More than 85% of the outputs from the Australian chemicals and plastics sector are inputs to other sectors in the Australian economy. 1
Chemical processes underpin all industrial processes and affect the energy used in manufacturing most materials. There is a significant business opportunity for the chemicals sector to increase profits, market share and build customer loyalty through designing greener and more efficient chemical products, materials and services. Methods include:
- making the same products in new ways that use less energy
- creating corrosion-resistant chemical materials and metal products
- using lightweight plastic parts to improve fuel efficiency for transport vehicles
- reducing energy use in the manufacture and transport of packaging. The growing use of plastics means that today’s packaging is up to 80% lighter than the packaging of 1990 2
- new and novel catalysts developed by the chemical industry reduce the need for energy intensive chemical processes, e.g. novel catalysts enabling second generation biofuels 3
- materials for the construction industry that can significantly reduce energy use for building heating and cooling requirements, e.g. smart insulation materials, low emissivity windows, lighter materials, composites in construction and fittings. A McKinsey Global Institute study showed that the greenhouse gas emissions saved from the use of insulating materials is twice the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the chemicals sector 4
- improving the conversion efficiency and battery storage of renewable energy sources
- improving the materials used in the manufacture of wind turbines, solar panels, installation equipment and piping for geothermal systems
- extending the shelf-life of goods and other perishables in food production and storage.
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