What if we told you that chemistry can help you save on your energy bill, or is it chemical Creating solutions for 100 percent recyclable products, or that it can also Help preserve wild fish in the oceans,
Advanced materials enabled by chemistry are powering progress and providing solutions that improve our daily lives and drive the EU Green Deal forward.
The chemical industry provides the building blocks for most other European industries, meaning that its commitment to the European Green Deal is particularly important. But unlike some other sectors, the chemical industry will undergo a “double twin” transition. what does this mean? The “double twin” transition needs to go climate neutral, perfectly round, being based on safe and durable chemicals; And Digital.
The transformation of European industry is a huge undertaking, and one in which EU regulations from four dimensions of transition are coming at the same time. With massive change on the horizon, the industry needs certainty that the rules will not change in the middle of the game and that Europe will remain an attractive destination for investment – especially now, with rising energy prices and a looming economic recession.
The European Commission is leading the development of a “transition route” for the chemical industry. The Transition Pathway will serve as a guide or compass, as it should outline the enabling conditions and constraints that need to be addressed. It should also provide clear timelines to the industry along with sequential changes to help the industry transform while remaining competitive.
We are reaching a make-and-break moment for the European chemical industry. Yet, it is an industry that has always been driven by innovation, a passion for new technologies, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Perhaps because of this, the industry remains optimistic that Europe can overcome even the toughest obstacles and continue to invest in producing solutions on European soil that can help us achieve the goals of the European Green Deal . An example? Solutions such as advanced materials – many of which are essential to creating a climate-neutral and circular European economy by 2050.
Let’s talk about solutions with advanced materials
Today, the chemical industry is applying its ingenuity to develop advanced materials that are smart, sustainable and circular by design.
Some incredibly advanced materials have already left the research and development pipeline on the “double-twin” transition journey, from semiconductors for solar panels, carbon-fiber reinforced composites for windmill blades, to better batteries and lighter materials for transportation, For better insulation and coatings, just to name a few.
We’re here to share the exciting progress we’ve made, but also to start a conversation about the way forward. Because scaling these innovations to our homes, businesses and critical infrastructure across the 27 member states is an enormous undertaking. And the clock is ticking to 2050.
Here’s some innovation inspiration to start the conversation.
energy saving solutions
Our offices and homes have a huge impact on our carbon footprint. Buildings in the EU today are responsible for 40 percent of Europe’s energy consumption and 36 percent of greenhouse gas emissions1, Traditional-physics alone cannot solve this problem. But innovative chemistry can and is working on new advanced materials that could help us reduce the environmental footprint of our buildings.
Look at the glass in this window. Chemical engineers have equipped it with special properties to avoid the “greenhouse” effect. With the wonders of chemistry, glass can change color and opacity in response to temperature demands in buildings, allowing for better climate control.
then these are next generation solar panels, They are treated with a newly formulated coating that erodes less quickly from dust and other dirt, making them much easier to clean on rooftops. The result is high-performance panels that generate more solar power for our energy-hungry homes. Silicon solutions engineered with chemistry are also making it much easier to repair and maintain solar panels, extending their lifespan under the sun and sending less waste to landfill.
All these solutions are not only good for the environment and Europe’s carbon footprint. They create efficiencies that help save on energy bills, make our spaces more comfortable and more livable, and are vital to enhancing Europe’s strategic energy independence.
self-healing solution
Your mobile phone case is broken. Now, imagine that the plastic repairs itself. This isn’t science fiction, it’s chemistry2, Self-healing polymers are being designed to respond to stimuli such as cracks, pressure or temperature in smart materials.
And this solution is already ready for the market for concrete. A material with tremendous influence on human history, it forms the textual basis for our built environment. But concrete carries a heavy carbon footprint throughout its lifetime and can crack under pressure and time.
Chemists have catalyzed a genius solution. When a crack forms, it triggers bacteria to produce limestone that fills in the gap, improving the lifetime of concrete constructions by an estimated 40 percent. This means less concrete production is needed for repairs and maintenance. For those of us in Brussels, imagine fewer tunnel closures and traffic jams made of old concrete.
Beyond concrete, there are self-healing solutions working for paints, varnishes, coatings and more. Overall, these innovations mean lower costs for consumers, less waste being sent to landfills, and less energy being used to produce and transport new materials for repairs. But there is still a need for supportive policy to drive these innovations forward. we have started a chemistry network To accelerate progress on this front as well.
Solutions for our “Blue Gold”
Water is a precious resource; in a warming world, we need to transport more water safely over longer distances. Thanks to chemistry, we now have innovative solutions with advanced materials to get the job done.
Inspired by nature, chemists have found a simple way to extend the life of the pipes that carry water for up to 20 years without any maintenance. The solution comes from a plant that grows in dry regions of the world, As a high-performance powder, it coats pipes with long-lasting protection.
Now, take a look at this ultra-filtration membrane. It is a game-changer for wastewater treatment. Engineered with chemistry, it is tough and resistant. This means we can safely, quickly and efficiently return water back to the environment to help quench the planet’s thirst.
Be part of the solution – let’s make change together
Chemical innovation with advanced materials is catalysing the EU Green Deal and continuing Europe’s proud legacy as a continent of invention where tremendous breakthroughs for humanity can emerge.
But making this dream a reality requires scaling-up innovation from the lab bench to European homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. European industry is facing the biggest transition in its history, and the transition path for the chemical industry is an opportunity to help the chemical industry grow and to assure that Europe will remain an attractive investment destination over the long term . Chemicals are the basis of almost every sector and product. A thriving EU chemical industry is an absolute pre-requisite for the success of the European Green Deal.
AddFuture Chemistry NetworkTo add to the dialogue, with policy makers, scientists, civil society and across sectors.