From Compliance to Regeneration: A Roadmap for the Chemical Industry Post-2030, Dr Mohamed Hassan

Dr Mohamed G Hassan
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
The University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, Highfield Campus, SO17 1BJ
United Kingdom
ORCID: 0000-0003-3729-4543

Abstract:

As the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches, the chemical industry faces a pivotal point. While significant strides have been made in areas such as emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible production, the current trajectory remains insufficient to meet the scale of environmental and social challenges ahead. This paper presents a comprehensive vision for the chemical industry's evolution in the post-Agenda 2030 era as a roadmap for systemic transformation rather than incremental progress.

The proposed vision rests on five strategic pillars that reimagine the role of the chemical industry as a catalyst for regenerative and inclusive growth:

1. Beyond Compliance: Regenerative Chemistry and Circular Design Transitioning from "less harm" to "net positive" by embedding circular economy principles into molecular design, production, and end-of-life recovery. This includes sustainable feedstocks, biodegradable materials, and closed-loop systems.
2. Deep Decarbonisation and Carbon Intelligence Integrating carbon capture, storage, and utilisation (CCUS), electrification of chemical processes, and advanced carbon tracking systems linked to transparent digital reporting. The industry must shift from managing emissions to managing carbon value.
3. Digital Transformation and Smart Sustainability Leveraging AI, IoT, and digital twins to optimise resource use, monitor real-time environmental impacts, and accelerate innovation cycles. Smart LCA tools and predictive sustainability modelling will become the new norm.
4. Just Transition and Human-Centric Development: Addressing labour rights, safety, and equity across supply chains. Post-2030 goals must prioritise the well-being of workers, local communities, and future generations — especially in emerging economies where chemical production is expanding.
5. Global Harmonisation of Standards and Transparent Accountability Co-developing globally harmonised sustainability metrics, digital carbon credit systems, and integrated ESG frameworks that align with both planetary boundaries and local development needs.

This post-2030 vision recognises that the chemical industry cannot operate in isolation. It calls for unprecedented collaboration across governments, academia, civil society, and industries to co-create a new global compact for chemical sustainability. This compact must move from linear development models to holistic, data-driven, and ethically anchored systems that regenerate natural capital, support resilient economies, and restore trust in the industry’s social license to operate.