Sustainability a priority among chems executives – survey

LONDON (ICIS)–A survey conducted among chemical executives by US sustainable chemicals specialist Genomatica and market information provider ICIS showed on Friday that sustainability has become a priority for firms within the industry, with many now focused on developing products to supply a more environmentally-conscious public.

The survey, which drew 958 responses worldwide, showed that 69% of respondents, over half of which were at the level of vice president, general manager or above, said their organisations had already in place a sustainability policy.

Figures also showed that 67% of respondents described their company’s top business priority in sustainability as either promoting or marketing sustainable products, taking an active lead on sustainability issues, or engaging customers on a business level, according to Genomatica.

Moreover, recognising the public will demand more green products in the coming future as environmental concerns increase, 81% of chemical directors surveyed said it was very or moderately important to be a front runner in sustainable chemicals.

“Chemical producers and distributors continue to strengthen their engagement with sustainability. The move is being driven by increasing demands from downstream users and final customers for more sustainable products,” said John Baker, ICIS global editor and organizer of the survey.

On economics, 43% of producers said there is long-term economic advantage to renewable feedstocks; and 51% say they should reduce exposure to the petroleum market.

In addition, 72% of producers said they already offer more sustainable versions of chemicals or plan to do so within two years.

The full set of results is here, and the full article here.