Home » THE CLIMATE TRANSITION » Chemistry: key to the transition
Chemistry: key to the transition

Chemistry: key to the transition

Chemistry is the key to change in most industries. Innovative chemistry is the basis for environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, solar cells, recyclable batteries, plastics and cellulose clothing, and more. Sweden’s chemicals industry is among the foremost in the world in terms of sustainability. Chemical and Innovation Companies in Sweden (IKEM) members are striving to phase out fossil raw materials and adjust manufacturing processes to reduce climate impact.

85 per cent cut in emissions by 2045

Together, IKEM members have the potential to reduce their emissions by up to 85 per cent by 2045, corresponding to approximately 4.7 Mt of carbon dioxide. Reduced emissions in the chemical industry is mainly due to the use of new raw materials and production processes. IKEM member companies operate in a variety of conditions, with different production processes, fuels, energy, and pharmaceuticals etc., requiring different approaches.

Five strategies for reduced emissions

  • Climate-neutral energy (reduction potential 0.55-0.65 Mton): a combination of electrification, hydrogen and biofuels replacing today’s fuels, often for the production of heat at very high-temperatures
  • Carbon capture and storage (CCS) (1.8-1.9 Mton): capture, transport and storage of CO2
  • Bio-based raw materials (1.7-1.8 Mton): production of fuels and chemicals from bio-based raw materials, sometimes with entirely new production processes and the need for hydrogen as a supplement
  • Circular economy – recycled raw materials and CCU (0.6-0.7 Mton): material recycling by replacing virgin raw materials with recycled plastics, metals or waste, or captured CO2 in combination with hydrogen as a raw material for the production of chemicals (CCU).
  • Resource-efficient systems: (0.2-0.3 Mton): opportunities to use residual products such as waste heat and the development of industrial symbiosis.

Large investments and large electricity demand

The transformation of the chemical industry will require considerable investment, especially in research and technology development. In some cases, biomass can be used directly in existing processes. Electrification can replace combustion for heating, primarily low- and medium-temperature heating, but in the longer term also high-temperature heating. Fossil-free hydrogen is an energy source and a raw material that requires large amounts of electricity.

More about the climate transition by sector: