Without carbon, no chemical industry – oil and gas, however, aren’t necessary

Carbon is a key raw material in the chemical industry – but today it still comes mainly from fossil oil, gas, or coal. 

The availability of sustainable carbon sources is therefore crucial for the climate-neutral transformation of the industry. The German discussion paper ‘Carbon – but sustainable!’ („Kohlenstoff – aber nachhaltig!”) now published by the IN4climate.NRW initiative shows that the carbon requirements of the German chemical industry can be met sustainably. Imports are not absolutely necessary for this, but there is an urgent need for political action.

Whether detergents, adhesives, varnishes, paints, or plastics – the products of the chemical industry are ubiquitous. The majority are based on carbon. Around 85 % of these still come from fossil sources. The IN4climate.NRW discussion paper, supported by companies, associations, and research institutions, outlines robust strategies for achieving climate neutrality in Germany’s chemical industry by 2045 and maintaining competitiveness.

“The complexity of chemistry is both a challenge and an opportunity. The diversity of products and reaction pathways makes raw material transformation challenging, but it also offers the opportunity to create competitive advantages by developing innovative processes based on sustainable sources. The chemical industry in North Rhine-Westphalia, which stands for both basic materials and speciality products, can become a pioneer in this field. For this to succeed, the right framework conditions are needed in a timely manner”, emphasises Katharina Schubert, Managing Director of the state-owned company NRW.Energy4Climate.

The results of the discussion paper show that domestic supply is fundamentally possible, provided that all sustainable carbon sources – plastic waste, biomass and CO₂ – are consistently mobilised and their processing technologies are further developed. Mechanical plastic recycling must therefore be further expanded in line with an efficient circular economy. At the same time, timely location decisions and investments are necessary for chemical plastic recycling, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia. 

In the biomass sector, it is particularly important that available quantities are used primarily for material and efficient purposes in accordance with the cascade principle, for example for biopolymers or speciality chemicals. In order to avoid competition for use, strategic prioritisation is necessary, preceded by an analysis of regional availability for industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition, the use of CO₂ will become increasingly important for the chemical industry in the future. Its use should be consistently geared towards closed carbon cycles. Biogenic CO₂ is particularly suitable for short-lived or non-recyclable products, such as packaging. These quantities must be taken into account at an early stage when planning transport and infrastructure networks.

The initiative emphasises that, due to the long lead times for introducing new technologies, suitable framework conditions are needed today, for example in the form of political strategies with targeted priority funding programmes, lead markets for defossilised products and clear prospects for the rapid expansion of the necessary transport infrastructure. A coordinated overall concept is central to the future supply of sustainable carbon to the chemical industry and the foundation of its competitiveness. 

Source

Bioplastics MAGAZINE, 2026-02-03.

Supplier

IN4climate.NRW
NRW.Energie4climate

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