Sessions

The balance in sustainable development under pressure – why the chemical industry plays a prominent role

The future of the chemical industry in Germany and Europe – strategic leadership and responsibility within planetary boundaries. Panel discussion with speakers on the topic: How can we successfully transition to a sustainable chemical industry with secure jobs within the boundaries of our planet?

Innovation, investment and new business models for a competitive, sustainable chemical industry – how can we foster closer collaboration between academia, industry and politics to bring research into practical application more quickly?

Economy and governance – how can we create a fruitful environment for innovation, competitiveness and sustainability? Who drives the chemical transition – and what does it take to make it happen?

Innovation and future business: Chemicals and chemistry-based materials are the basis of production in many different downstream sectors. The breakout session invites representatives from chemical industry and downstream sectors to discuss, how innovation can be facilitated along value chains, breaking up traditional supplier – customer roles towards innovation partnerships.

Financing the Chemical Transition – from vision to sound investment: Industry must leave known technologies, identify feasible new processes, and invest massively during the current economic situation. We want to discuss how transformation partnerships and transition plans ensure that industry, financial sector and politics stay on track to our vision of a sustainable chemical industry.

The future of plastics - closing the loop on a global material: plastics are the most versatile building blocks of the modern world like consumer products, packaging and construction. To make plastics truly future-proof, in this session we will discuss, how the principles of the circular economy can be applied to the plastics value chain and make plastics sustainable for the current century.

Safe and sustainable consumer products – insights from the electronics sector: The breakout session aims to bring together experts from policy, research, and industry practice to discuss current developments and practical experiences related to sustainable chemicals management and circularity based on findings in the electronics sector.

Can cutting red tape accelerate sustainability—or risk undermining it? This session explores a progressive approach to de-bureaucratization that is coherent, efficient, transparent and effective. Discuss where simplification delivers real impact, where safeguards must remain, and how policy frameworks can balance efficiency with ambition.

Zero Pollution is one of the key elements of the long-term vision for the European chemicals sector and consecutive value chains. While this vision might be broadly shared, perspectives on what “Zero Pollution” means in practice can differ across stakeholder groups. This exchange is intended to provide a constructive and open space to explore perspectives and foster mutual understanding.

The balance in sustainable development under pressure – why the chemical industry plays a prominent role