The global sustainability transformation agenda is a call to action for nations, organisations and individuals to work together to address pressing environmental, social and economic challenges facing the world today. The agenda is framed around several key themes, including.
The agenda requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society organisations and individuals. By working together, we can create a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all.
The chemical industry has the potential to be a solution provider for sustainability by developing and producing materials and products that are environment-friendly, energy-efficient, and non-toxic. Some examples include providing chemicals and materials for energy transition including hydrogen economy, solar panels, electric energy storage, developing biodegradable plastics, and creating more efficient and less harmful green chemistries.
However, it's important to note that the chemical industry also has a significant environmental impact, and it is essential to ensure that sustainability measures are prioritised and implemented throughout the industry's operations. It generates ~US$ 4.7 trillion in revenues and employs over 15 million people. Globally, the industry emits > 2.3 Giga Tonnes of CO2 (~4% of the global emission) and is considered a ‘hard-to-abate’ industrial sector. The products from the chemical industry are used in > 90% of manufactured goods. Therefore, unless the chemical system transitions to a sustainable model of operation, it makes it challenging for other parts of the global economy using chemical products to be truly sustainable.
As an organisation with a mission of Serving Society Through Science, Tata Chemicals is committed to contribute and collaborate to support the sustainability transformation agenda. It is continually embedding sustainability in its current business and is proactively working with its supply chain partners and customers to achieve their sustainability goals.
The sustainability scope at Tata Chemicals encompasses reduction of the environmental impact of manufacturing and other business operations (led by Soda Ash) while maintaining the economic viability of its products.
In the chemicals manufacturing process, majority of the electricity consumption takes place in motors, pumps, as well as heating, cooling and control systems. Tata Chemicals' total electricity consumption is 547 GJ.
Majority of the thermal energy is used in the form of steam (>80%). While there are techno commercial challenges in transitioning to carbon-neutral thermal energy, Tata Chemicals has identified low carbon / zero carbon fuel switch options to accelerate the pace of sustainable growth.
It is estimated that 10% to 15% carbon reduction can be achieved with various energy efficiency solutions across both electrical and thermal energy.
Tata Chemicals' Carbon Capture Unit (CCU) in UK is now fully operational, with an annual capacity of 40,000 MT. The CCU unit services 100% CO2 requirement for sodium bicarbonate and sells surplus quantities in open market.
Tata Chemicals has a unique position in the Soda Ash value chain, having manufacturing and supply chain networks across four continents. This provides it with the ability to serve its global customers most economically, with the most optimum environment footprint.
Both synthetic and natural Soda Ash processes are water intensive.
Circularity is one of the core principles of green chemistry. In addition to renewable energy, Tata Chemicals also focusses on recycling waste and by-products to harness sustainable chemistry for propelling green growth.
Even though it is a part of the problem, the Chemicals Industry is, notably, also a significant solutions provider, contributing to the development of a sustainable global ecosystem. The global transition to a circular and net-zero-emissions economy is an opportunity for the chemicals system to grow its annual production volumes 2.5 times and create 11 million new jobs globally by 2050.
Tata Chemicals' core portfolio comprises Soda Ash, Salt and Bicarb, with adjacent products of Silica, Bromine and Chlorine derivatives. While the conventional application of these products has a stable outlook, growth is mainly driven by new applications linked to sustainability drivers. The Company aims to build leadership in these new applications by substantially investing in these products.
Tata Chemicals is the third largest producer of Soda Ash globally with installed capacities of 4.36 million MT. While, overall, long-term growth (CAGR) is projected at ~3% globally and ~6% in India, new application segments fuelling faster growth are Solar Glass and Lithium Carbonate, in addition to conventional applications.
Sodium Bicarbonate is projected to grow at ~3% globally and ~7% in India over the next five years. Tata Chemicals’ Carbon Capture unit is able to generate Pure Carbon Dioxide (~99.99% purity), enabling it to directly produce high grade carbon neutral Sodium Bicarbonate. Conventional applications of Sodium Bicarbonate include food, feed and pharmaceuticals, while its new sustainable applications include:
*Sustainable Application Segments include – Solar Glass, Lithium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate
In addition to being a key food ingredient, Salt is a versatile starting material for industrial chemicals. It is a key feedstock for synthetic Soda Ash, Caustic Soda and Chlorine Derivatives.
Silica is a versatile product used as an ingredient and intermediate in industrial, food, pharmaceutical and personal care applications. While the overall category is projected to grow at ~5% globally, its specialty variant, Highly Dispersible Silica (HDS), is projected to grow at >10%.
In line with its green growth agenda, Tata Chemicals is exploring and investing in tomorrow’s technologies aligned to the principles of green chemistry, i.e. renewable feedstock, sustainable green chemistries and eco-friendly applications.
Tata Chemicals is proactively engaging with customers, suppliers, academia and other supply chain partners to ensure inclusive transition to a greener tomorrow.
Location: Mithapur Plant
Picture Credit: Chirag R. Parmar
