 "Chemistry is foundation for sustainable development: Sudhir Shenoy")
Chemistry is one of the most pervasive branches of science. From forming an inherent part of us in form of nutrients, hormones, enzymes to making up everyday essentials such as medicines, personal care products, electricity and almost everything else, chemistry is everywhere.
It would, therefore, not be an exaggeration to say that chemistry is not a by-product of the industrial age, but vice versa. The industrial age set in because we could harness our knowledge of how science, more specifically chemistry, works and can be used to our advantage.
The trajectory of chemistry is interesting. With this science becoming more sophisticated, year after year, various sectors have evolved and progressed. Various fields such as packaging (including food), water purification, and environment-friendly white goods among others have advanced considerably.
With unprecedented benefits for the consumer, these advancements have also propelled the manufacturing sector across the world. Around 40 percent of the world’s manufacturing activity is driven by, or is heavily dependent on, chemical industry.
That is why, when we talk about India emerging as the fountainhead of the manufacturing revolution that would create employment for millions, it goes without saying that this growth cannot transform into a reality without being enabled by a vibrant and robust chemical industry.
Let’s take a look at facts on the ground. In terms of volume, we are the sixth largest chemical industry in the world and the third largest in Asia. However, we hold a meager 3 percent share of the global chemical market. The industry though is progressing with an unprecedented speed and we are expected to double in size and market share in the early 20’s.
Considering India’s key challenges as a fast-developing economy today, the chemical industry is undeniably a key solution provider - we are enhancing food security and reducing wastage through packaging. We are developing energy-efficient and cost-effective materials for affordable housing. We are increasing the potency of solar panels, improving access to potable water, multiplying effectiveness of medicines to battle diseases.
Most of all, as an industry, we are contributing to the sustainability factor of India’s growth. At the current rate of consumption and use of natural resources, we will require 50 percent more food, 45 percent more energy and 30 percent more water. Chemistry is the bedrock of solutions for this challenge. As an industry, we are maturing and innovating every day - from 100 percent recyclable packaging to biodegradable plastics, from environmentally gentle pesticides to affordable water purifying membranes, a plethora of sustainable solutions we see today are developed by chemistry.
Green chemistry, greener pastures
Yet, in terms of perception, we lag behind – many in India still perceive this industry as harmful, polluting, affecting the environment with emissions and effluents.
While the perception isn’t completely baseless, we have come a long way today in terms of product-related and operational sustainability and setting and following ever-higher global standards in this area.
To change the perception, the industry collectively needs to be more cognizant about investing in sustainable innovations. The proof of chemistry’s capability to make this world sustainable and better would be demonstrated impact by rigorous innovation, process improvements and creating solutions that really are the need of the hour.
Equally important, though ambitious, is to focus on ‘Zero defect, Zero effect’. Simple steps such as reduction of discharges and waste from every stage of operations enhance the environmental sensitivity of our processes and can have a far-reaching impact. This must be complemented with astute focus on quality manufacturing with lesser defects and recycling of waste products which, in turn, will make us more cost-competitive.
Advancing the circular economy
Of course, critical enablers for the perception change are outside of the industry - to ensure that the chemical manufacturing process is sustainable and companies are held accountable, we also need strong support from the entire value chain - toll manufacturers, distributors, brand owners and finally, the consumers as well. Just the customers’ willingness to play a conscious role with initiatives such as segregation of recyclable plastic can go a long way in making the whole industry more sustainable. Brand-owners preference for sustainable materials and support for ingredient manufacturers who follow sustainable practices will also help streamline the manufacturing standards.
The final piece of the puzzle is government intervention – not only to create and support manufacturing ecosystem, but also to enforce quality regulations and sustainability standards. Ultimately, industrial growth will only be a boon for the economy if it comes hand-in-hand with greener technologies and sustainable practices. Wherever we are in the value chain, let us commit ourselves to choose quality and sustainability - no compromises - and see how chemistry transforms the world we see today, a molecule at a time!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sudhir Shenoy is the co-chair of CII National Chemical Council and CEO of Dow Chemical International Private Ltd (Dow India)
It would, therefore, not be an exaggeration to say that chemistry is not a by-product of the industrial age, but vice versa. The industrial age set in because we could harness our knowledge of how science, more specifically chemistry, works and can be used to our advantage.
The trajectory of chemistry is interesting. With this science becoming more sophisticated, year after year, various sectors have evolved and progressed. Various fields such as packaging (including food), water purification, and environment-friendly white goods among others have advanced considerably.
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With unprecedented benefits for the consumer, these advancements have also propelled the manufacturing sector across the world. Around 40 percent of the world’s manufacturing activity is driven by, or is heavily dependent on, chemical industry.
That is why, when we talk about India emerging as the fountainhead of the manufacturing revolution that would create employment for millions, it goes without saying that this growth cannot transform into a reality without being enabled by a vibrant and robust chemical industry.
Let’s take a look at facts on the ground. In terms of volume, we are the sixth largest chemical industry in the world and the third largest in Asia. However, we hold a meager 3 percent share of the global chemical market. The industry though is progressing with an unprecedented speed and we are expected to double in size and market share in the early 20’s.
Considering India’s key challenges as a fast-developing economy today, the chemical industry is undeniably a key solution provider - we are enhancing food security and reducing wastage through packaging. We are developing energy-efficient and cost-effective materials for affordable housing. We are increasing the potency of solar panels, improving access to potable water, multiplying effectiveness of medicines to battle diseases.
Most of all, as an industry, we are contributing to the sustainability factor of India’s growth. At the current rate of consumption and use of natural resources, we will require 50 percent more food, 45 percent more energy and 30 percent more water. Chemistry is the bedrock of solutions for this challenge. As an industry, we are maturing and innovating every day - from 100 percent recyclable packaging to biodegradable plastics, from environmentally gentle pesticides to affordable water purifying membranes, a plethora of sustainable solutions we see today are developed by chemistry.
Green chemistry, greener pastures
Yet, in terms of perception, we lag behind – many in India still perceive this industry as harmful, polluting, affecting the environment with emissions and effluents.
While the perception isn’t completely baseless, we have come a long way today in terms of product-related and operational sustainability and setting and following ever-higher global standards in this area.
To change the perception, the industry collectively needs to be more cognizant about investing in sustainable innovations. The proof of chemistry’s capability to make this world sustainable and better would be demonstrated impact by rigorous innovation, process improvements and creating solutions that really are the need of the hour.
Equally important, though ambitious, is to focus on ‘Zero defect, Zero effect’. Simple steps such as reduction of discharges and waste from every stage of operations enhance the environmental sensitivity of our processes and can have a far-reaching impact. This must be complemented with astute focus on quality manufacturing with lesser defects and recycling of waste products which, in turn, will make us more cost-competitive.
Advancing the circular economy
Of course, critical enablers for the perception change are outside of the industry - to ensure that the chemical manufacturing process is sustainable and companies are held accountable, we also need strong support from the entire value chain - toll manufacturers, distributors, brand owners and finally, the consumers as well. Just the customers’ willingness to play a conscious role with initiatives such as segregation of recyclable plastic can go a long way in making the whole industry more sustainable. Brand-owners preference for sustainable materials and support for ingredient manufacturers who follow sustainable practices will also help streamline the manufacturing standards.
The final piece of the puzzle is government intervention – not only to create and support manufacturing ecosystem, but also to enforce quality regulations and sustainability standards. Ultimately, industrial growth will only be a boon for the economy if it comes hand-in-hand with greener technologies and sustainable practices. Wherever we are in the value chain, let us commit ourselves to choose quality and sustainability - no compromises - and see how chemistry transforms the world we see today, a molecule at a time!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sudhir Shenoy is the co-chair of CII National Chemical Council and CEO of Dow Chemical International Private Ltd (Dow India)