Green chemistry, 60% of companies invest in green products and technologies
The Italian chemical industry is committed to the transition to green products and technologies, contributing to the decarbonisation of key sectors such as transport and agrifood
by Lab24
2' min read
2' min read
The chemical industry is fifth in Italy in terms of production value, has 2,800 companies and 112,000 employees. Equally central is its role in the country's manufacturing supply chains. As much as 95 per cent of the industrial products produced have a chemical component. From agriculture to cosmetics, via automotive, there is therefore no industry that can do without chemistry.
Despite this significant economic and production contribution, the chemical industry often does not enjoy a positive reputation among the public, who tend to associate it with harmful and polluting products. However, this view is as far from reality as it gets: it is the leading national sector in terms of the proportion of companies (around 60% of the total industry) investing in new green products and technologies. A percentage almost 20 percentage points higher than the Italian manufacturing average.
According to Federchimica's data, in light of these investments, the sector's CO₂ emissions have already fallen to the levels required by the European Commission by 2030. However, the regulatory challenges for chemicals are manifold, as it is the sector most affected by the EU legislative initiatives that make up the Green Deal. Examples include the 'Farm to Fork' strategy or the regulation on a new regulatory framework for packaging and packaging waste (PPWR).
In this context, the value of green chemistry is constantly growing and acts as a driver of sustainability and circularity for some of the key sectors of Made in Italy. In fact, bio-based chemistry can play a central role in the decarbonisation of the transport sector through the production of biofuels obtained from biomass. Bio-herbicides and bio-packaging can further enhance Italian agrifood products in the eyes of consumers. Even in the wood-furniture supply chain, there is a constant minimisation of pollutant emissions from products thanks to low-impact paints and glues.
The future of chemistry is green and is bound to overturn the traditional view of the industry among the public.
