The Function Streams - Great British Chemicals

Planet

This stream integrates quantitative supply chain data with qualitative inputs to identify efficiency opportunities and environmental challenges that may hinder sustainability. The roadmap to a sustainable net zero chemical industry necessarily requires a move towards benign-by-design chemicals from feedstocks, intermediates and products. The research aims to shape emerging technologies during early developmental stages to ensure they are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

By focusing on critical resources, minerals, and chemicals, the study will provide actionable recommendations for meeting future demand with minimal environmental impact.

Prosperity

This research stream emphasizes strong engagement with industries, corporations, and SMEs to analyse business models, supply chains, corporate structures, risks, strategies, and targets. The goal is to bridge research findings with practical applications, addressing key commercial questions and enabling successful translation into business in practice. Using techno-economic assessment models, the research will evaluate the costs, trade-offs, and synergies of promising innovations. A blockchain technology platform will enhance supply chain transparency thus providing a secure and immutable ledger of transactions that meets the needs for transparency in tracking the carbon footprint of products from production to delivery. Our Entrepreneurship activities will aim to develop commercial opportunities for licensing and the establishment of new spinout companies.

People and Society

This stream will address the pipeline of skills and talent, a clear and stable policy framework, an informed and empowered consumer base. Activities will facilitate inclusion across the diverse array of stakeholders, disseminate the outcomes to a variety of audiences, provide training and mentorship, promote and establish an entrepreneurial culture (alongside Prosperity), and championing the Technician Commitment to visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for our technical professionals. GBC will represent and act as advocates for the chemical and chemical using industries, summarising current evidence across the sector for representatives from government departments and communication to the public. These activities will be in partnership with experts and facilitated by our Stakeholder Forum. We invite you to partner with us in these efforts.