The chemical industry has, over the past few years, a pack a more environmentally friendly way. This is evident from the most recent sustainability report of the sector federation Essenscia, that on Tuesday in Brussels, was presented. But in order to have a more substantial progress can be made, should be fully used for innovation, as the organisations. “We are aware that it is difficult to make big steps forward. We will have the innovation needed,” said Adam, Bb, adviser to the sustainable development of Essenscia.

From the sixth sustainability report of Essenscia is apparent that the chemical industry in our country in the past few years, more and more production with significantly less energy (-56% compared to 1990 levels) and a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases (-80 per cent). Also, the use of quality water in the production processes in the last decade, with more than a third has fallen.

However, the challenges remain immense in the field of environment and climate change. In the field of chemistry, it is often with the finger pointed to, for example, the plastic pollution and CO2 emissions, as well as a part of the solution you can offer. “We’re in a great industry and we are confident that we have the solutions for these challenges.” says Yves Verschueren, managing director Essenscia. So, is the industry concerned with new technologies, for example, CO2 can be handled, and any raw material or the development of lightweight and insulating materials to reduce energy consumption. As the industry innovates with new fuels, such as hydrogen. In the field of plastics and is used in chemical recycling, in which kunstofafval a new material is used.

Innovation is vital. Verschueren points out that in the chemical industry, together with pharmaceuticals, a champion in the research and development activities. Every year there will be 8 billion, accounting for almost two patents a day.

What role can the government play in order to encourage innovation? A panel of experts, including Peter De Keyzer on Growth, Inc., and professor Peter Butt of the university of Antwerp, took still greater ambition, and mostly just to be clear on the long-term. “A policy that does not hesitate, it is a deadly poison for investment,” says De Keyzer. The companies then have to re-set the bar high, because of the public’s opinion, and, therefore, the customer asks for. In addition, it is the sector by focusing on sustainability can also be more attractive as a potential employer. “If you, as a sector, working with the solutions of tomorrow that are an inspiration to young people,” she said. It is to attract new, young talent for the chemical industry is a major challenge, and one out of every three workers is over the age of fifty years.