Sustainability is no longer an afterthought for India’s chemical industry—it’s a mandate. With increasing global scrutiny and domestic environmental regulations, leading industry bodies like the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) are playing crucial roles in steering the sector toward sustainable growth.
Sustainability Goals Set by Industry Bodies ICC’s Responsible Care program requires its members to implement best practices in health, safety, and environmental management. Over 250 member companies have signed on, covering more than 70% of India’s chemical output. These firms commit to reducing emissions, optimizing energy use, and using safer alternatives to hazardous substances.
FICCI’s Chemicals & Petrochemicals Committee drives sustainability policy at the national level. It has developed whitepapers in collaboration with NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Environment, focusing on carbon neutrality, green hydrogen integration, and bio-based alternatives.
Promoting Circular Economy and Waste Minimization The CII Industrial Innovation Council has launched pilot projects on circular economy practices in chemical clusters across Gujarat and Maharashtra. These pilots include solvent recovery units, chemical reuse systems, and reverse logistics for container disposal. One such project in Dahej reduced landfill waste by 30% over two years.
Capacity Building and Training These organizations conduct workshops to build capacity among MSMEs, helping them adopt ISO 14001 standards and move toward zero-discharge manufacturing systems. Webinars on climate risk disclosure, ESG reporting, and renewable energy transitions are helping align the sector with global investor expectations.
The Road Ahead The next decade will demand even more from the chemical industry, especially in aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ICC, FICCI, and CII are already pushing for incentives tied to green certifications and clearer definitions of sustainable practices.
India’s chemical industry can lead global sustainability efforts if guided by strong, consistent support from its institutional champions.
