GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sustainability In The Chemicals Industry Statistics

Despite major emissions reductions, the chemicals industry remains a significant global polluter.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The global chemicals industry accounted for 5.7% of total global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, with Scope 1 and 2 emissions totaling around 1.5 GtCO2e.

Statistic 2

Between 2008 and 2019, the U.S. chemical sector reduced direct GHG emissions by 33% while increasing production by 26%.

Statistic 3

European chemical companies achieved a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions per ton of product from 1990 to 2020.

Statistic 4

BASF reported a 23% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) in 2022 compared to the 2018 baseline.

Statistic 5

The chemical industry in China emitted 1.2 GtCO2e in 2021, representing 12% of national industrial emissions.

Statistic 6

Dow Chemical reduced its net GHG emissions by 20% from 2020 to 2022 through efficiency projects.

Statistic 7

Globally, chemical production grew by 50% from 2010-2020, but emissions intensity fell by 10%.

Statistic 8

LyondellBasell cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 28% per ton of production since 2018.

Statistic 9

In 2021, the EU chemical industry emitted 120 million tons of CO2, down 25% from 2008 on a value-added basis.

Statistic 10

Saudi Aramco's chemical arm reduced flaring emissions by 40% in 2022 via advanced monitoring.

Statistic 11

Global chemical sector's methane emissions from operations were estimated at 25 Mt in 2020.

Statistic 12

INEOS achieved a 15% GHG reduction per tonne of product from 2015-2022.

Statistic 13

The industry's N2O emissions have dropped 70% globally since 1990 due to catalytic technologies.

Statistic 14

Covestro reduced CO2 emissions by 50% in polyurethane production via bio-based alternatives by 2023.

Statistic 15

U.S. chemical manufacturers cut energy-related CO2 emissions 45% since 1991 despite 30% output growth.

Statistic 16

Total Scope 3 emissions for the chemical industry reached 4 GtCO2e in 2019, mainly from product use.

Statistic 17

Evonik Industries lowered GHG emissions by 22% against 2017 baseline in 2022.

Statistic 18

Japan's chemical sector reduced per capita CO2 emissions by 35% from 2005-2020.

Statistic 19

Air Liquide's chemical operations saw a 17% emissions cut via hydrogen blending in 2022.

Statistic 20

The global fluorochemical industry's HFC emissions were phased down by 85% under Kigali Amendment by 2022.

Statistic 21

Eastman Chemical reduced GHG emissions 25% per ton since 2005 through process optimizations.

Statistic 22

Europe's chemical industry targets net-zero emissions by 2050, with 20% reduction pledged by 2030.

Statistic 23

Sinopec cut chemical plant emissions intensity by 18% from 2015-2021.

Statistic 24

DuPont achieved 40% reduction in GHG emissions per pound of product since 1990.

Statistic 25

Global chemical VOC emissions fell 60% in developed countries from 1990-2020.

Statistic 26

SABIC reduced carbon footprint by 15% in 2022 via CCUS projects.

Statistic 27

AkzoNobel lowered Scope 1&2 emissions 31% per ton of paint sold since 2012.

Statistic 28

Formosa Plastics cut emissions 20% through electrification in 2023.

Statistic 29

The industry's black carbon emissions from chemical processes contribute 0.5% to global totals.

Statistic 30

Mitsubishi Chemical Group reduced GHG by 12% YoY in 2022.

Statistic 31

The global chemical industry consumed 12% of world primary energy in 2021, with 40% from renewables in leading firms.

Statistic 32

U.S. chemical manufacturing energy intensity dropped 45% from 1974-2020.

Statistic 33

European chemical producers sourced 25% of energy from renewables in 2022.

Statistic 34

BASF's energy efficiency improved by 2.3% in 2022, saving 150,000 tons of CO2 equivalent.

Statistic 35

Dow aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2030, achieving 40% in 2022 operations.

Statistic 36

Global chemical sector energy use totaled 28 EJ in 2020, projected to rise 30% by 2050 without action.

Statistic 37

LyondellBasell reduced energy use per ton by 15% since 2018 via cogeneration.

Statistic 38

China's chemical industry energy consumption was 4.5% of national total in 2021.

Statistic 39

INEOS generated 70% of its energy needs from self-produced power in 2022.

Statistic 40

Chemical plants worldwide adopted 1.2 GW of solar capacity by 2023.

Statistic 41

Evonik improved energy productivity by 25% from 2003-2022.

Statistic 42

EU chemical sector saved €5 billion in energy costs through efficiency since 2008.

Statistic 43

Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) sourced 30% electricity from renewables in 2022.

Statistic 44

Covestro's energy from renewables reached 60% in key sites by 2023.

Statistic 45

U.S. DOE reports chemical industry saved 2.5 quadrillion BTUs via efficiency programs 2010-2020.

Statistic 46

AkzoNobel cut energy intensity 20% per liter of paint since 2012.

Statistic 47

Global steam cracking energy efficiency improved 10% since 2010 via pinch analysis.

Statistic 48

Eastman Chemical's VertecBio operations run on 100% renewable energy since 2021.

Statistic 49

Japan's chemical energy use per value added fell 30% from 2010-2020.

Statistic 50

DuPont's energy reduction per product unit was 25% since 2010.

Statistic 51

Chemical industry cogeneration provides 15% of global industrial power.

Statistic 52

Sinopec's energy efficiency projects saved 10 Mtce in 2022.

Statistic 53

Air Products invested $1B in green hydrogen for chemical feedstocks by 2023.

Statistic 54

Formosa's renewable energy procurement hit 20% in 2023.

Statistic 55

Mitsubishi Chemical's biomass boiler capacity reached 500 MW equivalent in 2022.

Statistic 56

Linde's chemical plant electrification reduced fossil fuel use by 25% in pilots.

Statistic 57

30% of new chemical products launched in 2022 were bio-based or sustainable.

Statistic 58

Green chemistry principles adopted in 50% of EU chemical R&D budgets.

Statistic 59

BASF developed 100% bio-based polyols for foams, reducing fossil use 30%.

Statistic 60

Dow's bio-ethanol to ethylene process scaled to 1 million tons/year capacity.

Statistic 61

Global bio-chemical market grew to $20 billion in 2022.

Statistic 62

LyondellBasell launched MoReTec-1 recycling tech for 100% plastic purity.

Statistic 63

Number of green chemistry patents in chemicals rose 25% YoY 2020-2022.

Statistic 64

INEOS Styrolution's bio-attributed ABS used 90% renewable feedstocks.

Statistic 65

Evonik's biotech route to amino acids cut energy 40% vs traditional.

Statistic 66

EU funded 50 Horizon projects on sustainable chemistry worth €1B.

Statistic 67

SABIC's certified circular PP from recycled sources hit 500,000 tons sales.

Statistic 68

Covestro's PC Light technology uses 20% less material sustainably.

Statistic 69

U.S. DOE's 12 green chemistry centers developed 200 new processes.

Statistic 70

AkzoNobel's waterborne coatings reduced VOC 99% vs solvent-based.

Statistic 71

Eastman’s molecular recycling converted 100,000 tons waste plastic to virgin.

Statistic 72

Japan's NEDO biotech chemicals program yielded 50 commercial products.

Statistic 73

DuPont's bio-based Sorona fiber saved 30% GHG vs nylon 6.

Statistic 74

Enzymatic polyester recycling scaled to pilot 10,000 tons by Carbios.

Statistic 75

Sinopec's bio-PET production reached 100,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 76

Air Liquide's carbon capture solvents improved efficiency 50%.

Statistic 77

Formosa's rPET from textile waste produced 200,000 tons annually.

Statistic 78

Mitsubishi Chemical's plant-based nylon cut water use 50%.

Statistic 79

Linde's hydrogen from electrolysis supplied 20% green H2 to chemicals.

Statistic 80

The chemical industry recycled 12 million tons of plastics in 2022, achieving a 15% recovery rate globally.

Statistic 81

U.S. chemical sector diverted 95% of hazardous waste from landfills in 2021.

Statistic 82

CEFIC reports EU chemical industry recycled 60% of non-product output waste in 2022.

Statistic 83

BASF recycled 2.5 million tons of materials, closing 18% material loops in 2022.

Statistic 84

Dow's waste to energy initiatives processed 1 million tons of waste in 2022.

Statistic 85

Global chemical waste generation was 350 million tons in 2020, with 20% hazardous.

Statistic 86

LyondellBasell achieved zero waste to landfill in 90% of sites by 2023.

Statistic 87

China's chemical industry recycled 25 million tons of solvents in 2021.

Statistic 88

INEOS recycled 1.2 million tons of plastics, representing 30% circularity rate.

Statistic 89

Evonik's waste recycling rate reached 92% in 2022.

Statistic 90

EU chemical firms turned 5 million tons of waste into resources via circular models.

Statistic 91

SABIC's TRUCIRCLE program recycled 1.5 million tons of post-consumer plastic in 2022.

Statistic 92

Covestro recycled 300,000 tons of polyols from chemical waste streams.

Statistic 93

U.S. EPA notes chemical recycling technologies processed 100,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 94

AkzoNobel recycled 80% of coating waste into new products in 2022.

Statistic 95

Eastman launched methanolysis recycling for 50,000 tons PET annually.

Statistic 96

Japan's chemical waste reduction per unit output fell 40% since 2000.

Statistic 97

DuPont recycled 98% of manufacturing waste in 2022.

Statistic 98

Global tire chemical recycling recovered 1 million tons of carbon black.

Statistic 99

Sinopec's waste utilization rate hit 98.5% in 2022.

Statistic 100

Chemical industry solvent recovery saved 10 million tons waste yearly.

Statistic 101

Air Liquide recycled 500,000 tons industrial gases byproducts.

Statistic 102

Formosa Plastics zero-liquid discharge in 70% plants, recycling 95% water/waste.

Statistic 103

Mitsubishi Chemical recycled 400,000 tons PET via enzymatic tech pilots.

Statistic 104

Linde's waste heat recovery reused energy from 2 million tons waste.

Statistic 105

The global chemical industry withdrew 150 billion cubic meters of water in 2020.

Statistic 106

U.S. chemical sector water use intensity fell 70% since 1980.

Statistic 107

European chemical companies recycled 75% of process water in 2022.

Statistic 108

BASF reduced freshwater intake by 25% to 1.1 billion m3 in 2022 vs baseline.

Statistic 109

Dow achieved zero liquid discharge in 80% of sites, recycling 90% water.

Statistic 110

Global chemical water consumption is 3% of industrial total, projected to double by 2050.

Statistic 111

LyondellBasell cut water use 20% per ton production since 2015.

Statistic 112

China's chemical industry used 40 billion m3 water, with 30% recycled.

Statistic 113

INEOS recycled 85% of cooling water in operations.

Statistic 114

Evonik's water productivity rose 50% since 2003.

Statistic 115

EU chemical sector targets 20% water reduction by 2030 from 2015 base.

Statistic 116

SABIC reused 70% of water in Saudi operations amid scarcity.

Statistic 117

Covestro's closed-loop water systems recycle 95% in polycarbonate plants.

Statistic 118

U.S. chemical plants withdrew 5 billion gallons/day, with 60% recycled.

Statistic 119

AkzoNobel reduced water use 15% per ton coatings since 2012.

Statistic 120

Eastman recycled 1 billion gallons water annually via advanced treatment.

Statistic 121

Japan's chemical water intensity halved since 2000.

Statistic 122

DuPont's water restoration projects replenished 2 billion m3 since 2010.

Statistic 123

Chemical industry desalination capacity reached 2 million m3/day globally.

Statistic 124

Sinopec's zero discharge policy covered 50% plants, recycling 80%.

Statistic 125

Air Liquide treated 100 million m3 wastewater for reuse.

Statistic 126

Formosa's membrane tech recycled 98% process water.

Statistic 127

Mitsubishi Chemical's water recycling rate 90% in Asia sites.

Statistic 128

Linde supplied waterless cooling for chemical plants, saving 50 million m3/year.

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Picture a powerful industry that is responsible for nearly 6% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, yet is also achieving remarkable success in slashing its environmental footprint through improved efficiency, innovative recycling, and a growing shift toward bio-based solutions.

Key Takeaways

  • The global chemicals industry accounted for 5.7% of total global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, with Scope 1 and 2 emissions totaling around 1.5 GtCO2e.
  • Between 2008 and 2019, the U.S. chemical sector reduced direct GHG emissions by 33% while increasing production by 26%.
  • European chemical companies achieved a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions per ton of product from 1990 to 2020.
  • The global chemical industry consumed 12% of world primary energy in 2021, with 40% from renewables in leading firms.
  • U.S. chemical manufacturing energy intensity dropped 45% from 1974-2020.
  • European chemical producers sourced 25% of energy from renewables in 2022.
  • The chemical industry recycled 12 million tons of plastics in 2022, achieving a 15% recovery rate globally.
  • U.S. chemical sector diverted 95% of hazardous waste from landfills in 2021.
  • CEFIC reports EU chemical industry recycled 60% of non-product output waste in 2022.
  • The global chemical industry withdrew 150 billion cubic meters of water in 2020.
  • U.S. chemical sector water use intensity fell 70% since 1980.
  • European chemical companies recycled 75% of process water in 2022.
  • 30% of new chemical products launched in 2022 were bio-based or sustainable.
  • Green chemistry principles adopted in 50% of EU chemical R&D budgets.
  • BASF developed 100% bio-based polyols for foams, reducing fossil use 30%.

Despite major emissions reductions, the chemicals industry remains a significant global polluter.

Emissions Reduction

  • The global chemicals industry accounted for 5.7% of total global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, with Scope 1 and 2 emissions totaling around 1.5 GtCO2e.
  • Between 2008 and 2019, the U.S. chemical sector reduced direct GHG emissions by 33% while increasing production by 26%.
  • European chemical companies achieved a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions per ton of product from 1990 to 2020.
  • BASF reported a 23% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) in 2022 compared to the 2018 baseline.
  • The chemical industry in China emitted 1.2 GtCO2e in 2021, representing 12% of national industrial emissions.
  • Dow Chemical reduced its net GHG emissions by 20% from 2020 to 2022 through efficiency projects.
  • Globally, chemical production grew by 50% from 2010-2020, but emissions intensity fell by 10%.
  • LyondellBasell cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 28% per ton of production since 2018.
  • In 2021, the EU chemical industry emitted 120 million tons of CO2, down 25% from 2008 on a value-added basis.
  • Saudi Aramco's chemical arm reduced flaring emissions by 40% in 2022 via advanced monitoring.
  • Global chemical sector's methane emissions from operations were estimated at 25 Mt in 2020.
  • INEOS achieved a 15% GHG reduction per tonne of product from 2015-2022.
  • The industry's N2O emissions have dropped 70% globally since 1990 due to catalytic technologies.
  • Covestro reduced CO2 emissions by 50% in polyurethane production via bio-based alternatives by 2023.
  • U.S. chemical manufacturers cut energy-related CO2 emissions 45% since 1991 despite 30% output growth.
  • Total Scope 3 emissions for the chemical industry reached 4 GtCO2e in 2019, mainly from product use.
  • Evonik Industries lowered GHG emissions by 22% against 2017 baseline in 2022.
  • Japan's chemical sector reduced per capita CO2 emissions by 35% from 2005-2020.
  • Air Liquide's chemical operations saw a 17% emissions cut via hydrogen blending in 2022.
  • The global fluorochemical industry's HFC emissions were phased down by 85% under Kigali Amendment by 2022.
  • Eastman Chemical reduced GHG emissions 25% per ton since 2005 through process optimizations.
  • Europe's chemical industry targets net-zero emissions by 2050, with 20% reduction pledged by 2030.
  • Sinopec cut chemical plant emissions intensity by 18% from 2015-2021.
  • DuPont achieved 40% reduction in GHG emissions per pound of product since 1990.
  • Global chemical VOC emissions fell 60% in developed countries from 1990-2020.
  • SABIC reduced carbon footprint by 15% in 2022 via CCUS projects.
  • AkzoNobel lowered Scope 1&2 emissions 31% per ton of paint sold since 2012.
  • Formosa Plastics cut emissions 20% through electrification in 2023.
  • The industry's black carbon emissions from chemical processes contribute 0.5% to global totals.
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Group reduced GHG by 12% YoY in 2022.

Emissions Reduction Interpretation

While the global chemical industry still casts a considerable carbon shadow, the collective plot twist is that companies across the board are actively and successfully rewriting the script, proving that producing more doesn't have to mean polluting more.

Energy Use

  • The global chemical industry consumed 12% of world primary energy in 2021, with 40% from renewables in leading firms.
  • U.S. chemical manufacturing energy intensity dropped 45% from 1974-2020.
  • European chemical producers sourced 25% of energy from renewables in 2022.
  • BASF's energy efficiency improved by 2.3% in 2022, saving 150,000 tons of CO2 equivalent.
  • Dow aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2030, achieving 40% in 2022 operations.
  • Global chemical sector energy use totaled 28 EJ in 2020, projected to rise 30% by 2050 without action.
  • LyondellBasell reduced energy use per ton by 15% since 2018 via cogeneration.
  • China's chemical industry energy consumption was 4.5% of national total in 2021.
  • INEOS generated 70% of its energy needs from self-produced power in 2022.
  • Chemical plants worldwide adopted 1.2 GW of solar capacity by 2023.
  • Evonik improved energy productivity by 25% from 2003-2022.
  • EU chemical sector saved €5 billion in energy costs through efficiency since 2008.
  • Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) sourced 30% electricity from renewables in 2022.
  • Covestro's energy from renewables reached 60% in key sites by 2023.
  • U.S. DOE reports chemical industry saved 2.5 quadrillion BTUs via efficiency programs 2010-2020.
  • AkzoNobel cut energy intensity 20% per liter of paint since 2012.
  • Global steam cracking energy efficiency improved 10% since 2010 via pinch analysis.
  • Eastman Chemical's VertecBio operations run on 100% renewable energy since 2021.
  • Japan's chemical energy use per value added fell 30% from 2010-2020.
  • DuPont's energy reduction per product unit was 25% since 2010.
  • Chemical industry cogeneration provides 15% of global industrial power.
  • Sinopec's energy efficiency projects saved 10 Mtce in 2022.
  • Air Products invested $1B in green hydrogen for chemical feedstocks by 2023.
  • Formosa's renewable energy procurement hit 20% in 2023.
  • Mitsubishi Chemical's biomass boiler capacity reached 500 MW equivalent in 2022.
  • Linde's chemical plant electrification reduced fossil fuel use by 25% in pilots.

Energy Use Interpretation

While a thirsty chemical industry still drinks a staggering 12% of the world's energy, promising glimmers of sobriety are emerging, from corporate vows of 100% renewable power to billions in savings and millions of tons of emissions cut, proving that the gargantuan task of decarbonization can be met with a potent mix of innovation and sheer will.

Innovation

  • 30% of new chemical products launched in 2022 were bio-based or sustainable.
  • Green chemistry principles adopted in 50% of EU chemical R&D budgets.
  • BASF developed 100% bio-based polyols for foams, reducing fossil use 30%.
  • Dow's bio-ethanol to ethylene process scaled to 1 million tons/year capacity.
  • Global bio-chemical market grew to $20 billion in 2022.
  • LyondellBasell launched MoReTec-1 recycling tech for 100% plastic purity.
  • Number of green chemistry patents in chemicals rose 25% YoY 2020-2022.
  • INEOS Styrolution's bio-attributed ABS used 90% renewable feedstocks.
  • Evonik's biotech route to amino acids cut energy 40% vs traditional.
  • EU funded 50 Horizon projects on sustainable chemistry worth €1B.
  • SABIC's certified circular PP from recycled sources hit 500,000 tons sales.
  • Covestro's PC Light technology uses 20% less material sustainably.
  • U.S. DOE's 12 green chemistry centers developed 200 new processes.
  • AkzoNobel's waterborne coatings reduced VOC 99% vs solvent-based.
  • Eastman’s molecular recycling converted 100,000 tons waste plastic to virgin.
  • Japan's NEDO biotech chemicals program yielded 50 commercial products.
  • DuPont's bio-based Sorona fiber saved 30% GHG vs nylon 6.
  • Enzymatic polyester recycling scaled to pilot 10,000 tons by Carbios.
  • Sinopec's bio-PET production reached 100,000 tons in 2023.
  • Air Liquide's carbon capture solvents improved efficiency 50%.
  • Formosa's rPET from textile waste produced 200,000 tons annually.
  • Mitsubishi Chemical's plant-based nylon cut water use 50%.
  • Linde's hydrogen from electrolysis supplied 20% green H2 to chemicals.

Innovation Interpretation

While the old-guard chemical industry might still cling to its hydrocarbon roots, the data reveals an undeniable and accelerating green mutation, where sustainability is no longer a niche experiment but the very blueprint for new products, processes, and profits.

Waste Management

  • The chemical industry recycled 12 million tons of plastics in 2022, achieving a 15% recovery rate globally.
  • U.S. chemical sector diverted 95% of hazardous waste from landfills in 2021.
  • CEFIC reports EU chemical industry recycled 60% of non-product output waste in 2022.
  • BASF recycled 2.5 million tons of materials, closing 18% material loops in 2022.
  • Dow's waste to energy initiatives processed 1 million tons of waste in 2022.
  • Global chemical waste generation was 350 million tons in 2020, with 20% hazardous.
  • LyondellBasell achieved zero waste to landfill in 90% of sites by 2023.
  • China's chemical industry recycled 25 million tons of solvents in 2021.
  • INEOS recycled 1.2 million tons of plastics, representing 30% circularity rate.
  • Evonik's waste recycling rate reached 92% in 2022.
  • EU chemical firms turned 5 million tons of waste into resources via circular models.
  • SABIC's TRUCIRCLE program recycled 1.5 million tons of post-consumer plastic in 2022.
  • Covestro recycled 300,000 tons of polyols from chemical waste streams.
  • U.S. EPA notes chemical recycling technologies processed 100,000 tons in 2022.
  • AkzoNobel recycled 80% of coating waste into new products in 2022.
  • Eastman launched methanolysis recycling for 50,000 tons PET annually.
  • Japan's chemical waste reduction per unit output fell 40% since 2000.
  • DuPont recycled 98% of manufacturing waste in 2022.
  • Global tire chemical recycling recovered 1 million tons of carbon black.
  • Sinopec's waste utilization rate hit 98.5% in 2022.
  • Chemical industry solvent recovery saved 10 million tons waste yearly.
  • Air Liquide recycled 500,000 tons industrial gases byproducts.
  • Formosa Plastics zero-liquid discharge in 70% plants, recycling 95% water/waste.
  • Mitsubishi Chemical recycled 400,000 tons PET via enzymatic tech pilots.
  • Linde's waste heat recovery reused energy from 2 million tons waste.

Waste Management Interpretation

The chemical industry is making commendable progress on its circularity report card, but the sheer scale of its homework—hundreds of millions of tons of waste generated annually—means that while the recycling percentages are improving, the fundamental arithmetic of sustainability remains a daunting equation to solve.

Water Management

  • The global chemical industry withdrew 150 billion cubic meters of water in 2020.
  • U.S. chemical sector water use intensity fell 70% since 1980.
  • European chemical companies recycled 75% of process water in 2022.
  • BASF reduced freshwater intake by 25% to 1.1 billion m3 in 2022 vs baseline.
  • Dow achieved zero liquid discharge in 80% of sites, recycling 90% water.
  • Global chemical water consumption is 3% of industrial total, projected to double by 2050.
  • LyondellBasell cut water use 20% per ton production since 2015.
  • China's chemical industry used 40 billion m3 water, with 30% recycled.
  • INEOS recycled 85% of cooling water in operations.
  • Evonik's water productivity rose 50% since 2003.
  • EU chemical sector targets 20% water reduction by 2030 from 2015 base.
  • SABIC reused 70% of water in Saudi operations amid scarcity.
  • Covestro's closed-loop water systems recycle 95% in polycarbonate plants.
  • U.S. chemical plants withdrew 5 billion gallons/day, with 60% recycled.
  • AkzoNobel reduced water use 15% per ton coatings since 2012.
  • Eastman recycled 1 billion gallons water annually via advanced treatment.
  • Japan's chemical water intensity halved since 2000.
  • DuPont's water restoration projects replenished 2 billion m3 since 2010.
  • Chemical industry desalination capacity reached 2 million m3/day globally.
  • Sinopec's zero discharge policy covered 50% plants, recycling 80%.
  • Air Liquide treated 100 million m3 wastewater for reuse.
  • Formosa's membrane tech recycled 98% process water.
  • Mitsubishi Chemical's water recycling rate 90% in Asia sites.
  • Linde supplied waterless cooling for chemical plants, saving 50 million m3/year.

Water Management Interpretation

While the global chemical industry is still a thirsty beast, gulping down 150 billion cubic meters annually with projections set to double by 2050, the sobering truth is that its best companies are learning to sip with astonishing efficiency, proving that where there's a blue will, there's a water-wise way.

Sources & References