PTT Global Chemical
Grade summary
PTT Global Chemical scores a D+ in ChemScore 2023. The company produces 11 SIN List substances, of which two are persistent. However, only 10 per cent of the global production is known. The score is an increase in comparison with previous years and is due to circular products, recycled feedstock, and a decrease in hazardous waste. The amount of SIN List substances and persistent chemicals in the product portfolio of the company has increased after the acquisition of Allnex, a resin and coating company.
PTT Global Chemical uses eco-design guidelines, life-cycle assessments, circular economy principles, and promotes green products. External promotion on third-party platforms such as ChemSec’s Marketplace is, however, missing. The company has circular processes in place and a take-back scheme in collaboration with private and public partners but lacks a statement about the absence of hazardous chemicals. The company’s aim to limit harmful products requires clearer phase-out plans and concrete KPIs covering circular economy targets.
How did we come to this score?
Opportunities for improvement
- Map and phase out persistent chemicals
PTT Global Chemical produces or uses at least two persistent chemicals. These substances are known as “forever chemicals” due to the fact that they do not break down in nature. These chemicals — which are linked to many negative health effects — instead build up over time, creating consequences that are becoming increasingly detrimental. Not only for human health and the environment but also for investors. Companies reliant on such chemicals risk stranded assets now that the regulatory speed is accelerating. They are also exposed to significant liability risks since more chemical companies are being sued for contamination and bodily injury. PTT Global Chemical should therefore identify all uses, as well as publish the share of revenue and production volume of persistent chemicals (or products that contain them). The company should publish a time-bound phase-out plan for each persistent chemical and a realistic road map with clear KPIs to track progress.
- Reduce hazardous portfolio
Scientists agree that chemical pollution has crossed a planetary boundary and become an urgent global crisis, threatening both ecosystems and human health. Since PTT Global Chemical has 11 hazardous chemicals in its product portfolio, a key improvement point for the company is to reduce this number. PTT Global Chemical should therefore identify all uses, as well as publish the share of revenue and production volume of hazardous chemicals (or products that contain them). It should also publish a reduction road map of each hazardous chemical together with an annual progression report. Ideally, the company should commit to having a toxic-free product portfolio within the next decade. If the company decides to continue producing a hazardous substance, it needs to present a rationale for its essential use and prove that no feasible alternatives are available at present. In such a case, the company should also state the share of the R&D budget spent on finding a safer alternative for that particular substance.
- Market safer alternatives
PTT Global Chemical does not have any safer alternatives evaluated by independent third parties in its product portfolio. Safer alternatives replace the use of hazardous substances and are crucial in order to put an end to chemical pollution. The company should, therefore, start producing safer alternatives or market existing ones on an independent third-party platform. A good place to advertise is ChemSec’s Marketplace, where buyers and suppliers can find and market safer alternatives.