Researchers propose actions to strengthen Sweden's chemical industry
Sweden's chemical industry faces significant challenges in the transition towards a sustainable and climate-neutral economy, while also navigating increasing global competition. In a new policy brief, researchers from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and RISE present a four-point action plan to strengthen the innovation capacity and competitiveness of the Swedish chemical sector.
The European chemical industry is under pressure to reduce its climate impact, phase out hazardous substances and become more circular, while maintaining global competitiveness. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions are creating uncertainty around access to energy and raw materials. In response, the European Union has launched several strategies aimed at combining climate action, a toxic-free environment and resilience with industrial growth and competitiveness.
According to Patrik Andersson, researcher at IVL and Programme Director of Mistra SafeChem, Sweden has strong prerequisites to take a leading role in this transition, but coordinated national efforts are needed to turn ambition into action.
"National coordination, research and innovation are essential for developing resource-efficient, safe and sustainable chemicals and materials. Investments in future solutions must not create new problems through substances or materials that later prove problematic from a health, environmental or supply security perspective," says Patrik Andersson.
Safe and Sustainable by Design as a key enabler
A central element of the proposed approach is the EU framework Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), which aims to integrate safety and sustainability considerations early in the development of new chemicals and materials.
By identifying potential environmental and health risks at the innovation stage, SSbD can help ensure that future products contribute to sustainability goals while avoiding unintended negative impacts.
"Sweden has a strong starting position in this area, but progress depends on putting national initiatives in place and creating the capacity to translate ideas into practical innovation and industrial renewal," says Patrik Andersson.
Four proposed actions
The policy brief identifies four priority actions to strengthen Sweden's position in sustainable chemistry:
1. Establish a national innovation hub for safe and sustainable chemistry
The hub would support companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the development and assessment of sustainable chemicals and materials. It would also promote the development of methods and tools that facilitate the implementation of SSbD in industry.
2. Launch targeted national research investments
Dedicated funding programmes should support research and innovation in future chemicals and materials, while integrating SSbD principles and including clear sustainability requirements in project evaluations.
3. Strengthen education and skills development
As sustainability requirements become increasingly important, expertise in early-stage risk assessment, environmental chemistry, toxicology, life cycle assessment and regulatory tools will be essential for both industry and academia.
4. Create a national coordination function for sustainable chemistry
A dedicated national function could help align government agencies, industry and research organisations, develop long-term strategies and strengthen Sweden's position in EU initiatives and decision-making processes related to sustainable chemistry.
About the policy brief
The policy brief was developed within the Mistra SafeChem research programme and highlights how Sweden can strengthen its competitiveness while supporting the transition towards safe and sustainable chemicals and materials.
Please note that the publication is available in Swedish only.
Download the policy brief External link, opens in new window.