The technical, political and social conditions for progressing on this path are encouraging. However, this development is not a sure-fire success. Whether it will be successful depends on the attitude with which the key players along the value chain approach the problems.

The shift requires intensive cooperation along the value chain and across industries. There is little doubt that the chemical industry plays an essential role in establishing the circular economy model and closing loops. The time is now for chemical companies to (re-)define their role as non-traditional opportunities and new players emerge.