Today, the UK Alliance for Sustainable Chemicals and Materials (UK-ASCM) has officially been launched, bringing together key players from the industry, academia, and innovation hubs to drive forward the UK’s sustainable chemicals and materials sector. The formation of this collaborative initiative marks a significant step towards positioning the UK as a global leader in creating environmentally responsible and economically resilient supply chains, as demand for sustainable solutions continues to grow across all sectors.
The UK chemicals and materials industry is a crucial component of the UK economy, supporting 96% of all manufactured goods. It is a vital enabler of green growth, with the potential to generate over £544 billion annually and create high-quality jobs by 2050. The UK-ASCM aims to harness this potential by promoting innovation, circular carbon feedstocks, and reshoring production to enhance domestic resilience.
Dr Jen Vanderhoven, COO of the Biobased and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA), stated, “With the formation of the UK-ASCM, we have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the UK’s economic future, our environment, and our communities. Sustainable chemicals and materials are essential to achieving a net-zero economy and securing our industrial strength in a competitive global market.”
The Alliance, supported by a diverse network of partners, is committed to addressing the complex challenges facing the sector, such as the need for sustainable feedstocks and a circular economy. Through collaboration and shared expertise, UK-ASCM members will drive solutions that reduce dependency on fossil resources, enhance resource efficiency, and promote sustainable innovation across the industry.
Professor Anju Massey-Brooker, Royal Society of Chemistry, emphasized the critical role of sustainable chemicals in building a resilient and sustainable society, stating, “Sustainable chemicals are fundamental to building a resilient, sustainable society. By bringing together leaders from industry and academia, the UK-ASCM will catalyze the research and development needed to accelerate the transition to sustainable materials.”
The UK-ASCM represents a broad coalition, including industry giants, cutting-edge research institutions, and innovation centers, dedicated to reshaping the UK’s chemicals and materials industry for a sustainable future. The Alliance is committed to fostering green growth, supporting regional development, and making sustainable materials accessible to all sectors of society.
As the global economy increasingly shifts towards sustainable solutions, the UK chemicals and materials sector has a unique opportunity to lead the way. With strategic investments and collaborative innovation, the UK-ASCM aims to elevate the sector’s role in national and international sustainability efforts.
To achieve this goal, the UK-ASCM urges the UK Government to devise a long-term roadmap and stable policy environment to enable investment in research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing of sustainable chemicals and materials. They also call for support in shaping markets to enable the UK’s transition to sustainable chemicals and materials and leveraging public procurement to create demand for sustainable chemicals and products made in the UK.
For more information on the UK Alliance for Sustainable Chemicals and Materials, please visit https://bbia.org.uk/bbia/uk-ascm/.
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Notes to editors:
The UK Alliance for Sustainable Chemicals and Materials (UK-ASCM) brings together leaders from industry, academia, and innovation centers to advance sustainable solutions across the chemicals and materials sectors. The UK chemicals sector generated £73.7 billion in revenues in 2022 and employs over 140,000 people in high-quality jobs. Sustainable chemicals are integral to achieving net-zero goals and enhancing the resilience of UK supply chains.
Members of The UK Alliance for Sustainable Chemicals and Materials (UK-ASCM) include:
– Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA)
– Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet)
– Biorenewables Development Centre
– CPI
– Green Alliance
– The High Value Biorenewables Network (HVB)
– Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst
– Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre
– The Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST)
– The National Interdisciplinary Centre for the Circular Chemical Economy (CircularChem)
– Royal Society of Chemistry
– SCHEMA Hub (The Sustainable Chemicals and Materials Manufacturing Hub)
– SCOTCHEM
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Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.