'Strategic Directions' is the sequel report to 'Elements in Everything'. It examines the technological advances, changing environmental regulations, shifting consumer preferences and societal trends that have the potential to open up new market growth areas for the chemicals and plastics industry.
Strategic Directions:
Towards sustained growth of the Australian Chemicals and Plastics Industry
'Strategic Directions' was commissioned by Chemistry Australia (formerly PACIA) and the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE). The report identifies ways the Australian chemistry industry can address challenges and take advantage of market growth areas. It considers two possible scenarios for the future: the current trajectory and sustainable growth.
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The Current Trajectory
In looking at the Current Trajectory, the report considers the implications if minimal or no action was to be taken to address the opportunities and challenges this industry faces. In this scenario, the industry continues to contract, Australia becomes increasingly dependent on imported chemical and plastic products, jobs and production facilities are taken off shore and Australia’s downstream supply chains are threatened.
Sustainable Growth
Sustainable Growth outlines an alternative scenario in which actions are taken towards addressing the key social, economic and environmental challenges and opportunities the chemicals and plastics industry faces in the upcoming decades. This scenario leads to sustainable growth and a strong, vibrant and resilient chemicals and plastics industry that continues to contribute to the economy, creates Australian jobs and protects downstream supply chains.
Market Growth Areas
Market growth areas are demand-side opportunities in industries that rely on chemical and plastic products as inputs. This includes growth in demand in existing chemical and plastic products as well as business opportunities for new products created by social, environmental and economic changes in the decades ahead. The report lists these growth opportunities as being; Agriculture and Food, Mining, Building and Construction, Materials Recycling and Health Care and Wellbeing.
Industry Enablers
Industry enablers are activities that create new opportunities or to address major issues that may be preventing future growth. The report identifies nine key industry enablers that would potentially move the chemicals and plastics industry towards the sustainable growth scenario.
Charting a Way Forward
This report builds upon the research and analysis of an earlier report commissioned by Chemistry Australia (formerly PACIA) and the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE) and conducted by the CSIRO, entitled Elements in Everything. The Elements in Everything report identified six global megatrends likely to affect the chemicals and plastics industry over the next 20 years.
More Information
The report was launched on the 6 June 2013 by Dr Megan Clark, CSIRO Chief Executive at the industry's National Conference.
