The chemical and pharmaceutical industry is fundamental to modern society. With an immense variety of products, from vital medicines and foods, the construction of buildings, to transport and leisure, the industry truly does have an impact on virtually every aspect of our daily lives.
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Sustainable practices represent a clear opportunity for many of CIA’s members. With securing clean growth as one of our core priorities, the CIA is proud to advocate on behalf of the chemical industry who are early adopters of sustainable practices.
One of CIA’s top priorities is to contribute towards a more sustainable future. We began our formal work on sustainability nearly 20 years ago in 2004, publishing our first sustainability programme, based around guiding principles and key metrics. Our longer-standing and continued efforts on driving health, safety, security and environmental performance improvement – enshrined within our Responsible Care programme – provided us with the essential building blocks to give tangible meaning to sustainable development at the time and today that programme remains a powerful vehicle for delivering on our wider sustainability objectives.
We take care to regularly revise our sustainability vision and sustainability goals to ensure they align with environmental, geopolitical and technological advancements that affect the UK chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the global agenda for sustainable development.
Click on each pillar to find out how members plan to achieve the UN SDG goals and sector facts.
Below is a snapshot of the UK chemical industry, which outlines some of the progress, contributions and challenges that lie ahead. This information is drawn from a range of sources including the Office for National Statistics, surveys, the European Patent Office, the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory.
SDGs 8, 9
CIA and our members work to meet society’s needs and provide further solutions to deliver growth in the UK.
Sector facts
SDGs 7, 8, 12, 13
CIA and our members fully support the UK government’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and a more circular economy.
Sector facts
SDGs 3, 8, 12, 14, 15
CIA and our members are committed to improving health, safety and the environment.
Sector facts
We have partnered with ITN Productions to produce ‘Solutions for our Future,’ a news and current affairs-style programme reporting on the importance of the chemical industry. Part 2 of the programme explores Sustainability and the future of the sector, from tackling plastic pollution to building the workforce of tomorrow.
A simple guide on the UK chemical and pharmaceutical sector, focused on companies with limited resources.
Guidance on sustainable finance and taxonomy-related reporting and disclosures.
If you would like to find out more about our policy positions please visit our sustianability policy area.
Members are invited to get involved with the Sustinability Strategy Group.
For further information, or to express an interest in joining, please contact
Charis McInnes at McInnesc@cia.org.uk
What is the Sustainability Strategy Group?
Developed by industry, for industry to respond to a range of challenges
Programme including principles that drive continuous improvement in performance across Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE). Includes sitelevel principles, benchmarking, good relevant practice, verification, self-assessment, guidance, regional meetings of HSSE professionals and more. Implements the Global Responsible Care Charter and is a condition of CIA membership.
Not-for-profit that unites stakeholders from the 7 sectors of the palm oil industry to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil.
Managed by CIA’s Sustainability Steering Group, sets the sustainability vision for the UK chemical industry, reports metrics, produces case studies, horizon scans, addresses policy, runs conferences, etc.
European Chemical Council approach to sustainability including the ChemistryCan initiative.
