Experts unite to drive sustainable polymer solutions

$125 billion industry commits to sustainability by 2040

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to transform the way polymers in liquid formulations (PLFs) are produced, used, and disposed of, with the goal of making them sustainable by 2040. Leading global companies, research institutes, and academic experts have joined forces to tackle the environmental impact of these essential chemicals used in everything from household cleaning products to cosmetics and paints.

PLFs represent a $125 billion industry, but shockingly, none of the 36 million tonnes produced annually are recycled or recovered, often contributing to environmental waste. The Sustainable PLFs 2040 initiative aims to address this issue by developing biodegradable alternatives and creating infrastructure for a circular economy.

Tackling an urgent environmental challenge

Professor Anju Massey-Brooker of the Royal Society of Chemistry stressed the urgency of action: “PLFs are a critical part of our everyday lives, but they have long been overlooked in research. We urgently need to make them more sustainable by developing alternatives that biodegrade and fostering a circular economy to prevent these chemicals from being wasted.”

The initiative brings together experts from some of the world’s largest companies, including BASF, Unilever, and Croda, alongside leading academics and policymakers. Together, they will drive innovation and accelerate the transition to sustainable PLFs.

Collaborative action for long-term change

The initiative’s core group includes Professor Anju Massey Brooker from the Royal Society of Chemistry, industry leaders and academic experts, such as Professor Andreas Künkel and Dr Martin Klatt from BASF, Dr Paul Jenkins from Unilever, former RSC president Professor Gill Reid from the University of Southampton, Professor Matthew Davidson from the University of Bath, Dr Jen Vanderhoven from the BBIA, and Dr Damian Kelly from Croda. Their mission is to rethink the lifecycle of PLFs and develop new technologies to scale biodegradable options.

Professor Gill Reid, RSC past-president, expressed her excitement for the initiative’s potential: “This is an exciting time for innovation. The RSC’s collaborative approach will help turn scientific research into tangible products that drive sustainability. The development of tools for sustainability assessment and reporting will be key to accelerating industry-wide progress.”

Setting the path toward a circular economy

The Sustainable PLFs 2040 initiative builds on the RSC’s ongoing work to improve sustainability in the chemical industry. A roadmap created in 2021 set clear goals: by 2030, biodegradable PLFs should be developed, and infrastructure for a circular economy should be in place. The initiative’s long-term aim is to transition fully to sustainable PLFs by 2040.

Professor Anju Massey-Brooker highlighted the significance of the initiative: “We are taking a major step toward a sustainable future. With a clear plan and collaboration across industries, we will make real progress in reducing the environmental impact of PLFs.”

A step toward sustainability

The Sustainable PLFs 2040 initiative is a vital next step in advancing sustainability across the chemicals industry, inspired by previous successes in improving plastics sustainability. With leading experts from across sectors, this collaboration will ensure the chemical industry moves toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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