Chemistry plays a vital role in our everyday lives. Chemicals, from intermediate to final products, are essential for our well-being, health, and comfort. The products of the chemical industry are present all around us, whether we are aware of them or not. For instance, lubricants are crucial for the functioning of our cars and gas turbines, as well as many other products and services, with their hidden power. It’s important to consider both the financial costs and the environmental impacts of this diversity and efficiency in the “production-consumption-service” cycle. The environmental impacts of production, products, and services are evaluated through standards through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies.
First, the processing and transformation of wood began. Wood chemicals, such as wood spirit, wood alcohol (methanol), and charcoal, became essential. Ores, plant materials, and animal products also became significant for our lives. Initially, alchemy, chemistry, and chemists played a role. The concept of “Industrial Chemistry” emerged in the 1800s, leading to advancements in batch processes. The term “Chemical Engineering,” derived from “Industrial Chemist,” was introduced in the 1880s, coinciding with the discovery of coal, the Industrial Revolution, coal chemicals, and consumer products like soap. This era also saw the development of continuous processes and large-volume productions through advancements in chemical technologies, processes, and basic operations.
The book “Chemical Technology” by Friedrich Ludwig Knapp, Edmund Ronalds, and Thomas Richardson was published in 1848. In 1887, George E. Davis delivered the first chemical engineering course at the University of Manchester, covering industrial chemistry applications in 12 lectures. This marked the establishment of chemical engineering as a profession in the United Kingdom. George E. Davis is recognized as the world’s first chemical engineer. The United Kingdom Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) was established in 1881, the United Kingdom Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) in 1922, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) in 1908. I deliver a course on “Chemical Technologies” in coordination with our sector, at which I mainly focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
With rapid advancements in science, technology, and industry, Chemical Engineering and our industry started to rise. In the 1960s, there was a shift towards questioning production methods, leading to the emergence of Green Chemistry, Bio-based Industrial Products, and LCA considerations. Environmental impacts were brought to the forefront as discussions around the finite resources for raw materials and energy needs gained momentum. In 1963, Harold Smith presented the cumulative energy requirements for chemical by-products and products at the World Energy Conference. In 1969, Coca-Cola initiated studies to select beverage cans with the least environmental harm, which laid the foundation for LCA data analysis. Due to the lack of industrial data at the time, technical publications from the state were used as sources, and studies focusing on energy and waste management for products such as beverage packaging, detergent, and diapers were conducted. Numerous studies were carried out, but conflicting results arose due to the absence of a common method. Organizations defended their products as environmentally friendly, leading to unfounded statements and tarnishing the image of LCA studies. Determining resource use and environmental damage was eventually named “Resource and Environmental Profile Analysis” in the USA and “Ecobalance” in Europe. From 1970 to 1975, 15 “Resource and Environmental Profile Analyses” were conducted in response to the oil crises and prominent air pollution problems. While the number of such analyses decreased with the easing of the oil crisis in the 1980s, the focus shifted toward waste management. Despite this, LCA data analysis and method developments continued.
As the LCA studies progressed, great progress was made in the United Nations (UN) in the 70s, 80s, and 90s for the interaction of humans, industry, development, and the planet, as given below:
- The UN Human Environment Conference, Stockholm Declaration and Action Plan for the Human Environment (June 5-16, 1972, decision on the celebration of the World Environment Day)
- Establishment of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP), 1972
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUNCN, Importance of pollution control in production), the World Conservation Strategy, 1980
- Definition of Sustainable Development with the Brundtland Report, 1987
- Establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), 1988
- The UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, Joint Goal of Sustainable Development, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development), 1992
- The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, Climate Law),1994
In 1989, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) integrated LCA into its structure and established a technical work plan with definitions. Since 1994, LCA studies have been conducted in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard series. In 2002, the “UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative” was launched, which undertakes projects for Life Cycle Management (LCM) in the business world and provides global guidance.
When I first learned about “Life Cycle Assessment” while reading about engine biofuels, I felt a great sense of technical excitement. In addition to considering solid, liquid, and gas pollutants, waste, flue gas, exhaust gas, and their effects, I found the calculation and comparison of the various environmental impacts a product has on humans and nature, as well as its effect on resource depletion, to be fascinating. I prioritized studying LCA in my academic group, and I plan to write about the developments in our country’s chemical industry with a special focus on LCA in the future.
First, there were the UN Millennium Development Goals. In 2015, we advanced with the three promises: to “End extreme poverty; Fight inequality and injustice; and Fix climate change” through the UN Agenda 2030: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The first UNFCCC Conference of the Parties, COP1, took place in Berlin in 1995, and COP2 was held in Geneva in 1996. With the establishment of the European Union (EU) in 1993, policy and strategy-making gained momentum after 1995. In 2007, the publications “Limiting Global Climate Change to 2°C: The Way Ahead for 2020 and Beyond COM (2007) 2” and the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan): Towards a Low-Carbon Future COM (2007) 723” were released, showing the EU’s dedication to climate goals. Additionally, in 2019, the EU Green Deal and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) with its relevant legislation were introduced, signifying a commitment to environmental protection. These efforts reflect a joint push towards a greener, digital, and circular economy, emphasizing decarbonization and sustainability. It means LCM is particularly essential for the chemical industry.
The Green Deal Action Plan dated July 2021, which is being renewed, incorporates LCA into its “Green and Circular Economy” goals. It mentions, “As part of our efforts to advance LCA research in our country, we will create a National LCA Database and establish a National LCA Platform.”
The conference titled “Green Engineering: Defining the Principles” took place in May 2013 and brought together 65 chemists and engineers from industry, academia, and the public. The outcome of the conference is the “Sandestin Declaration: 9 Principles of Green Engineering,” which emphasizes sustainable production, highlights the leading role of LCA, and declares the motto as “Use life cycle thinking in all engineering activities.”
When we examine all the recent developments, the importance of our chemical industry stands out as critical, as it is the driving force behind our exports. This industry produces a wide range of chemicals, intermediate products, and final products, and it also supplies materials to 26 different sectors. Our organizations are actively working in this field. As always, I want to emphasize the importance of the Green Passport, which signifies progress toward sustainable production and strong exports of products with a low carbon footprint. This represents a significant transformation for change, without rushing into anything. It’s important to remember that environmental impact extends beyond just carbon footprint. Let’s not forget that and continue to work diligently. There is much to accomplish.
The 9th Istanbul Carbon Summit, themed “Climate Change-Related Risks, Opportunities, and Carbon Trade,” was held at ITU on May 6-7, 2024, and the session on “Carbon Management and Industry” was chaired by Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, President of TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, which was a great honor for our summit. Sezgin Bayrak, CFN Kimya Sustainability Leader; Büşra Erdem, Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Turkuaz Polyester at GEBKİM OSB and an ITU Graduate; Selma Meydan Mete, GÜLÇİÇEK Kimya Sustainability and Ethics Manager; Dr. Aysel Zahidova, R&D and Innovation Process Development Manager at SOCAR Turkey; Dr. Erol Metin, Advisor to the Board of Directors at TAYRAŞ; and Tuğba Serez, Supply Chain and Customer Operations Director at UNILEVER. Additionally, the topic of “Production, Export, and the European Union Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism: Is Turkey Ready?” was discussed by Adil Pelister, Board Chairman of the Istanbul Chemicals and Chemical Products Exporters’ Association (İKMİB) and an ITU Graduate.
The 9th Istanbul Carbon Summit saw a significant level of engagement with a record number of delegates. The breakdown of attendees was as follows: 91% from the business world, 5% were students, 1.5% from the public sector, 1.5% from academia, and 1% from civil society. The Summit Final Report and Presentation E-Book will be made available on the websites of the summit and SÜT-D to maximize stakeholder impact. Save the date for the upcoming event at our green Ayazağa Campus in Turkey, titled “Sustainable Solutions and the Power of Green Funds on the Way to Decarbonization,” taking place on April 14-15, 2025.
