New ICCA Technology Briefs Highlight the Chemical Industry’s Enabling Role Across Key Sectors
The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has published the latest Technology Briefs exploring how chemical products, materials and process capabilities enable technologies and innovation across key sectors of the global economy. The publication, prepared by Carbon Minds and commissioned by ICCA, looks beyond the chemical industry’s own operations to highlight chemistry’s role across downstream value chains.
Chemical products and materials are embedded throughout modern value chains, often performing functions that are not visible in the final product. From catalysts that improve industrial processes and materials that make buildings more energy efficient, to battery components, agricultural technologies and materials for renewable energy, chemistry helps shape the efficiency, durability, reliability and resource use of wider systems.
The new publication examines this enabling role across five key sectors:
- Industry & Production: Catalysis, separation technologies, process chemistry, alternative feedstocks, carbon management and circular material flows can support greater process efficiency, reduce material losses and enable new production routes.
- Building & Housing: Advanced polymers, insulation materials, coatings, sealants, additives and building-integrated energy materials can improve energy performance, durability and material efficiency while supporting circularity.
- Mobility & Transport: Battery materials, fuel-cell components, hydrogen technologies, lightweight materials and alternative fuels can support electrification, energy efficiency and lower-emission options across road, rail, aviation and maritime transport.
- Nutrition & Agriculture: Fertiliser technologies, nutrient-management solutions, biotechnology, feed additives, packaging and biomass conversion can improve resource efficiency, reduce losses and support more efficient food and agricultural value chains.
- Power Generation & Storage: Electrochemistry, batteries, advanced materials, hydrogen technologies, membranes and catalysts can support electricity generation, energy storage, grid flexibility and stronger links between the power sector and other parts of the economy
Looking ahead, the publication points towards an evolving portfolio of technological options rather than a single pathway. As technologies and value chains continue to develop, collaboration across sectors will be increasingly important in translating chemical innovation into more efficient, resource-efficient and lower-emission systems