RSC launches coordination group for sustainable polymers

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has launched a landmark initiative to revolutionise the production, use, and disposal of polymers in liquid formulations (PLFs)—a diverse group of ingredients found in products we use every day, from paints and coatings to shampoos, cleaning products, and cosmetics. Backed by some of the world’s largest companies and leading academic institutions, the Sustainable PLFs 2040 initiative aims to make these ubiquitous chemicals fully sustainable by 2040. 

Though largely invisible to consumers, PLFs are a $125 billion global industry. Yet nearly none of the 36 million tonnes produced annually are recovered or recycled. Most end up as waste—washed down drains, embedded in products, or released into the environment. The RSC’s new initiative seeks to end this linear model by developing biodegradable alternatives and establishing circular economy infrastructure to ensure PLFs are reused and recovered. 

“This is a critical moment,” said Professor Anju Massey-Brooker, who leads the programme at the RSC. “We encounter PLFs every single day, but they’ve long been overlooked in chemical innovation. There is an urgent need to rethink how they’re made and what happens to them at the end of their life. With global collaboration and a clear roadmap, we’re taking decisive steps to make PLFs sustainable.” 

The initiative formalises a foresight and coordination group, bringing together leaders from across industry, academia, and policy. Its founding members include Professor Massey-Brooker (RSC), Professor Andreas Künkel and Dr Martin Klatt (BASF), Dr Paul Jenkins (Unilever), Dr Damian Kelly (Croda), Professor Gill Reid (University of Southampton), Professor Matthew Davidson (University of Bath), and Dr Jen Vanderhoven (BBIA). Together, they will oversee delivery of the RSC’s roadmap for PLFs, first published in 2021. 

This roadmap sets out two core targets by 2030: develop and scale biodegradable PLFs, and advance circular economy systems for PLF recovery and reuse—laying the foundation for complete sustainability by 2040. 

Former RSC president Professor Gill Reid called it “a truly exciting time for innovation,” adding: “The Royal Society of Chemistry’s collaborative approach is key to turning cutting-edge research into tangible, market-ready solutions. Tools for sustainability assessment and transparent reporting will be critical to empowering industry-wide action.” 

Polymers in liquid formulations differ from plastics, yet pose similar environmental challenges. They often enter waste streams through use—such as detergents rinsed away or personal care products washed off—making them particularly difficult to recapture or recycle through traditional means. Despite their environmental footprint, PLFs have historically been designed for performance, not sustainability. 

Dr Damian Kelly of Croda said: “PLFs are critical to how a huge range of liquid products function, but their design hasn’t considered end-of-life impact. This initiative brings together the right people, resources, and roadmap to reimagine these polymers for a sustainable future.” 

Originally launched in 2017 as part of the RSC’s plastics sustainability work, the Sustainable PLFs programme has now evolved into a major multi-sector collaboration. It combines research and innovation projects, working groups, and policy engagement to deliver a just transition toward sustainable chemistry. 

By bringing together industry leaders, scientists, and regulators around shared goals and clear milestones, the Sustainable PLFs 2040 initiative represents a bold step toward a cleaner, more responsible chemical future. 

The RSC have launched a LinkedIn group to bring together professionals working across the PLFs sector—from research and manufacturing to sustainability, retail, and policy.  

Join here!

The group will offer regular updates on the Sustainable PLFs 2040 initiative, along with industry news, events, and expert insights. It’s a space to share best practices, spark discussion, and build meaningful connections.