Case: Chemical Leasing
ResourcesCase: Chemical Leasing
Related Initiative
What is this about?
Project context: A team of chemists, policy experts, and economists, develops and tests a new business model that changes B2B interaction from selling chemicals to selling service. For example, instead of selling solvents to a metallurgy company who uses it to wash off grease from produced metal parts, the chemical company would clean the metal parts with their solvents. By that, the goal of a chemical producer shifts from selling as much solvent as possible to applying as little solvent as possible for the same service. “Pulling in the same direction” (both producer and customer are interested in reducing the amount of chemicals applied) is what decreases chemical waste and adverse ecological impact. After developing the business model in theory, the project will test how it plays out in reality by collaborating with firms in the chemical sector (producers and suppliers, industrial clients and appliers). The team argues for the significance of their approach with reduced material usage, reduced risk of spilling and ecological impact, and increased road safety since chemicals don’t need to be shipped.
Ethics self-assessment, part 7: Environment
The project identifies ways of B2B interaction that reduces the amount of chemicals used in industrial processes. As such it contributes to sustainable business practices and protects the environment. Risks of spilling and contamination are greatly reduced when our business model is applied. Safety protocols can be followed with less administrative effort and without shifting responsibilities.
The research process itself doesn’t pose ecological risks. Involved corporate stakeholders will be instructed to test the suggested procedures in a way that no safety regulations are breeched. It doesn’t require the processing of chemical compounds in a way that exceeds their regular consumption in current B2B processes but will rather reduce it. Road safety in shipment processes will be ensured at any time. Compliance with regulations of data management in multi-stakeholder research environments will be maintained.
The outcome of the project – the novel business model of chemical leasing – will support the Sustainable Development Goals No. 8 (Decent work & economic growth), 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), 14 and 15 (Life below water and on land). As such, its benefits clearly outweigh the marginal risks of misuse of the business model.
