As demand for sustainable solutions grows across all sectors, a collaborative initiative — UK Alliance for Sustainable Chemicals and Materials (UK-ASCM) — was launched to position the UK at the forefront of global efforts to create environmentally responsible and economically resilient supply chains.
- Uniting industry leaders, academia, and innovation hubs, the alliance is dedicated to addressing the complex challenges facing the sector, including the need for sustainable feedstocks and a circular economy.
- Through collaboration and shared expertise, UK-ASCM members will advance solutions that reduce dependency on fossil resources, enhance resource efficiency, and promote sustainable innovation across the industry.
- The UK-ASCM underscores the essential role of universities and innovation hubs in driving sustainable chemical innovation, and represents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate the UK’s transition to a fossil-free future.
THE CONTEXT: The UK chemicals and materials industry underpins 96% of all manufactured goods, making it indispensable to sectors like healthcare, food, energy, and technology.
- As a critical enabler of green growth, this sector has the potential to generate over £544 billion annually by 2050, supporting high-quality jobs and bolstering local economies across the UK.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Through our Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change, we are advancing impactful research in sustainable chemicals and materials by bringing together over 80 academics and training the next generation of leaders in tackling critical sustainability issues. Our unique innovation hub, iCAST (Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies), enables us to translate ground-breaking research into commercial solutions for over 120 high-growth, clean tech companies.
— Matthew G. Davidson
Executive Director
Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change / iCAST (Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies)
With the formation of the UK-ASCM, we have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the UK’s economic future, our environment, and our communities. Sustainable chemicals and materials are essential to achieving a net-zero economy and securing our industrial strength in a competitive global market.
— Dr Jen Vanderhoven
Chief Operating Officer
Biobased and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA)
Sustainable chemicals are fundamental to building a resilient, sustainable society. By bringing together leaders from industry and academia, the UK-ASCM will catalyse the research and development needed to accelerate the transition to sustainable materials.
— Anju Massey-Brooker
Professor
Royal Society of Chemistry
