What is the importance of raw materials in the chemical industry?

Chemical raw materials are an essential part of industrial production. They help to produce a variety of products, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and pesticides. In order to ensure that the raw materials chosen for industrial use are of high quality, it is important to understand the different qualities that are important.

Quality chemical raw materialschemical raw materials play an important role in many industries. They are used to produce a wide range of products, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and pesticides. It is important to select high-quality raw materials in order to ensure the production of reliable products.

This article will provide an in-depth look at the key factors to consider when looking for quality chemical raw materials. The article will cover critical aspects such as the purity of the raw material, the source of the raw material, the supplier's reputation, analytical testing, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

By taking these factors into account, businesses can ensure that they are using high-quality raw materials that meet the required standards and are safe for use. This article will provide valuable insights to manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers looking to buy chemical raw materials.

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Importance of Quality Chemical Raw Materials

The importance of using quality chemical raw materials cannot be overstated. Chemical raw materials are the foundation of many industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and beverages. The quality of the raw material used can have a significant impact on the final product's safety, efficacy, and overall quality.

Using high-quality chemical raw materials ensures that the final product meets the required standards and is safe for use. For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, using impure or low-quality raw materials can lead to the production of substandard drugs that may pose health risks to patients.

In the cosmetics industry, using low-quality raw materials can lead to the production of products that cause skin irritation or other adverse reactions. Similarly, in the food industry, using contaminated or low-quality raw materials can lead to the production of food products that may cause illness or foodborne diseases.

Using high-quality raw materials can also help to protect a company's reputation. Companies that consistently produce high-quality products using quality raw materials are more likely to build a loyal customer base and positive brand image. Additionally, using quality raw materials can lead to cost savings in the long run by reducing the need for product recalls and legal liabilities.

All in all, using quality chemical raw materials is essential for producing safe, effective, and high-quality products. Using low-quality or contaminated raw materials can pose health and safety risks, damage a company's reputation, and lead to financial losses.

(I) Key Factors to Consider When Looking for Quality Chemical Raw Materials

When looking for quality chemical raw materials, there are several key factors that one should consider, including:

Purity:

The purity of the raw material is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of the final product. It is important to ensure that the raw material is free from impurities and meets the required purity standards.

Source:

Knowing the source of the raw material is important to ensure that it is obtained from a reliable and reputable supplier. Factors to consider when evaluating the source include the supplier's reputation, their manufacturing practices, and any certifications or accreditations they hold.

Supplier Reputation:

The reputation of the supplier is important as it reflects the quality of the raw materials they supply. It is essential to work with reputable suppliers who have a track record of providing high-quality raw materials.

Analytical Testing:

Analytical testing is critical to ensure the quality and purity of the raw material. It is important to ensure that the supplier conducts regular analytical testing to validate the purity of the raw material.

Quality Concern:

The supplier's quality control system is important to ensure that the raw material meets the required standards. A robust quality control system should include checks and balances at every stage of the manufacturing process.

Regulatory Adherence:

The raw material supplier should comply with relevant regulations to ensure that the raw material is safe and meets the required standards. It is important to ensure that the supplier adheres to relevant regulations such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

By considering these factors when looking for quality chemical raw materials, businesses can ensure that they are using high-quality raw materials that meet the required standards and are safe for use.

(II) Purity

The purity of the chemical raw material is one of the most important factors to consider. The higher the purity, the better the quality of the material. Purity refers to the absence of any impurities or contaminants in the raw material.

The presence of impurities can affect the quality of the final product and may also lead to health and safety concerns. It is important to ensure that the chemical raw material meets the required purity standards for the intended use.

Importance of Purity

The purity of the chemical raw material is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of the final product. Purity refers to the absence of impurities in the raw material, which can be harmful to the consumer or impact the quality of the product.

Using impure raw materials can lead to the production of substandard products that may pose health and safety risks, damage a company's reputation, and lead to financial losses.

In the pharmaceutical industry, for example, the purity of raw materials is critical to ensure that drugs are safe and effective. The presence of impurities in a drug can reduce its efficacy or lead to adverse reactions in patients. Similarly, in the food industry, using contaminated raw materials can lead to the production of food products that may cause illness or foodborne diseases.

Ensuring the purity of the raw material requires strict quality control measures at every stage of the manufacturing process. These measures include screening the raw material for impurities, conducting regular analytical testing, and adhering to strict manufacturing processes. Regular analytical testing is critical to ensure that the raw material meets the required purity standards and is free from impurities.

Therefore, the purity of chemical raw materials is critical to ensuring the safety and efficacy of the final product. It is essential to ensure that the raw material is free from impurities and meets the required purity standards.

By doing so, businesses can produce safe, high-quality products that meet the required standards and protect their reputation.

Factors that Can Affect Purity

There are several factors that can affect the purity of chemical raw materials. Understanding these factors is crucial to ensure that the raw material meets the required purity standards and is free from impurities. Some of the key factors that can affect the purity of chemical raw materials include:

Manufacturing processes: The manufacturing processes used to produce the raw material can impact its purity. If the manufacturing processes are not well-controlled or monitored, they can introduce impurities into the raw material.

Raw material source: The source of the raw material can impact its purity. If the raw material is obtained from a contaminated source, it may contain impurities that can affect the quality and safety of the final product.

Storage conditions: The storage conditions of the raw material can impact its purity. If the raw material is not stored properly, it may be exposed to contaminants that can impact its purity.

Handling practices: The handling practices used during the transportation and storage of the raw material can impact its purity. If the raw material is mishandled, it may be exposed to contaminants that can affect its purity.

Cross-contamination: Cross-contamination can occur if the raw material comes into contact with other materials or equipment that may introduce impurities. This can happen during transportation, storage, or manufacturing processes.

Analytical testing: Analytical testing is critical to ensuring the purity of the raw material. If the analytical testing is not conducted properly, it may not detect impurities that can affect the quality and safety of the final product.

Ultimately, several factors can impact the purity of chemical raw materials. It is important to understand these factors and implement strict quality control measures to ensure that the raw material meets the required purity standards and is free from impurities. By doing so, businesses can produce safe, high-quality products that meet the required standards and protect their reputation.

Required Purity Standards

The required purity standards of chemical raw materials vary depending on the intended use of the raw material and the industry in which it is used. In general, the purity standards of chemical raw materials are determined by regulatory bodies or industry standards organizations.

For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) sets standards for the purity of raw materials used in the production of drugs. The USP monographs provide specific tests and acceptance criteria for the purity of various chemical raw materials.

Similarly, in the food industry, the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) provides standards for the purity and quality of food additives and ingredients. The FCC sets standards for purity, identity, strength, and composition of food additives and ingredients.

In addition to industry-specific standards, many countries have regulatory bodies that set purity standards for chemical raw materials.

For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets purity standards for chemicals used in pesticides, while the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) sets purity standards for chemicals used in the European Union.

The purity standards of chemical raw materials are typically expressed as a percentage or as parts per million (ppm). For example, the USP may set a purity standard of 99.5% for a particular chemical raw material, meaning that the raw material must contain no more than 0.5% impurities.

The required purity standards of chemical raw materials vary depending on the intended use of the raw material and the industry in which it is used. These standards are typically set by regulatory bodies or industry standards organizations and are expressed as a percentage or ppm.

By adhering to these standards, businesses can ensure that the raw material meets the required purity standards and is safe for use.

(III) Source

The source of the chemical raw material is another important factor to consider. It is important to know where the raw material comes from and whether it is produced under safe and ethical conditions. For instance, raw materials sourced from countries with poor environmental regulations or poor working conditions may be of lower quality and may also pose health and safety risks.

A.  Importance of knowing the source of the raw material

Knowing the source of chemical raw materials is important for ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of finished products. The following are the importance of knowing the source of chemical raw materials in detail:

1.Knowing the source of chemical raw materials allows manufacturers to ensure consistent quality in their products. By understanding the source of the raw materials, manufacturers can ensure that they are receiving raw materials of a consistent quality and purity.

2. Knowing the source of chemical raw materials can help ensure that the raw materials are free from harmful impurities, contaminants, and toxic substances. This can help ensure the safety of the final product and protect public health.

3. Knowing the source of chemical raw materials can help ensure compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines. Manufacturers must ensure that the raw materials they use comply with relevant regulations to avoid legal and financial penalties, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust.

4. Knowing the source of chemical raw materials provides a record of the raw materials' origin, allowing for greater traceability. In the event of a recall, manufacturers can quickly identify the source of the raw materials and limit the scope of the recall.

5. Knowing the source of chemical raw materials can help manufacturers make more sustainable choices. By understanding the environmental impact of the raw materials, they use, manufacturers can make more environmentally friendly choices, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to sustainability efforts.

6. Knowing the source of chemical raw materials can help ensure business continuity. By understanding the reliability of their suppliers, manufacturers can mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions and ensure that they can continue to produce their products.

B. Factors to consider when evaluating the source of the raw material

When evaluating the source of chemical raw materials, the following factors should be considered:

Quality: The quality of the raw material is a crucial factor to consider. The supplier should be able to provide information about the quality control processes they use to ensure consistent quality and purity of the raw material.

Consistency: This of the supplier is an important consideration. The supplier should have a track record of delivering raw materials on time, meeting specifications, and having a stable supply chain.

Compliance: Compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines is a critical factor to consider. The supplier should have relevant certifications, permits, and licenses to ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations.

Traceability: Traceability of the raw material is an essential factor to consider. The supplier should be able to provide information about the origin of the raw material, including the location and the date of manufacture.

Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of the raw material should be considered. Suppliers should have an environmental policy that ensures the sustainable sourcing and production of raw materials, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to sustainability efforts.

Charges: The cost of the raw material is an important consideration. Suppliers should provide competitive pricing for raw materials without compromising quality and compliance with regulatory standards.

Supplier Image: The reputation of the supplier is an important factor to consider. The supplier should have a positive reputation within the industry and be known for their reliability, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Communication: Effective communication between the supplier and the manufacturer is essential. The supplier should have clear communication channels and be responsive to inquiries, orders, and concerns.

C. Risks of using raw materials from unreliable sources

Using chemical raw materials from unreliable sources can pose significant risks to the quality, safety, and efficacy of finished products. The following are the risks of using chemical raw materials from unreliable sources:

1.Unreliable sources may not have robust quality control processes in place, leading to inconsistencies in the quality of chemical raw materials. The use of low-quality or inconsistent raw materials can result in the production of substandard or defective products.

2. Unreliable sources may supply chemical raw materials that are contaminated or contain harmful impurities. The use of contaminated raw materials can pose a significant risk to public health and safety, leading to product recalls, legal and financial penalties, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust.

3. Unreliable sources may not comply with regulatory standards and guidelines, exposing manufacturers to legal and financial penalties. The use of non-compliant raw materials can result in product recalls, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust.

4. Unreliable sources may not deliver chemical raw materials on time, causing delays in production schedules and affecting business continuity. The inability to meet production deadlines can result in the loss of customers and revenue.

5. The use of chemical raw materials from unreliable sources can be costly. The need to remediate or discard substandard or defective products can result in additional expenses. The use of non-compliant raw materials can lead to legal and financial penalties, negatively impacting a company's bottom line.

6. The use of chemical raw materials from unreliable sources can damage a company's reputation, leading to a loss of customer trust and loyalty. The cost of rebuilding a damaged reputation can be significant.

All in all, the use of chemical raw materials from unreliable sources can pose significant risks to the quality, safety, and efficacy of finished products. It can impact quality control, safety, compliance with regulatory standards, timeliness, cost, and reputation. Choosing reputable suppliers and ensuring that chemical raw materials meet required regulatory standards and guidelines can minimize risks and ensure the production of safe, high-quality products.

IV. Supplier Reputation

The reputation of the supplier is also an important consideration when looking for quality chemical raw materials. A reputable supplier will have a proven track record of supplying high-quality raw materials that meet the required standards. It is important to do some research on the supplier and read reviews from other customers before making a purchase.

A. Importance of Supplier Reputation

The reputation of suppliers for chemical raw materials is essential in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of finished products. The following are the importance of supplier reputation for chemical raw materials in detail:

1.Suppliers with a good reputation are more likely to have robust quality control processes in place, ensuring that their chemical raw materials are of consistent high quality. Choosing reputable suppliers minimizes the risk of receiving sub-standard or contaminated raw materials that can affect product quality.

2. Reputable suppliers are more likely to comply with regulatory standards and guidelines. Choosing suppliers with a good reputation minimizes the risk of receiving non-compliant raw materials that can result in legal and financial penalties, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust.

3. Choosing reputable suppliers who prioritize safety in their manufacturing processes ensures that chemical raw materials are free from harmful impurities, contaminants, and toxic substances. This ensures that the final products made from these raw materials are safe for consumer use.

4. Reputable suppliers are more likely to deliver chemical raw materials on time, ensuring that production schedules are met, and customers receive their orders on time. Timeliness in delivery is important for maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring business continuity.

5. Choosing reputable suppliers can be cost-effective in the long run. The use of high-quality, consistent raw materials from reputable suppliers can minimize production issues, reduce waste, and avoid the need for costly remediation efforts.

6. The reputation of suppliers can reflect on the reputation of the manufacturer. Using reputable suppliers can enhance a company's reputation, increase customer trust and loyalty, and lead to business growth.

In summary, the reputation of suppliers for chemical raw materials is crucial in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of finished products. It can impact quality control, compliance with regulatory standards, safety, timeliness, cost-effectiveness, and reputation. Choosing reputable suppliers minimizes risks and enhances customer trust, satisfaction, and business growth.

B. How to Evaluate Supplier Reputation

Evaluating the reputation of suppliers for chemical raw materials is critical in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of finished products. The following are the steps to evaluate supplier reputation for chemical raw materials in detail:

Conduct Market Research: Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers of chemical raw materials. Look for companies with a good reputation in the industry, positive reviews from customers, and a track record of supplying high-quality raw materials.

Review Company Credentials: Review the credentials of the supplier, including their certifications, licenses, and compliance with regulatory standards. Check if they have any previous violations or penalties related to the supply of chemical raw materials.

Evaluate Quality Control Measures: Evaluate the supplier's quality control measures and processes, including their testing procedures, quality management systems, and documentation practices. Ask for copies of their quality control certificates and reports.

Assess Supply Chain Capabilities: Assess the supplier's supply chain capabilities, including their ability to provide consistent, high-quality raw materials, their delivery times, and their customer service.

Request Samples: Request samples of the supplier's chemical raw materials for testing and evaluation. Check the samples for impurities, contaminants, and other quality issues.

Check References: Check references from other customers who have used the supplier's chemical raw materials. Ask for their feedback on the supplier's quality, reliability, and customer service.

Conduct On-Site Visits: Conduct on-site visits to the supplier's facilities to evaluate their manufacturing processes, quality control measures, and overall operations.

In summary, evaluating the reputation of suppliers for chemical raw materials is a critical step in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of finished products. Conduct market research, review company credentials, evaluate quality control measures, assess supply chain capabilities, request samples, check references, and conduct on-site visits to choose reputable suppliers who can provide consistent, high-quality raw materials that meet the required regulatory standards and guidelines.

C. Risks of Using Suppliers with a Poor Reputation

Using suppliers with a poor reputation for chemical raw materials can pose various risks that can negatively impact the quality, safety, and efficacy of finished products. The following are the risks of using suppliers with a poor reputation for chemical raw materials in detail:

1.Suppliers with a poor reputation may not have adequate quality control processes in place, which can lead to inconsistencies in the quality of the raw materials. This can result in products that do not meet the required quality standards and can affect customer satisfaction.

2. Suppliers with a poor reputation may supply chemical raw materials that contain impurities, contaminants, or toxic substances that can pose serious health risks to consumers. The use of such materials can result in adverse effects, including allergic reactions, toxicity, and other health problems.

3. Suppliers with a poor reputation may not comply with the required regulatory standards and guidelines. The use of non-compliant raw materials can result in legal and financial penalties for the manufacturer and may also damage the company's reputation.

4. Suppliers with a poor reputation may not be reliable, and their products may not be consistent in quality or availability. This can result in supply chain disruptions, which can delay production and affect customer satisfaction.

5. The use of poor-quality raw materials can lead to increased costs for manufacturers due to the need for additional testing, quality control measures, and remediation efforts. This can increase the cost of production and negatively impact profit margins.

In summary, using suppliers with a poor reputation for chemical raw materials can pose significant risks to manufacturers, including quality control issues, safety concerns, regulatory non-compliance, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs. It is essential to conduct due diligence and choose reputable suppliers who can provide consistent, high-quality raw materials that meet the required regulatory standards and guidelines.

V. Analytical Testing

Analytical testing is a critical step in ensuring the quality of chemical raw materials. It involves testing the raw material to determine its purity, composition, and other properties. The testing should be carried out by an accredited laboratory using validated methods and equipment. The results of the testing should be provided to the customer along with the raw material.

A. Importance of analytical testing

Analytical testing of chemical raw materials is an essential step in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of finished products that are made using these materials. The following are the importance of analytical testing for chemical raw materials in detail:

Preventing Potential Risks: Analytical testing helps to identify and quantify impurities and contaminants that may be harmful to human health. Impurities may arise from the manufacturing process or from the raw materials themselves. Analytical testing ensures that the raw materials are safe for use and that any potential risks to human health are minimized.

Efficacy: Analytical testing helps to verify the chemical composition and purity of the raw materials. Accurate identification and quantification of the active ingredients in chemical raw materials help to ensure that the finished products are effective and produce the desired therapeutic or functional outcomes.

Quality Control: Analytical testing is a crucial component of quality control programs in the manufacturing of chemical raw materials. It helps to ensure that the raw materials are consistent and meet the required quality standards for the intended use. This helps to avoid costly production errors and ensures that the finished products meet customer expectations.

Regulations and Guidelines: Analytical testing is a regulatory requirement in many industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. The regulatory agencies require the testing of chemical raw materials to ensure compliance with specific regulations and guidelines

Process Optimization: Analytical testing can help to optimize the manufacturing process of chemical raw materials by identifying areas for improvement. For instance, the results of the testing can help to identify opportunities to reduce impurities, improve yields, and optimize the production process.

All in all, analytical testing of chemical raw materials is an essential step in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of finished products. It helps to identify impurities, verify the chemical composition, and evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the raw materials. The information obtained from analytical testing is critical in ensuring regulatory compliance, quality control, process optimization, and customer satisfaction.

B. Types of analytical testing

Chemical raw materials are tested using various analytical techniques to ensure that they meet specific quality standards and regulations. These analytical tests help to identify and quantify impurities, verify the chemical composition, and evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the raw materials. The following are the types of analytical testing for chemical raw materials in detail:

Identification Testing: This type of testing is used to confirm the identity of a chemical raw material. Techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are commonly used to identify chemical compounds.

Purity Testing: Purity testing is used to determine the amount of impurities present in a chemical raw material. Impurities can include residual solvents, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Techniques such as gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are commonly used for purity testing.

Assay Testing: Assay testing is used to determine the concentration or potency of the active ingredient in a chemical raw material. Techniques such as titration, gravimetry, and spectrophotometry are commonly used for assay testing.

Physical Testing: Physical testing is used to evaluate the physical properties of chemical raw materials such as particle size, surface area, and density. Techniques such as laser diffraction, microscopy, and specific gravity measurements are commonly used for physical testing.

Stability Testing: Stability testing is used to determine the shelf life of a chemical raw material by evaluating its stability under various storage conditions. Techniques such as accelerated aging and real-time stability testing are commonly used for stability testing.

Microbial Testing: Microbial testing is used to detect the presence of bacteria, yeast, and molds in a chemical raw material. Techniques such as plate count methods, membrane filtration, and bioluminescence assays are commonly used for microbial testing.

C. Accreditation and validation requirements

Chemical raw materials are essential components used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and others. It is crucial to ensure that these materials meet specific quality standards and regulations to ensure their safety and efficacy in the final products. Accreditation and validation are two important requirements for chemical raw materials that manufacturers must adhere to. Let's take a closer look at each of these requirements:

Accreditation:

Accreditation is a formal process that involves evaluating and verifying the competence and capability of a laboratory or a testing facility to perform specific tests on chemical raw materials.

Furthermore, accreditation ensures that the laboratory or testing facility meets certain standards and follows specific procedures and uses validated methods for testing the raw materials.

In addition, accreditation helps to ensure that the test results provided by the laboratory are accurate, reliable, and consistent. In the case of chemical raw materials, accreditation can include the following:

ISO/IEC 17025: This is the standard for testing and calibration laboratories. It specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories. The accreditation process involves a rigorous evaluation of the laboratory's technical competence and management system.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): This is a set of guidelines and requirements that ensure that pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing processes are consistent and controlled. GMP guidelines cover all aspects of manufacturing, including quality control, equipment maintenance, and documentation.

Good Laboratory Practices (GLP): This is a set of guidelines and requirements that ensure that laboratory testing is conducted in a consistent and controlled manner. GLP guidelines cover all aspects of laboratory testing, including sample preparation, instrumentation, and data analysis.

Validation:

Validation is the process of establishing documented evidence that a particular method, process, or system consistently produces a result or product that meets predetermined specifications and quality requirements. Validation is essential in ensuring that the chemical raw materials meet the required quality standards and are suitable for their intended use. Validation can include the following:

Analytical Method Validation: This is the process of demonstrating that an analytical method used to test a chemical raw material is suitable for its intended use. The validation process involves demonstrating the accuracy, precision, specificity, and robustness of the analytical method.

Process Validation: This is the process of demonstrating that a manufacturing process used to produce a chemical raw material is capable of consistently producing a product that meets the required quality standards. The validation process involves testing and evaluating the manufacturing process to ensure that it is capable of producing a consistent product.

Cleaning Validation: This is the process of demonstrating that the cleaning process used to remove residues from equipment and surfaces is effective and does not leave any residues that may contaminate the next batch of raw materials. The validation process involves testing and evaluating the cleaning process to ensure that it is effective in removing all residues.

In summary, accreditation and validation are critical requirements for chemical raw materials to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality. Accreditation ensures that the testing laboratory or facility meets specific standards and procedures, while validation ensures that the chemical raw materials meet the required quality standards and are suitable for their intended use.

VI. Quality control

The supplier should have a robust quality control system in place to ensure that the raw materials meet the required standards. This includes measures such as batch testing, traceability, and documentation. The supplier should also have procedures in place to handle any quality issues that may arise.

A. Importance of quality control

Quality control is an essential aspect of ensuring the safety, efficacy, and reliability of chemical raw materials used in various industries. Here are some reasons why quality control is important for chemical raw materials:

1.Chemical raw materials can be hazardous if they are not handled and processed correctly. Quality control measures, such as testing and inspection, can help ensure that the materials are safe for use and do not pose a risk to workers or the environment.

2. Chemical raw materials are used in a variety of applications, from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics to industrial chemicals. Quality control measures can help ensure that the materials meet necessary efficacy standards, meaning that they perform their intended function as expected.

3. Many industries have regulatory requirements for the quality of chemical raw materials used in their products. Implementing a quality control system can help ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid legal and financial penalties.

4. Poor quality raw materials can result in product defects, downtime, and product recalls, which can be costly for businesses. Quality control measures can help identify issues with raw materials before they impact the final product, resulting in cost savings.

5. The reputation of a business can be impacted by the quality of its products. Implementing a quality control system for chemical raw materials can help ensure that the final product is safe, effective, and reliable, which can enhance the reputation of the business and increase customer trust.

B. Key components of a quality control system

A quality control system for chemical raw materials is a critical part of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of products manufactured using these substances. Here are some key components of a quality control system for chemical raw materials:

Raw material testing: A quality control system should include testing of the chemical raw materials to ensure that they meet necessary quality and safety standards. This can include testing for impurities, chemical composition, and physical properties.

Documentation and traceability: The quality control system should include documentation and traceability measures to ensure that the origin and quality of the chemical raw materials can be traced. This is essential for compliance with regulations and standards.

Supplier qualification and monitoring: A quality control system should include supplier qualification and monitoring to ensure that suppliers have adequate quality control measures in place. This can include on-site inspections, audits, and review of quality documentation.

Corrective action procedures: A quality control system should include procedures for corrective action in case of issues with the chemical raw materials. This can include procedures for quarantining and disposing of non-conforming materials, investigating the root cause of the issue, and implementing corrective actions to prevent similar issues in the future.

Standard operating procedures (SOPs): The quality control system should include SOPs for all aspects of handling and processing chemical raw materials. This can include procedures for receiving, storing, labeling, and handling of the materials to ensure that they are used safely and effectively.

Training and education: A quality control system should include training and education for employees involved in handling and processing chemical raw materials. This can include training on safety procedures, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper handling and disposal of the materials.

C. Risks of using suppliers without a quality control system

Using suppliers without a quality control system for chemical raw materials can pose significant risks to businesses in various industries. Here are some of the risks associated with using such suppliers:

Inconsistent product quality: Suppliers without a quality control system may not have consistent quality standards in place for their chemical raw materials. This can result in inconsistency in product quality, which can impact the final product produced by businesses.

Product contamination: Without a proper quality control system, suppliers may not have adequate measures in place to prevent contamination of their chemical raw materials. This can lead to the presence of impurities, which can impact the safety and effectiveness of the final product.

Legal and financial risks: Using suppliers without a quality control system can result in legal and financial risks for businesses. If the final product is found to be unsafe or ineffective due to poor quality raw materials, businesses may face legal action, product recalls, and financial penalties.

Damage to reputation: Poor quality raw materials can impact the reputation of a business. If the final product is found to be ineffective or unsafe, it can damage the reputation of the business, resulting in a loss of customer trust.

Lack of traceability: Suppliers without a quality control system may not have adequate traceability measures in place. This can make it difficult for businesses to track the origin of their raw materials, which is essential for compliance with regulations and standards.

VII. Regulatory Compliance

Chemical raw materials are subject to various regulatory requirements depending on the intended use. It is important to ensure that the raw material meets all the relevant regulations and standards. This includes regulations such as the REACH regulations in Europe, which require manufacturers and importers to register certain chemicals.

A. Importance of regulatory compliance

Regulatory compliance is critical for the use of chemical raw materials in various industries. Regulations governing the use of chemical raw materials are in place to protect human health, the environment, and ensure that businesses operate responsibly and ethically. Here are some of the reasons why regulatory compliance is important for chemical raw materials:

Protects human health and the environment: Compliance with regulations governing chemical raw materials is essential to ensure that these substances do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. Regulations require businesses to use these substances safely, store them appropriately, and dispose of them properly.

Ensures product quality and safety: Compliance with regulations helps ensure that products manufactured using chemical raw materials meet necessary quality and safety standards. These regulations often include requirements for testing, labeling, and documentation to ensure that products are safe for use.

Avoids legal and financial risks: Non-compliance with regulations governing chemical raw materials can lead to legal action, fines, or other penalties. Businesses that do not comply with regulations may also face financial risks, such as product recalls, increased insurance costs, and damage to their reputation.

Maintains business reputation: Compliance with regulations is essential to maintaining a positive reputation in the industry. Customers expect businesses to operate responsibly and ethically, and non-compliance can damage the reputation of a business and erode customer trust.

Encourages innovation: Compliance with regulations encourages innovation in the development and use of chemical raw materials. Regulations often drive research and development efforts to find safer and more environmentally friendly substitutes for hazardous substances.

B. Examples of relevant regulations

There are many regulations governing the use of chemical raw materials in various industries. Here are some examples of relevant regulations for chemical raw materials:

Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH): REACH is a European Union regulation that aims to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals. REACH requires manufacturers and importers of chemicals to register their substances and provide information on their properties and uses.

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS): GHS is an international system for the classification and labeling of chemicals. GHS aims to provide a common and consistent approach to the classification and communication of hazards associated with chemicals.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA is a US government agency that sets and enforces standards for workplace safety and health. OSHA has standards for the safe handling, storage, and use of chemicals in the workplace.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA is a US government agency that regulates the use of chemicals to protect human health and the environment. EPA has regulations governing the use of chemicals in various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): FDA is a US government agency that regulates the use of chemicals in food, drugs, and medical devices. FDA has regulations governing the use of chemical raw materials in various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals.

C. Risks of non-compliance

Non-compliance with regulations for chemical raw materials can lead to significant risks for businesses. These risks can include legal, financial, operational, and reputational risks. Here are some of the risks of non-compliance for chemical raw materials:

Legal action: Non-compliance with regulations can result in legal action, fines, or other penalties. Businesses may face lawsuits or enforcement actions from regulatory agencies for violations of regulations governing the use of chemical raw materials.

Financial penalties: Non-compliance can also lead to financial penalties. Businesses may be required to pay fines or penalties for non-compliance. These penalties can be significant and can impact the financial health of a business.

Operational risks: Non-compliance with regulations can lead to disruptions in operations. Businesses may be required to stop production, recall products, or implement additional safety measures. These disruptions can be costly and impact the ability of a business to meet customer demand.

Health and safety risks: Non-compliance with regulations governing chemical raw materials can pose health and safety risks to employees and the public. Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to illness, injury, or other adverse health effects.

VIII. Conclusion

Quality chemical raw materials are essential for the production of safe and high-quality products in various industries. Regulations governing the use of raw materials are in place to ensure that businesses comply with necessary standards and provide safe and high-quality products to consumers.

Non-compliance with regulations for raw materials can lead to significant risks for businesses, including legal action, financial penalties, loss of reputation, product recalls, and production delays. Therefore, businesses must ensure that they comply with all relevant regulations and standards to avoid these risks and protect their operations.

In conclusion, quality chemical raw materials are crucial for businesses to produce safe and high-quality products. Compliance with relevant regulations is necessary to ensure that businesses meet necessary standards and provide consumers with safe and reliable products. By complying with regulations, businesses can avoid the risks of non-compliance and maintain a positive reputation among consumers.

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Final Takeaways

We've arrived at the last section of this guide. Let's have a look at some of the most important points to remember:‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

• The importance of using quality chemical raw materials cannot be overstated. Chemical raw materials are the foundation of many industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and beverages. The quality of the raw material used can have a significant impact on the final product's safety, efficacy, and overall quality.
• The purity of the raw material is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of the final product. It is important to ensure that the raw material is free from impurities and meets the required purity standards.
• The raw material supplier should comply with relevant regulations to ensure that the raw material is safe and meets the required standards. It is important to ensure that the supplier adheres to relevant regulations such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• The required purity standards of chemical raw materials vary depending on the intended use of the raw material and the industry in which it is used. In general, the purity standards of chemical raw materials are determined by regulatory bodies or industry standards organizations.
• Quality Control: Knowing the source of chemical raw materials allows manufacturers to ensure consistent quality in their products. By understanding the source of the raw materials, manufacturers can ensure that they are receiving raw materials of a consistent quality and purity.
• The reputation of the supplier is also an important consideration when looking for quality chemical raw materials. A reputable supplier will have a proven track record of supplying high-quality raw materials that meet the required standards. It is important to do some research on the supplier and read reviews from other customers before making a purchase.
• Analytical testing is a critical step in ensuring the quality of chemical raw materials. It involves testing the raw material to determine its purity, composition, and other properties. The testing should be carried out by an accredited laboratory using validated methods and equipment. The results of the testing should be provided to the customer along with the raw material.

Related Articles

The chemical industry relies on naturally occurring organic carbon sources, primarily derived from fossil fuels, and converts those in a complex production network into valuable products. A portion of these carbon sources is used for meeting the energy demands of the processes involved. Throughout history, the raw material base of the industry has changed from wood over coal to crude oil and natural gas. While renewable carbon sources are also used, their usage remains limited and is specific to certain value chains.

When considering global industrial emissions, the chemical industry ranks as the third-largest industrial emitter of carbon dioxide, following steel and cement production. Consequently, decarbonization strategies are of utmost importance and hold high priority within the industry.

 

1 Global Raw Material Availability: Germany as a Case Study

Today’s petrochemical industry is predominantly based on naturally occurring (largely fossil) carbon sources—oil, gas, coal, and biomass—and converts those into a plethora of commercial products. The raw material mixes and the share of the primary chemicals differ between the regions.

Whereas in Europe, (imported) oil is the most important carbon source, in North America, ethane from shale gas takes an increasing share. In China, a significant fraction is coal-based, and in Russia, natural gas dominates. On the product side, high-value chemicals (HVCs, olefins, and aromatics) dominate, except in China, where HVCs, ammonia, and methanol have equal shares. The sizes of the circles in Figure 1 reflect the sizes of the respective markets.

 

Figure 1. Primary feedstock use and chemical production by region [1]. The left pie chart of the pair for each region displays feedstock usage, while the right pie chart displays primary chemical production. The pie charts are sized in proportion to the total quantity (million tonnes of oil-equivalent (Mtoe) or million tonnes (Mt)) in each case.

 

The carbon base of the chemical industry is closely linked to the energy sector, where the same raw materials are used, although on a much larger scale. Figure 2 shows the German energy flow scheme which is annually published by the “Arbeitsgemeinschaft Energiebilanzen” (Workgroup Energy Balances). Non-energetic uses, essentially the carbon base of the chemical industry, account for just 7.9  % of Germany’s primary energy [2].

 

Figure 2. Carbon base of Germany’s chemical industry linked to the energy sector [2,3]. Left side: Energy Flow Chart for the Federal Republic of Germany in 2021; Petajoule (PJ). Right side: Raw material base of German chemical industry in 2020.

 

The current raw material use of the German chemical industry is shown on the right side of Figure 2. Whereas oil and renewables predominantly end up in the produced materials, about 75 % of the gas is used to drive the conversion processes. The two most significant gas-fired processes, steam cracking and syngas production, are crucial stages in the production network. Steam cracking is a refining process that breaks down heavy hydrocarbon molecules into lighter ones, while syngas production involves the conversion of carbon-containing feedstocks into a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases. Both processes need high temperature process energy and cannot easily be switched from gas to alternative energy sources. Therefore, local price peaks in the gas supply, as in 2022, are an existential threat to the industry in Germany.

 

Figure 3. The “Chemis-tree” (term coined by BASF [4]) and an aerial view of BASF’s Ludwigshafen site.

 

The petrochemical industry operates through an interconnected network of plants, often referred to as “Chemis-tree.” One prominent example of this concept is the Ludwigshafen home site of BASF in Germany (see Fig. 3), which stands as one of the largest in the world. As The Times put it in 1988, “They pump in natural gas, oil, and salt, make many products, and use the byproducts internally. There is only very little real waste.” [5]

 

2 Historic Changes of the Raw Material Base

2.1 Wood

The precursor of today’s chemical industry, similar to the energy sector, relied on wood as a carbon source. The primary occupation of the charcoal burner was the production of charcoal for metallurgical purposes.

 

Figure 4. Wood Gasification. Left side: Distribution of products [%] from the gasification process of dry beech wood. Right side: Charcoal kiln [6].

 

The fumes from the charcoal piles (see Fig. 4) were released into the atmosphere. It was only later that their additional value as a gaseous raw material feedstock was discovered. Thus, a more sophisticated version of char burning was developed, for example, with the so-called Reichert retort, where the waste gases were retained and chemical processes based on those gases were established. For further details see Ref. [7].

 

2.2 Coal

Following the invention of James Watt’s steam engine, coal instead of wood became the main energy source during the 19th century. The coal was processed and refined in coking plants, where the desired products were metallurgical coke and coke oven gas, primarily used for lighting purposes. During this process, a small fraction of tar is also formed, which was originally considered as a nasty byproduct (see Fig. 5).

However, this tar turned out to become the foundation of today’s chemical industry after the discovery of synthesizing dyes from aromatics in the laboratories of Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge, August Wilhelm von Hofmann, and William Henry Perkin. The high content of aromatic compounds in the tar fraction turned it from waste into a valuable raw material, and at the end of the 19th century, tar was the main raw material of the developing chemical industry. In Germany, the “Teerfarben-Fabriken” Farbwerke von Meister, Lucius, and Brüning (German for “Coal-tar Dye Factories Dye Works of Meister, Lucius, and Brüning”) in Hoechst, the Farbenfabrik Fr. Bayer & Co. in Elberfeld, and BASF (Badische Anilin und Sodafabrik; German for “Baden Aniline and Soda Factory”) in Ludwigshafen were founded. During this first stage of the coal age, the chemical industry again (similar to the wood age) used a byproduct of the energy sector as a raw material.

 

Figure 5. Coking of bituminous coal. Product yield [%]. [8]

 

The chemical composition of coal is roughly “CH”; thus, coal has a deficiency in hydrogen. Therefore, in a second stage of the coal age, various upgrading technologies in addition to the original coking process were developed specifically for the chemical industry:

• Coal Gasification: Production of synthesis gas (“syngas”, CO/H2), and syngas-downstream chemistry such as methanol and ammonia synthesis and the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
• Coal Hydrogenation: Catalytic conversion into liquid hydrocarbons at ca. 100–200 bar hydrogen pressure
• Acetylene synthesis via calcium carbide, and acetylene downstream chemistry, e.g., Reppe chemistry

In 1923, exactly a hundred years ago, BASF started the operation of the first large-scale methanol plant in Leuna [9] . This groundbreaking facility utilized synthesis gas (syngas), thereby revolutionizing the production of methanol on a massive scale and completely replacing the original wood-based production method. The high-pressure process used coal-based synthesis gas and a zinc chromite (Cr2O3-ZnO) catalyst developed by Alwin Mittasch [10]. Later, copper-based catalysts were developed, which today allow the process to be run at much lower pressures compared with the original process layout.

Coal hydrogenation and Fischer–Tropsch technologies were of strategic importance for Germany’s fuel supply during World War II. For similar reasons, large coal-based Fischer–Tropsch plants were built in South Africa during Apartheid. Those plants are still running, although in part switched from coal to natural gas. The last Fischer–Tropsch plant in Germany was operated until 1972 in Schwarzheide (former GDR (German Democratic Republic in German DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik)).

 

2.3 Oil

Usually, the beginning of the oil age is linked to the first successful drilling by Colonel Edward Drake on August 27, 1859, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, USA (see Fig. 6). The fact that the very first oil well was drilled in Northern Germany, close to a small village named Wietze, is less well-known.

Oil-containing sands were known in Wietze since the 17th century. The local farmers extracted the oil from these sands, and sold them as “Luzifer’s bacon”. The product was used as grease, but also for medical purposes to treat skin diseases. In 1858, a year prior to Colonel Drake, Professor Georg Konrad Hunäus initiated drilling in the Wietze region with the expectation of uncovering lignite deposits. Unfortunately, he “only” hit oil, but this way, today the “Hunäus drilling” is regarded as the first successful drilling for oil worldwide. The Wietze oil fields were active until 1963.

 

Figure 6. Oil well in Titusville, PA, USA.

 

In the beginning, the commercial use of oil was as a replacement for whale oil for lighting purposes. (One might even claim that without the discovery of oil, whales would have been completely eradicated.) However, soon after this, electric lighting was invented, and the just-established oil industry would have been history, were it not for the fact that cars with internal combustion engines were invented. Their huge fuel demand saved the business. The chemical industry rapidly switched to oil as the dominating raw material after World War II.

 

3 Criteria for Raw Materials Selection

In principle, the “Chemis-tree” can be grown based upon coal, gas, oil, or renewables. As shown in Figure 7, conversion pathways are available for all options.

 

Figure 7. Conversion pathways from raw materials to intermediates [4].

 

If cost alone would decide, coal and natural gas would by far be preferred over oil. This becomes even more visible if the raw materials are compared based on a “cost per ton of carbon” base rather than the usually applied market prices. Table 1 illustrates this impact. It also demonstrates that CO2 does not come without cost, as it holds value for applications like tertiary oil recovery. Tertiary oil recovery, or enhanced oil recovery, involves employing various techniques such as fluid injection or chemical processes to extract additional oil from reservoirs after primary and secondary recovery methods have been exhausted.

Table 1 further emphasizes the strong connection between chemistry and the energy sector by demonstrating that the cost of carbon is closely tied to the price of energy.

 

Table 1. Cost comparison for various carbon sources in $/ton and $/GJ.

Carbon source $/tonC $/GJ Reference -CH2– (oil) 730 (365) 21 (10.5) @100(50) $/bbl
(US dollars per barrel of oil) CH4 (gas) 135 3.8 @ 4$/MMBTU (USA)
(price of natural gas in the United States) -CH- (coal) 98 3.1 @ 90$/ton (NWE)
(price per ton  in the specified market region, here Northwest Europe) saccharose 1000 (630) 26 (16) @19(12)ct/lb
(price per pound (lb) in cents) CO2 180 — @50$/ton
(price per metric ton in US dollars)

 

The conversion pathways from raw materials to the most important intermediate molecules, lower olefins and aromatics, differ significantly between oil and gas or coal, respectively. Whereas oil already has the required C:H ratio of olefins (CH2), this is not the case for natural gas (CH4) and coal (CH). The former includes too much, the latter too little hydrogen.

 

Figure 8. Schematic pathways from CH4 and “CH” (coal) to “CH2” (olefins).

 

Thus, in both cases, a “detour” via methanol is required (see Fig. 8). In the case of natural gas, excess hydrogen is removed as water, in the case of coal, the additional hydrogen is generated by means of the water gas shift reaction, which releases excess carbon as CO2.

The “detour” increases the investment costs for the respective plants, and, therefore, natural gas and coal only become economically superior if their cost is very much below the oil price—which currently is the case in the US for gas and in China for coal. In addition to fixed and variable costs, the decision to invest in a chemical plant, which is a very long-term economic asset, is influenced by factors such as raw material availability and existing or anticipated regulatory conditions. Among others, this includes considerations related to wastewater management and carbon emissions.

 

4 Sustainability

Counting in the process energy required (heat and electricity), about 20 % of the annual global industrial CO2 emissions originate from five basic industries (see Fig. 9). After the steel and cement industries, the chemical industry ranks third in this group—albeit on a lower level—followed by aluminum and paper production [11]. It is, therefore, also urgent for the chemical industry to reduce its CO2 emissions

 

Figure 9. Global industrial CO2 emissions [%] in 2018 [11].

 

In particular, the processes at the start of the production network are very energy-intense: steam cracking, syngas (hydrogen) production, and acetylene production. Typically, here the high-temperature process energy is provided by gas firing with associated CO2 emissions. A straightforward approach to reducing CO2 emissions is to initially replace gas firing with electric heating, assuming there is a reliable supply of electricity from renewable sources in adequate quantities. Currently, multiple companies are undertaking projects to test new technologies in pilot plants with multi-megawatt capacities [13].

Even more demanding is the reduction of CO2 emissions which are stoichiometrically linked to the synthesis of molecules. The most prominent example for this case is the synthesis of ammonia via the Haber–Bosch process, more precisely the supply of hydrogen to this process. Estimates are that this process alone contributes more than 1 % to the annual total global CO2 emissions. Consequently, there is a high need for hydrogen without associated atmospheric CO2 emissions.

 

Figure 10. Routes to hydrogen [4].

 

Figure 10 shows the technology options for hydrogen production, sometimes  called “The Hydrogen Color Theory”. The current state-of-the-art method for producing hydrogen is through “grey” hydrogen, which involves steam methane reforming followed by water gas shift. However, this process leads to considerable energetic and stoichiometric CO2 emissions. If these emissions are captured and stored in underground reservoirs, the color of the resulting hydrogen turns into “blue”.

Water electrolysis driven by renewable electricity often is regarded as the royal road to climate-neutral “green” hydrogen. One has to consider, however, that due to the strong hydrogen–oxygen bond, very large amounts of electricity are required for the electrochemical splitting of this bond. If the electricity source would be nuclear, the hydrogen color changes to “purple/pink” or “yellow”.

Another, albeit less well-known, method of hydrogen production is methane pyrolysis, which offers the advantage of relatively low energy input. Instead of emitting carbon as CO2 into the atmosphere, solid carbon is obtained and has to be stored (“buried”) underground. Limited amounts of this by-product might also be sold as a product.

 

5 Future Carbon Sources

In a sustainable economy, fossil carbon sources should be replaced, or their use at least minimized. Photosynthesis in nature uses atmospheric CO2 as a carbon source and water as a hydrogen source to build carbohydrate and fatty acid molecules. Both contain significant molar fractions of hydrogen. The availability of large amounts of hydrogen without an atmospheric CO2 footprint, therefore, is the precondition for a CO2-based chemistry.

Moreover, it must not be overlooked that in the long run, CO2 needs to be captured from the atmosphere if a closed carbon loop shall be established, e.g., via direct air capture technologies. CO2 capturing technologies are under development, but a fundamental problem will remain: The low concentration of atmospheric CO2 will lead to costs way above the current CO2 market price of 50 $/ton CO2 shown in Table 1.

 

Figure 11. Renewable raw materials in the German chemical industry in 2016 (1000 tons/a) [14].

 

Instead of starting from CO2, carbohydrates and fatty acids that have already been synthesized by Nature are a second option to replace fossil carbon sources. Already, some 10–15 % of the raw material base are renewable. As shown in Figure 11 for the German chemical industry, oils and fats take the largest share, followed by carbohydrates, both edible and non-edible. Usually, these molecules are used in products where the natural building block is preserved to a large extent.

Significantly larger quantities of renewable molecules are used in the energy sector, with a particular focus on bio-ethanol as a potential alternative or additive to gasoline fuel. The green bars in Figure 12 show the 2021 production volumes of bio-ethanol in various regions of the world. For comparison, the respective gasoline consumption figures are also shown. In 2021, a total of nearly 75 million tons of ethanol were produced, which pales in comparison to the consumption of over 400 million tons of gasoline in the US and the EU27 countries alone.

 

Figure 12. Global bio-ethanol production in 2021.

 

Currently, the chemical applications of ethanol remain relatively limited. However, there are promising possibilities, as illustrated in Figure 13.

 

Figure 13. Chemistry options for the use of ethanol in competition with fuel use.

 

However, a crucial limiting factor to consider for the use of bio-molecules, whether for energy or chemical purposes, is the availability of arable land on our planet. This resource is also needed for food, and untouched land is essential for the functioning of the global climate system. In Brazil alone, more than 845.000 km2 of native vegetation were cleared from 1985 to 2021, mostly for agriculture [15]. This is nearly 2.5 times the area of Germany.

 

Figure 14. Brazil‘s shrinking forests [15].

 

6 Summary

For the time being, oil has become the dominant raw material for the petrochemical industry. This is due to the fact that oil offers direct access to olefins and aromatics, which serve as crucial starting points for the industry’s value-added chains.

Natural gas is an important energy carrier for the required process energy, and heavier components in natural gas are increasingly used as cracker feed instead of oil. Coal has a special role in China. On the one hand, it is a very inexpensive carbon source, on the other hand, it requires large investments due to solids handling, and last but not least its use is associated with high stoichiometric CO2 emissions.

Fatty acids and carbohydrates have found their place as renewable building blocks in selected compounds. Bioethanol might become an interesting addition in the future. However, for ecological reasons, renewables should not become the sole carbon source of the industry.

Like other industries, the petrochemical industry also needs to be transformed into a sustainable system and steered away from fossil carbon. This will, however, only be possible when large volumes of renewable electricity are available. In a first step, renewable electricity can replace fossil energy carriers for process energy. In a second step, hydrogen with no atmospheric CO2 footprint is required, and, in the future, atmospheric CO2 may become the source of carbon. Despite these changes, the petrochemical industry will continue to be based on carbon.

 

References

[1] The Future of Petrochemicals, Towards a more sustainable chemical industry, International Energy Agency (IEA), Paris, France, 2018.

[2] Energy Flow Chart for the Federal Republic of Germany in 2021, Arbeitsgemeinschaft Energiebilanzen, Berlin, Germany, 09/2022. (accessed May 16, 2023)

[3] VCI Energiestatistik, Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI), Frankfurt, Germany, 12/2022.

[4] BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany

[5] Verbund—A characteristic of BASF, The Times, Nov. 1998.

[6] Jens Truog, 11 Fakten über Holzkohle, ofen.de 16. Juli 2015. [accessed May 16, 2023)

[7] Heribert Offermanns, Peter Schalke, Frank Retzlaff, Bevor das Erdöl kam, Nachr. Chem. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20204092808

[8] Georg Kolling, Products of coal (coke, tar, gas) and their analysis, Pure and Applied Chemistry 1977. https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197749101475

[9] BASF Corporate History, Ludwigshafen, Germany.

[10] A. Mittasch, M. Pier, K. Winkler, BASF AG, Ausführung Organischer Katalysen, German Patent 415,686, 1925.

[11] Stefan Lechtenböhmer, Frank Peter, Vortrag: Technologie- und Politikoptionen für eine klimaneutrale Grundstoffindustrie; Handlungsoptionen für die Stahl-, Zement- und Chemieindustrie, Agora Energiewende, Berlin, Germany, 2019.

[12] Fabian Joas, Wido Witecka, Thorsten Lenck, Frank Peter, Fiona Seiler, Sascha Samadi, Clemens Schneider, Georg Holtz, Georg Kobiela, Stefan Lechtenböhmer, Katja Dinges, Karoline Steinbacher, Jonas Schröder, Thobias Sach, Matthias Schimmel, Christine Kliem, Martin Altrock, Wieland Lehnert, Jasper Finke, Yasin Yilmaz, Klimaneutrale Industrie, Schlüsseltechnologien und Politikoptionen für Stahl, Chemie und Zement, Agora Energiewende, Berlin, Germany, 2020.

[13] BASF, SABIC and Linde start construction of the world’s first demonstration plant for large-scale electrically heated steam cracker furnaces, BASF press release, September 1, 2022. (accessed May 16, 2023)

[14] Chances and limitations for the use of renewable raw materials in the chemical industry, VCI Position Paper, Frankfurt, Germany, 2015.

[15] MapBiomas Project, Collection 7 of the Annual Series of Land Use and Land Cover Maps of Brazil, August 2022. (accessed May 30, 2023)

 

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