From 2025 â€� 2027, °®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ will chair the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), representing the world’s leading chemical industry regions. ICCA’s mission is to establish global standards and drive collaborative initiatives that ensure the chemical industry aligns with sustainability goals and international priorities. Through ICCA, °®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ addresses key issues such as chemicals management, energy and climate, plastics, and trade to foster innovation and sustainability worldwide.
Addressing plastic pollution � The international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution
The chemical industry shares the same global concerns about microplastics and plastic waste and after the unconclusive fifth negotiation (INC-5) in Busan late 2024, urgent action is needed .
Through ICCA, our industry is supporting the International Legally Binding Instrument (ILBI) on plastic pollution as an observer. This treaty, initiated by the United Nations in 2022, addresses the full lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal, aiming to:
- reduce plastic waste pollution.
- establish legally-binding commitments for countries to curb plastic waste.
- promote sustainable alternatives, and advance circular economy principles.
- support the financing of the transition across countries.
Ahead of the next round of negotiations to be held in 2025 on the plastics agreements, ICCA ; emphasising reuse, recycling, and product remanufacturing. Despite the delayed negotiations at the end of 2024, ICCA remains committed to achieving progress and driving actionable solutions.
Transforming international chemicals management – the global framework on chemicals
Adopted at the ICCM5 in September 2023, the (GFC) is reshaping global chemicals management. The GFC, which succeeds the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), is a voluntary, multistakeholder, and multisectoral policy framework designed to enhance chemicals management worldwide. The Framework includes five strategic objectives and 28 targets to be reached by 2030 or 2035, guiding stakeholders at all levels to take measurable actions to address the sound management of chemicals and waste.
Ahead of ICCM5, on the sound management of chemicals and waste concerning: increasing transparency on safety and sustainability data; supporting developing countries in establishing national chemical legislation; and steering companies� products towards sustainable solutions.
ICCA is working closely with UNEP and other key stakeholders by taking various actions, including:
- Supporting 30 countries by 2030 concretely in the field through ICCA Responsible Care flagship engagement.
- Contributing to the implementation programmes led by the IOMC organisations.
- Providing financial support through the GFC Trust Fund: in 2024 to the GFC Fund.
- Supporting initiatives like the Additives Database: in November 2024 , a one-of-a-kind tool that can help enhance transparency, confidence, and support the sound management of additives used in plastic.
Science policy panel
Established in 2022 by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), the Science Policy Panel provides evidence-based solutions for managing chemicals and waste globally. This platform also fosters collaboration and information sharing across sectors.
Given the deep technical expertise and data generated by our industry, it is vital that our industry delegates actively participate in these processes. Our industry contributes intelligence, insights and technical support to consultations and working groups, helping to bridge the gap between science and policy making. Through Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG-2) meetings foreseen in 2025 the panel’s structure, priorities and scope will be further defined.
Energy and climate negotiations
Our industry supports and actively contributes to the ambitions set out in the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015. Through ICCA, °®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ engages with key dialogue partners like the Conference of Parties (COP) via the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Global Business Forum for G20 (B20), International Energy Association (IEA), and other interested parties. To achieve these targets and close the emission gap, industry calls to focus on key areas, like:
- Conditions that encourage investment in clean technologies.�
- International cooperation on CO2 policies, particularly given Europe’s role in supporting global emissions reductions while facing competitiveness challenges.â€�
- Market creation for low-emission products.�
- Increased plastic recycling and reduced waste.�
- Infrastructure development to support these efforts.�
about ICCA’s work on energy and climate
Ongoing support to the UN GHS
Beyond ongoing international negotiations, ICCA contributes to the bi-annual implementation of updated versions of the UN Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). These updates are incorporated into the EU’s Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation No. 1272/2008. The UN GHS is an internationally agreed standard for labelling hazardous materials, harmonizing rules and regulations on chemicals globally. This harmonization enhances worker safety, reduces trade barriers, and supports environmental protection.
To find out more about the international negotiations impacting the chemicals industry and ICCA, see