How can the chemical industry get to net zero?
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How can the chemical industry get to net zero?
Fri, 01/05/2026 - 11:00 to 12:00
Location:
Speaker:
Sarah Davidson
Affiliation:
Croda International Plc
Synopsis:
Achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions is one of the defining challenges for the chemical industry, requiring fundamental changes in how products are designed, sourced, and manufactured. For Croda, a global supplier of speciality ingredients used in everyday products from cosmetics to medicines, achieving net zero is not just a long term ambition but a practical, ongoing journey. This presentation will explore how Croda is turning net zero commitments into real-world action, explaining what net zero means in practice and why it is particularly challenging for global supply chains. Through examples from Croda, you will learn how choices around raw materials, innovation, and product design can significantly influence climate impact far beyond factory walls. And challenge common assumptions—such as whether “natural” or “biobased” materials are always better for the climate. The aim is to demystify net zero, showing how industry and academia can work together to build a lower carbon future that balances performance, sustainability, and purpose.
About Croda: Croda International Plc is a specialty chemicals company that creates high-performance ingredients and solutions principally for Consumer Care and Life Sciences markets. Established in 1925 and headquartered in the UK, Croda is a FTSE 100 company with over 5,900 employees across 91 locations in 36 countries. Revenues in 2025 were £1.7 billion. As the name behind some of the world’s most successful brands, Croda combines knowledge, passion and entrepreneurial spirit to develop and supply innovative ingredients relied on by industries and consumers worldwide. Its smart science is found in everyday products ranging from sun protection to life-saving pharmaceuticals and crop-enhancing formulations. With a shared Purpose to use Smart science to improve lives™, and with the majority of its organic raw materials already derived from bio-based sources, Croda is committed to becoming Climate, Nature and People Positive by 2030.
Biography:
Sarah has several years’ experience working in the chemicals industry, and in that time has become a specialist in sustainable chemicals. This builds on her education, where she earned a master’s degree in chemistry with industrial experience from the University of Sheffield. Sarah has held various roles at Croda showcasing a strong background in sustainability and research development. Currently holding the role of Technology Development Lead, Sarah works to identify new technologies and partners, build external relationships, and support long-term innovation projects across Croda’s global consumer care and life sciences businesses. This includes developing Net Zero roadmaps, leading global R&D communications, and championing sustainability assessment tools. Through her experience, Sarah has built a vast external network across the chemicals sector.