Break

Most of the chemical industry was built 50 years ago. In the US there has not been a new large refinery built in the last 30 years. The chemical engineers that designed and built those facilities did it to meet the regulations placed at that time. Many facilities are now grandfathered in and therefore under no pressure to modify the existing facilities. Social pressure for change is being felt as the new workforce take over positions held before by Baby boomers. The generation called Gen-Z (now reaching 20) are different from previous generations since they are mostly driven by purpose instead of financial gain. Their new set of values and lifestyle are creating pressure in the chemical industry for products that have a reduced impact on the environment. This pressure will be expressed in our industry as new regulation or by consumer product selection. Should the chemical industry be proactive and work towards ways to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure a better position when this inevitable social pressure becomes the new normal. A few examples are discussed from the use of electricity to reduce fuel burning, to the reduction of flaring of associated gas.