Category: Videos

Chemicals are an integral part of nearly every industry, from consumer goods and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. With such broad influence, the chemical sector holds immense potential to help bring society into alignment with planetary boundaries. 

As environmental challenges such as climate change, nature loss and resource depletion intensify, the chemical industry must undergo a transformative shift. 

Here are three priorities to accelerate the sustainability transformation of the chemical sector. 

1. Product portfolio transformation

A core priority for the chemical sector is transforming its product portfolio to reduce reliance on fossil-based chemicals and embrace renewable and bio-based alternatives.  

This involves: 

• Shifting to renewable feedstocks: Chemical companies need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable resources such as biomass, algae and agricultural waste, which are now ready to be scaled up for widespread adoption. 
• Developing sustainable products: Increasing the share of bio-based, biodegradable and low-carbon chemicals, moving away from those that are harmful to human health and the environment, is urgent. 
• Applying sustainable chemistry principles: The industry must take an approach that minimizes hazardous substances and promotes processes that reduce waste. Companies are already exploring innovations like biocatalysts, which generate less waste and require less energy than traditional catalysts. 
• Embracing circularity: A circular mindset promotes the reuse and recycling of materials, designing products that can be easily recycled or remanufactured. 

2. Circularity 

Circularity is the next frontier in the chemical industry’s transformation, requiring a departure from the traditional linear model of production (produce, use, dispose) to a more sustainable, circular approach where products and materials are reused, remanufactured or recycled at the end of their lifecycle. Circularity in the chemical sector involves: 

•  Innovative recycling techniques: Chemical recycling, which breaks down plastics into their chemical components for reuse, offers a promising solution for addressing plastic waste, especially in cases where traditional mechanical recycling degrades material quality. 
• Systemic thinking: To tackle complex issues like plastic pollution, chemical companies must adopt a systems-level approach, assessing the entire lifecycle and climate impacts of potential solutions. 
• Cost-effective, scalable solutions: Although circularity often comes with high initial costs, the long-term benefits for the environment and for companies that can pioneer these technologies will be significant. Circularity must become a mindset rather than an isolated pilot project, requiring collaboration across the value chain to make it successful. 

3. Nature and Decarbonization

The chemical industry is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions and environmental degradation. While many chemical companies are already targeting emissions reduction through renewable energy use, the challenge extends beyond carbon. Nature-based solutions offer an expanded framework for protecting biodiversity, water and soil, avoiding the pitfalls of carbon “tunnel vision”: 

• Decarbonizing production: Companies must accelerate the transition of their facilities to run on renewable energy sources to turn CO2 into feedstock for chemical production. 
• Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems: Novel chemical substances, both human-made and natural, often have harmful, long-lasting impacts on ecosystems. The industry must consider broader planetary boundaries, working within frameworks like the Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) to protect water, soil and biodiversity. This is especially important as the sector accelerates the adoption of bio-based feedstocks. 
• Holistic sustainability goals: The industry must look beyond reducing emissions, embracing a comprehensive sustainability approach that addresses multiple environmental challenges simultaneously, from soil health to water conservation. Companies with advanced climate plans in place must reassess them through a nature lens, ensuring impacts aren’t shifted to other environmental areas, such as water or biodiversity. 

The path to a sustainable future for the chemical sector requires bold, decisive action and long-term vision. By shifting product portfolios, adopting circularity principles and embracing a holistic approach to decarbonization and nature preservation, the chemical industry can become a driving force for sustainability. These priorities not only ensure regulatory compliance and future-proof operations but also open up opportunities for innovation, cost savings and competitive advantage. Leading this transformation today will position chemical companies — and those they fuel — to thrive. 

How can we define a sustainable raw material? How are preferred materials key to both sustainability and future profitability? What can businesses do to prepare for Materials transformation? In this video, Philipp Meister, Quantis’ Global Lead for Fashion & Sporting Goods and Jocelyn Wilkinson, BCG’s Partner and Associate Director answer these key questions from the fashion & sporting goods industry.

To get the full insights, access the “Sustainable Raw Materials Will Drive Profitability for Fashion and Apparel Brands” report. This report provides a valuable resource for fashion and apparel brands seeking to establish robust strategies in relation to sustainable raw materials in a fast-evolving context.

The integration of nature into corporate strategies remains critical, yet underexplored. Despite the interconnectedness between climate and nature, many companies grapple with establishing an integrated approach. Companies that adopt holistic, nature-centric strategies stand not only to protect their operations, but also lead the business community towards responsible stewardship of our planet’s resources. Watch Quantis Global Water and Ad Interim Biodiversity Lead Tatiana Fedotova’s interview with Global Leader Allon Zeitoun to learn more.

2024 represents a critical opportunity for fashion and apparel companies to accelerate action on corporate sustainability initiatives. Our experts came up with four key themes for companies to embrace in the coming year to double down on their contribution to a sustainable future where both business and planet can flourish. 

1. Prepare for the upcoming regulatory landscape.

Globally, fashion and apparel brands will have to contend with more than 35 pieces of significant new legislation in the next several years, as highlighted in our report titled Sustainable Raw Materials Will Drive Profitability for Fashion and Apparel Brands. Upcoming regulations will touch on every aspect from manufacturer, brand, and retailer operations, covering all life cycle stages of a product. Some such changes include: 

• The way products are designed with the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation; 
• How products are marketed with the EU’s Green Claims Directive; and 
• How they’re discarded with the EU’s Waste Framework Directive and the Extended Producer Responsibility. 

As the regulatory environment evolves, companies must proactively align their strategies to ensure compliance to both uphold sustainable practices and safeguard the industry’s future. 

2. Set science-driven targets for nature.

The call is clear: Fashion brands need to embrace sustainability and embark on a holistic transformation journey toward a future where fashion and nature coexist harmoniously. The relationship between fashion and nature needs to shift from extractive to reciprocal – nature provides the resources that underpin the industry and, in return, the industry must take actions that protect and restore ecosystems. One of the most pressing issues that fashion companies face is their overreliance on finite resources such as water, land and raw materials. If companies fail to reduce their impacts and dependencies on these various nature topics, they could expose themselves to operational, regulatory and reputational risk.

3. Transform product portfolios.

At the core of every brand’s identity lies its products, and as the industry pivots towards sustainability, a profound reassessment of product portfolios is imperative. Brands must embrace strategic pathways that diverge from traditional, linear business models and instead operate within planetary boundaries. Innovations in product design, manufacturing processes and material selection – or even reimagining the core structure of a brand’s business – can position brands as pioneers of meaningful change, fostering both sustainability and business resilience. 

4. Invest in data digitalization.

Digitalization is a big trend impacting footprint integration, at both corporate and product levels. With this shift come new complexities, all while existing impact assessment challenges (like tracking progress, developing roadmaps and transforming products and process) remain. In the current context of rapid growth and consolidation of the footprinting software market, brands need trusted support that ensures sustainability science drives selection criteria and decision making. Armed with the right insights, teams can make informed decisions that bring them closer to goals, mitigate risk and help the company adapt to a changing landscape.

In response to the heightened demand for transparency and environmental stewardship, especially from health authorities in the pharmaceutical sector, industry players are undergoing a transformative shift toward integrating planet health with human health. Quantis experts have identified three pivotal pillars for 2024 that will play a critical role in shaping the future of sustainable pharmaceutical companies.  

1. Increase ecodesign & circularity. 

Ecodesign is essential to address the rising demand from health authorities and regulators for increased transparency around the environmental impacts of pharmaceutical products. This approach not only allows organizations to align with stakeholder expectations but also fosters a culture of accountability within the industry, accelerating the shift towards sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices. 

2. Adopt sustainable manufacturing & supply chain practices. 

The market is increasingly demanding more sustainable manufacturing processes, waste reduction, and the integration of sustainable practices within the supply chain. When implemented correctly, these changes increase process efficiency, enhance product quality and ensure long-term business continuity and resilience.  

3. Set an integrated nature strategy and science-based targets. 

Given the functional integrity of ecosystems is critical for human health, it’s imperative that pharma companies assess their nature-related risks, set science-based targets for nature and develop a detailed action plan to preserve their ability to develop new drugs and medicines. This shift in focus acknowledges the interconnectedness of pharmaceutical activities with nature, aligning the sector with broader environmental objectives and enacting sustainable transformation within the industry. 

For the cosmetics and personal care industry, 2024 represents a year of opportunity to move beyond sustainability pledges and implement tangible actions. Our experts highlighted five key themes to guide action in the coming year toward a sustainable future where both business and the well-being of the planet thrive. 

1. Increase consumer education and engagement

The product use phase is responsible for 40% of the cosmetic industry’s environmental impact. While companies can set sustainability strategies and act themselves, changes in consumer behavior are imperative to making real progress on sustainability goals. Changes in consumer habits, through a mix of education and incentivization, can help companies deliver on their sustainability commitments. The industry is working to increase consumer awareness and engagement through the EcoBeautyScore, a harmonized environmental score for cosmetics products. 

2. Embrace ecodesign and circularity

Companies need to maximize their business impact within planetary boundaries by integrating ecodesign into every stage of product development, distribution and disposal. By approaching product production through a holistic, sustainable lens, companies open doors to new opportunities while also avoiding potential negative trade-offs, such as solutions that may advance climate goals but contribute to land degradation. 

3. Incorporate new ingredients

The cosmetics and personal care industry is witnessing a notable sustainability trend driven by the incorporation of new and innovative ingredients into products. Preserving nature and biodiversity can open the door to new plants and species that can be utilized for innovative cosmetics ingredients. 

4. Drive climate action toward a net-zero future

In order to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the cosmetics industry needs to make more significant progress on climate goals. Cosmetics companies have several practices they can operationalize to accelerate this journey — from sustainable sourcing and circularity to product labelling, supply chain decarbonization and innovative packaging solutions. 

5. Adopt an integrated nature strategy and set science-based targets

While many cosmetics companies have a strategy in place to address their climate impacts, there’s also a growing awareness of the industry’s impacts and dependencies on nature, including biodiversity. Cosmetics and personal care companies need to assess their nature-related risks and dependencies, set science-based targets for nature and develop a detailed action plan to achieve their 2030 goals.  

For the food and beverage industry, 2024 presents a pivotal moment for companies to move beyond sustainability commitments to decisive action. Our experts came up with five key themes for 2024 to guide companies, and the industry at large, toward a sustainable future in which both business and the planet can thrive. 

1. Increase resilience in the food supply chain

In the face of potential financial crises and unforeseen environmental shocks, companies must invest in supply chain programs that foster business resilience. Increasing investments in regenerative agriculture programs can ensure long-term commodity supply, nurture farmer and grower relationships and secure business continuity within a planetary-aligned economy. By prioritizing sustainability in the supply chain, companies can adapt to disruptions and contribute to a more robust, sustainable food ecosystem. 

2. Transform product portfolios

What are the highest– and lowest-performing products across environmental, nutritional, quality and profitability metrics? A forward-thinking approach to sustainability involves a comprehensive assessment of alternative ingredients, recipes, packaging design and portion sizing. Scaling sustainable practices requires pragmatic piloting and collaboration within the industry. Innovation in product portfolios should be driven by both the desire to reduce environmental impacts and risks while also meeting consumer demands for quality and diversity. 

3. Shift away from carbon tunnel vision

To effectively transition our food systems to align with a planetary economy, companies have to broaden their perspective beyond purely reducing carbon emissions. In the food and beverage industry, nature has a crucial role to play, given the sector’s heavy dependence on agriculture. While leaders may be overwhelmed by the idea of adopting a nature strategy in addition to climate initiatives, nature strategies can actually enable companies to reach their climate goals and ensure long-term resilience. 

4. Drive consumer behavior changes. 

While setting nature and climate strategies can help lead companies in the right direction toward holistic sustainable transformation, it’s just as important to embark stakeholders—especially consumers, in the push for progress on sustainability goals. Companies remind consumers of their direct impact on planetary boundaries and how to positively contribute to corporate sustainability goals through responsible consumption, reducing food waste and encouraging more sustainable diets. 

5. Prepare for the upcoming regulatory landscape. 

Preparation is key when adapting to ever-evolving regulations. Companies should hold C-suite, board members and functional leaders accountable to ensure compliance with upcoming regulations related to deforestation, packaging, ecolabeling and broader ESG reporting. Some such regulations to be aware of include the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Staying ahead of regulatory changes in end markets and supplier regions will not only avoid incurring the cost of inaction, but also position companies as leaders in sustainability. 

“Circular economy” is all the buzz. But what does it look like in practice? Should companies embrace its principles? Circularity calls for a shift from a linear take-make-waste model towards one based on sharing, leasing, reuse, repair and recycling. For companies, it presents significant opportunities to innovate and future-proof their business. It’s a win-win, yet when it comes to connecting the dots between circularity and sustainability strategies — and how to measure progress — companies are at a loss. In this video,  Quantis Global Plastics + Packaging Lead Laura Peano explains what circularity means for business and how companies can start embracing its principles.

As companies strive for more circular value chains, “plastic neutrality” is becoming the North Star of packaging. To get there, many are turning to plastic credits. But what, exactly, are they? And how should they fit within a plastic strategy? As with carbon credits, not all plastic credits are created equal. Companies need to ensure they do their homework on the quality of the credits and avoid using them as a replacement for a long-term, science-based strategy focused on transforming value chains in line with a circular economy. In this video, Quantis’ Global Plastics + Packaging Lead, Laura Peano, breaks down plastic credits and how to get them right.

The fashion industry is highly dependent on nature, with nearly 40% of textiles sourced from plants, forests and animals. Apparel and footwear brands cannot afford to stall action to tackle biodiversity loss across their value chains. But too often, companies are focusing on just a fraction of the supply chain, which translates into minimal impact reduction. In this video, Quantis’ Global Biodiversity Lead Edith Martin explains how fashion brands can tackle biodiversity loss where it counts.

As companies recognize the need to prioritize action on plastics, more and more are making public commitments to demonstrate this shift. But some common pitfalls stand in the way of action to effectively tackle plastics impacts. Assumptions — instead of science — too often influence the approach taken, which can lead to unintended consequences or failure to target the efforts that can bring the most positive change. So before jumping on the latest trend, there are a number of key boxes that companies should check through a science-based plastics strategy. In this video, Quantis’ plastics expert Laura Peano outlines three of the most frequent mistakes businesses make and how to avoid them.

The food sector is an important driver of biodiversity loss through its impact on land-use change, climate change and water depletion and pollution. This means dangerous consequences on ecological — and business — resilience. Continuing down this path represents lower yields, reduced crop quality and poor nutritional value for food crops. To avoid a worst-case-scenario, agri-food companies need to act fast to halt and reverse nature loss by taking action where it counts. Watch our biodiversity expert Edith Martin walk us through examples of what that looks like in the food sector.

More and more companies are placing biodiversity at the top of their priority list. Yet many businesses still aren’t sure where to begin to meaningfully tackle nature loss. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t bring meaningful progress. Instead, companies need to tackle the areas most impacted by their business. This can look pretty different depending on the industry. For cosmetics and personal care, the main drivers of nature biodiversity loss are linked to climate change, water depletion and pollution and land-use change in particular. With that in mind, how can the sector take relevant actions to curb their footprints on nature and maximize positive impact? Discover three examples of sector-specific steps that cosmetics and personal care brands can take with our biodiversity expert, Edith Martin.

As companies ramp up their climate strategies, they’re looking to offsets to help reach net zero targets. But not all offsets are created equal. What does the science say? Companies should prioritize offsetting projects that avoid emissions from being released in the first place, before turning to offsetting projects to remove residual emissions from the atmosphere. It’s important that businesses do their homework thoroughly before hitting “go” on an offset project. Watch Charlotte Bande walk you through some best practices to ensure your approach to offsetting meaningfully contributes to your climate goals.

Businesses are starting to recognize biodiversity as a key ally in tackling climate change and securing a resilient future. But the corporate actions taken vary in their effectiveness. In order to drive meaningful change, companies need a full picture of their footprint on nature and a strategy to target interventions where they matter most.

If you aren’t sure where a biodiversity strategy fits in your company, or which interventions to prioritize — this video will give you a quick overview with three steps to get biodiversity action right.

When it comes to climate strategy, it’s easy to get muddled by all the buzzwords. In a new video series, our climate expert Charlotte Bande tackles the most common questions raised by companies looking to make meaningful contributions to net zero. First up, what’s the difference between reduction, avoidance and removal? How should it shape a company’s climate strategy? Let Charlotte break it down for you and point out where your business should prioritize action.

Have a climate question on your mind? Get in touch with Charlotte Bande.

It’s International Day of Forests and this year’s theme —Forest Restoration: A path to recovery and well-being — couldn’t be timelier.

The importance of forests to biodiversity, ecosystem services, food systems, human health, local economies and tackling climate change can’t be overstated. The events of the past 12 months have provided evidence of our inextricable link to nature and the dangers of upsetting this fine balance, as well as a wakeup call to what’s in store if we continue to hit the snooze button.

Yet during that same period, deforestation increased by more than 50%. At the same time, companies missed the mark on a major milestone on the road to eliminating deforestation from their supply chains by 2030 — halving deforestation by 2020.