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the primary building block for products complicates the shift towards climate neutrality. In fact, upstream and downstream activities contribute to over 60-70% of emissions, primarily stemming from fossil-based feedstocks. Thus, to achieve a net-zero and circular economy, concerted efforts must be directed towards innovative and alternative feedstocks and effective end-of-life processes.
Promoting sustainability in supply chains In an increasingly conscientious marketplace, companies must prioritise fact-based communication regarding the environmental contributions of their products and services. For companies with established Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) expertise, this development is neither surprising nor difficult. Organisations that have invested in building strong LCA capabilities are well-equipped to adapt to new standards and methodologies as they emerge. Their familiarity with the principles of LCA allows them to efficiently integrate these developments into their existing processes, ensuring that they can maintain compliance while also leveraging the insights gained from LCA to drive sustainability initiatives. As a result, these companies are positioned to lead the way in implementing innovative practices that align with evolving environmental expectations.
Benchmarking sustainability practices is crucial for companies aiming to stimulate market interest and respond to consumer demand. Without the means to accurately measure and compare their sustainability efforts, companies risk falling behind in the necessary investments to support their green transformation strategies. Recent regulatory frameworks addressing corporate sustainability reporting, due diligence, deforestation, and taxonomy underscore the need of identifying and mitigating risks related to environmental violations and human rights abuses. Fact-based communication, effective benchmarking, and collaborative initiatives are vital to ensure a level playing field and promote sustainability across various value chains.
The role of policy in driving change Regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in establishing a supportive environment for industry transformation. However, the lack of harmonisation across different regulations can create barriers that generate market uncertainty. While there is considerable ambition level set by the industry, the
18 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.185 FEBRUARY 2025
lack of alignment between policies and market dynamics creates uncertainty, making it challenging for companies to commit to the long-term investments. To address these challenges, clear and consistent regulatory frameworks that encourage the use of renewable feedstocks are essential. Alternative feedstocks, including bio-based, recycled, and CO2
-based resources, are integral to achieving
a net-zero and circular economy. While bio-based feedstocks are expected to play a significant role in the immediate term, establishing sustainability sourcing principles and/or sustainable feedstock criteria is critical for scaling these alternatives over the long term. Key considerations such as additionality, land-use change, land-use occupation, and biodiversity. still require fundamental methodological discussions and practical implementation.
At present, the focus is still on specific rules for carbon accounting, which enhance accuracy, consistency, credibility, and transparency in communication along the value chain. In 2024, this author led a cross-sectoral initiative advocating for scientifically rigorous and policy-coherent accounting rules for biogenic carbon. The industry’s most recent joint statement calls for the implementation of the -1/+1 accounting method, which allows for the clear reporting of biogenic and fossil carbon content. This distinction aids stakeholders in understanding the environmental impacts associated with each carbon source. Implementing these regulatory changes means opening up the market for low-fossil carbon products, stimulating market acceptance and attractiveness for bio-attributed and bio-based products, and helping to drive the transition.
Understanding consumer needs and challenges As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, there is a heightened demand for sustainable product alternatives. Meeting these expectations necessitates active consumer involvement in the design process, ensuring that products align with their needs and concerns. The EU Green Deal, a comprehensive suite of initiatives designed to facilitate sustainable production and consumption, has introduced key policies such as the Green Claims Directive, the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive, and the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation.
One significant aspect of this transition is the
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