Sustainable Chemistry for a sustainable world

Context

ISC3 operates as an international centre facilitating the transition of the chemical and chemical-related sectors towards Sustainable Chemistry. It champions a circular economy, striving to implement multifaceted aspects of sustainability at every step of the life cycle of products and prompt behavioural change across all stakeholders.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) hosts the ISC3. The centre consists of a Research & Education Hub located at the Leuphana University in Lüneburg and an Innovation Hub at the research institute DECHEMA in Frankfurt.

Founded in 2017, the centre originated through the initiative of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV, formerly BMU) and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).

Objective

The Centre facilitates the transformation towards Sustainable Chemistry as a major contribution to achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Approach

The transformation towards sustainability is key to meet existential global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and scarcity of resources.

To achieve the aims of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda (SDGs), the centre takes a multi-stakeholder approach, targeting policymakers, the public and private industry, academia and civil society as well as contributing globally to international chemicals policy, professional and academic trainings, advisory services, innovation, entrepreneurship and research. However, the facilitation of Sustainable Chemistry goes beyond the full life cycle of products, integrating system thinking across stages like development, manufacturing, usage, repair, reuse and recycling. It involves innovative approaches such as replacing specific chemical functions with service, new design, or both. This ensures that processes contribute not only to an increase in economic efficiency but also to a reduction of negative impacts on the environment and human health, while at the same time improving social responsibility through sustainable development and innovation.

Last update: January 2024