Page 180 - CW E-Magazine (7-1-2025)

18th Annual GPCA Forum

reducing our greenhouse gas emissions reliable, base-load solutions like natu- to transform plastic waste and other
by 5-million metric tons,” he said. ral gas, carbon capture, and nuclear” alternative feedstock to commercialise
are equally necessary. He highlighted 3-mtpa of circular and renewable solu-
In its push for decarbonisation, Dow’s collaboration with X-energy to tions.
Dow has launched a number of ambi- deploy small modular nuclear reactors
tious initiatives. One key project is at a Texas (US) facility, which will pro- Dow’s efforts in sustainability are
the Path-2-Zero initiative in Alberta, vide zero-emissions power and steam already yielding positive results, with
Canada, which will be the world’s production to the entire site. the company’s circular economy initia-
first ethylene & derivatives complex tives expected to generate $500-mn
with net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emis- Circular economy and plastics in incremental earnings by 2030, said
sions. Addressing the growing concern Mr. Fitterling.
over plastic waste, Mr. Fitterling un-
The project includes creating a new derscored Dow’s commitment to deve- The Dow chief stressed the need for
2-mtpa ethylene cracker and retrofit- loping a circular economy for plastics. global collaboration between businesses,
ting the existing 1.5-mtpa cracker to be Despite plastics’ role in improving fuel governments, and consumers to ensure
powered by hydrogen produced from efficiency, medical advancements, and that circularity becomes a growth
the byproducts of the crackers. The food preservation, the issue of plas- driver, rather than a roadblock. “The
project is set to reduce CO emissions tic waste remains pressing. “The issue chemical industry has always been
2
by 1-mtpa, and would be the largest isn’t what plastics do; it’s where plas- capable of innovating solutions. We
hydrogen and carbon capture project tics go,” he remarked. change the composition of materials to
ever undertaken by the industry. make them stronger, more resilient, and
With less than 10% of plastic purpose-built for the future,” he said
Mr. Fitterling noted that energy being recycled globally, Dow is focused and called on the industry to act with
transition must be inclusive of all on transforming plastic waste into urgency and lead the charge toward a
energy solutions. While renewables renewable feedstocks. The company is sustainable, productive, and profitable
will continue to be vital, “low-cost, working with partners around the world future.

Syensqo’s CEO advocates for competitive and

innovation-friendly regulatory environment

Dr. Ilham Kadri, CEO, Syensqo,
addressed the profound changes fac-
ing the global chemical industry and
the pivotal role chemistry will play in
shaping a sustainable future.

Reflecting on her personal journey
as a chemist, Dr. Kadri shared her deep
belief in the importance of chemistry.
She emphasised that the challenge is not
with the materials themselves – such
as carbon and plastic – but with how
they are used, recycled, and integrated
into a circular economy. “Chemis-
try is the mother of all industries,” she
said, highlighting its role in solving the
most pressing global challenges.

Dr. Kadri pointed out the seismic
shifts in global chemical production, Dr. Ilham Kadri

180 Chemical Weekly January 7, 2025

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