SusChem: the network driving innovation in sustainable chemistry

Advocates for sustainable chemistry

SusChem is the European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry. It serves as a collaborative forum where diverse groups such as industry, academia, governmental policy makers, and broader society come together to drive innovation in sustainable chemistry. SusChem aims to promote a competitive and innovative Europe where sustainable chemistry and biotechnology offer solutions for future generations.

SusChem’s Mission is to initiate and inspire European chemical and biochemical innovations that address societal challenges by delivering sustainable solutions. With a network of over 3,200 members, SusChem advocates for sustainable chemistry as a key contributor to the European Commission’s agenda. The platform’s primary focus is on providing expert input on topics related to sustainable chemistry.

National Technology Platforms

SusChem has built a strong network of 18 National Technology Platforms (NTPs) across Europe, spanning countries like Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, the UK, and Portugal.

Key aspects of the NTP network:

• Approximately 20,000 members from academia, Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs), national governments, industries (including Small and Medium Enterprises or SMEs).
• NTPs act as a bridge, connecting European agendas with national and regional initiatives.
• They identify national priorities for consolidation at the European level, ensuring cohesion and unity in addressing scientific and industrial challenges.

SusChem UK alliance

The UK’s SusChem NTP (SusChem UK) aims to support the UK chemical industry by fostering innovation and promoting sustainable practices. The platform aligns the UK’s chemical industry with European sustainable development goals while tailoring its approach to meet the country’s specific regulatory and market environment.

SusChem UK is an alliance of five organisations operating in the British chemistry-using sector:

• Innovate UK Business Connect
• Chemical Industries Association
• Institution of Chemical Engineers
• Royal Society of Chemistry
• Society of Chemical Industry.

Innovate UK Business Connect provides the secretariat and connects with the SusChem European Technology Platform.

Accelerating research and innovation 

SusChem has played a crucial role in establishing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which the European Commission facilitates to accelerate research and innovation in key industrial sectors. Major PPPs that SusChem has supported include:

• SPIRE – Processes 4 Planet Research Association
• BBI JU – Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

SusChem’s network has contributed significantly to the development of all eight building blocks of the Transition Pathway, which is essential for Europe’s sustainable future. Some of their notable contributions include:

• Crafting an executive summary that provides a clear, concise overview of key documents.
• Developing a robust innovation agenda that incorporates the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach to drive innovation and growth.
• Encouraging the use of digital tools for Research & Innovation (R&I), including Artificial Intelligence (AI) models for predicting SSbD chemicals, materials, and products.
• Supporting PPPs such as Clean Hydrogen, Batteries, Key Digital Technologies, which are essential for promoting technological competitiveness. These partnerships facilitate collaboration across the value chain, helping SMEs, large industries, research institutes, and academia.
• Advocating for the use of blockchain to enhance transparency and develop digital product passports.
• Proposing improvements in infrastructure to ensure faster transportation of goods, information, and energy through enhanced roads, railways, internet, grids, and pipelines.

Current initiatives supported by SusChem

• European Materials Ecosystem for the Green and Digital Transition
  SusChem is a driving force behind the European Materials ecosystem, contributing to a sustainable, inclusive European society. The platform works in partnership with EMIRI, MANUFUTURE, and EUMAT. The recent confirmation of IAM4EU as a new PPP under Horizon Europe further solidifies its influence.
• International Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design Network
  SusChem’s NTPs act as project partners in this network, serving as regional hubs for coordinating activities and facilitating information flow among member states.

How to get involved

Innovate UK Business Connect is the NTP contact for the UK. If you are interested in learning more about SusChem, feel free to reach out to us. The platform welcomes inquiries and can connect you with the appropriate contacts to get involved.

Contact information: geraldine.durand@iuk.ktn-uk.org

For more information, please visit: SusChem.