The Global Impact Coalition (GIC), a CEO-led collaborative platform dedicated to advancing a circular, net-zero future for the chemical value chain, has announced a strategic research partnership with scientists from ETH Zurich and five member companies—BASF, Clariant, Covestro, LyondellBasell, and SUEZ.
The initiative aims to explore the synergies between traditional chemical processes and emerging waste-conversion technologies. It focuses on the direct conversion of waste into chemicals, offering a more sustainable alternative to fossil feedstocks.
Unlocking the Potential of Direct Conversion
Direct conversion technology can transform complex waste streams into valuable C2+ chemical compounds such as ethylene and propylene. These compounds are crucial building blocks for a wide range of products, including plastics, detergents, paints, and textiles. By replacing fossil-based inputs, this process could deliver a low-emission, cost-effective solution. It reduces reliance on virgin resources and helps cut greenhouse gas emissions from chemical production.
“Our collaboration with ETH Zurich scientists represents a significant step toward realizing a circular and net-zero chemical industry,” said Charlie Tan, CEO of GIC. “By leveraging cutting-edge research and industry expertise, we aim to explore scalable solutions that address both environmental and economic challenges,” Tan.
Research at the Core
Under the collaboration, ETH Zurich researchers will carry out detailed environmental and techno-economic assessments of the direct conversion process. Their findings will evaluate its viability as a proof-of-concept and define conditions for potential pilot-scale projects. “The chemical industry must shift from fossil-based inputs to renewable and circular carbon sources,” said Professor André Bardow, Chair of Energy and Process Systems Engineering at ETH Zurich. “Through our collaboration with GIC, we’re exploring how to transform waste into essential chemicals—an important step toward operating within planetary boundaries,” Bardow added.
Industry Voices: Science Meets Practice
Leaders from GIC member companies highlighted the importance of bridging science with industrial application. “This partnership shows how science and industry together can drive real progress toward a circular future,” said Richard Haldimann, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Clariant and Chairman of the GIC Executive Committee. “With direct conversion technology, we can turn everyday waste into valuable chemical ingredients, cutting down on fossil resources and closing the loop in chemical production,” Haldimann added.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
The collaboration will tackle key challenges in waste-to-chemicals conversion, including:
*Processing heterogeneous waste streams effectively.
*Integrating new feedstocks into existing chemical value chains.
*Addressing the scalability of direct conversion technology.
The project combines GIC’s industry expertise with ETH Zurich’s research strength. It will build a shared knowledge base to accelerate progress in this emerging field.
GIC as a Convener of Innovation
As the convener of this initiative, GIC identified direct conversion as a research priority, enabling dialogue between academia and industry. By coordinating participation from member companies, GIC ensures that the research outcomes are grounded in real-world industrial needs and applications.
Toward a Net-Zero Chemical Industry
The partnership marks an important step in the global transition to circular chemistry. As per the press release, GIC and ETH Zurich are developing technologies that turn waste into chemical feedstocks. This initiative paves the way for sustainable production pathways, reduces dependence on fossil resources, and helps the industry move closer to its net-zero ambitions.
