From Compliance to Competitive Edge: How Sustainability and ESG Will Transform the Petrochemical Industry
As global priorities shift toward climate resilience, social accountability, and transparent governance, Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles are emerging as the defining framework for responsible business in the 21st century. In the petrochemical industry—long perceived as high-risk and high-impact—embracing sustainability is no longer optional; it is a strategic imperative.
This presentation explores why Sustainability and ESG have become central to business dialogue, driven by mounting climate risks, stakeholder expectations, and evolving regulatory landscapes. With increasing pressure from governments, investors, and the public, companies in the petrochemical sector must move beyond safety and compliance to actively integrate ESG into their core operations.
We will examine how sustainability goes beyond reducing carbon footprints—it touches every aspect of the petrochemical value chain, from supply chain ethics and energy transition to employee wellbeing and digital governance. Key regulations and initiatives such as the UN SDGs, IFRS/ISSB Standards, EU CSRD, GRI, Stock Exchange Reporting Regulations and Singapore Carbon Pricing Act and local environmental laws are creating new compliance thresholds that must be understood and strategically addressed.
This session will highlight the risks of ESG inaction, including license-to-operate threats, reputational harm, and capital access limitations—and contrast them with the opportunities of early adoption, such as innovation leadership, cost savings, and long-term resilience.
We will also outline breakthrough points for the sector: including circularity in chemical production, green hydrogen, bio-based feedstocks, and transparent ESG reporting systems.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how the petrochemical industry can navigate ESG risks, leverage sustainability as a value driver, and lead the transition to a safer, more future-proof operating model.