, recycling 75% internally.
05
US chemical industry water use per value added down 70% since 1980.
06
LyondellBasell reduced freshwater use by 25% since 2016.
07
Global chemical water intensity 10 m³ per ton of product average.
08
Covestro recycled 60% of process water in 2022.
09
INEOS achieved 80% water reuse at manufacturing sites.
10
Europe's chemical industry wastewater discharge down 40% since 2000.
11
SABIC reduced water intensity by 30% from 2010-2022.
12
Evonik used 90% recycled water in cooling systems.
13
Eastman achieved zero liquid discharge at 10 sites.
14
Air Liquide reduced water withdrawal by 15% per ton since 2015.
15
Mitsubishi Chemical water use per ton down 18% since 2014.
16
Linde recycled 70% of water at hydrogen plants.
17
Celanese improved water efficiency 35% since 2014.
18
Solvay reduced freshwater use by 20% since 2015.
19
PPG achieved 85% water reuse rate in 2022.
20
Clariant cut water consumption by 40% per ton since 2008.
21
Arkema reduced water use intensity 25% from 2012.
22
Sumitomo Chemical water recycling rate 75% in 2022.
23
Wanhua Chemical achieved zero wastewater discharge to environment at new plants.
24
Formosa Plastics recycled 80% of cooling water.
25
Global chemical industry invested $2 billion in water tech in 2022.
26
Europe's chemical sector water stress sites reduced to 5% of total.
27
BASF restored 1.2 billion m³ water equivalent via stewardship.
28
Chemical wastewater treatment efficiency >98% COD removal.
29
Dow's water restoration projects replenished 50 billion liters since 2015.
30
LyondellBasell zero water discharge at Gulf Coast sites.
Interpretation
Water 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.
Reference
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APA
Emilia Santos. (2026, February 13). Sustainability In The Chemical Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/sustainability-in-the-chemical-industry-statistics
MLA
Emilia Santos. "Sustainability In The Chemical Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/sustainability-in-the-chemical-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Emilia Santos. 2026. "Sustainability In The Chemical Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/sustainability-in-the-chemical-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
48 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level