“United Kingdom is actively working for the growth of the chemicals sector through promotion of exports and inward investment support. Our agenda includes promotion of clean growth opportunities and delivering a strong management programme for key chemicals investors and exporters," says Ivan Lima, Head of Chemicals, Healthcare, Life Sciences and Chemicals Cluster, Department for International Trade, London.

 

As a part of the UK-India Enhanced Trade Partnership, our intent is to negotiate a free trade agreement, double UK-India trade over the next decade, and deliver a market access package that progresses both quick wins and long-standing UK asks in the UK-India relationship. We are currently shaping our objectives and we hope negotiations commence early next year," added Lima. 

 

Lima was speaking at the UK - India Chemicals webinar themed ‘UK as a partner of choice to the Indian Chemical Industry'. 

 

“The chemicals sector in the UK has four strong clusters which are linked by an Ethylene pipeline. Most of the large elements of the industry will be found in Grangemouth in Edinburgh, Scotland; Rocksavage International in North West England; Saltend Chemicals Park in North East England; and Wilton International in North East England. However, there is also significant chemical industry activity, mainly in more speciality areas, which is outside these main clusters. On the high agenda are developing sustainable ingredients for personal care and consumer products including shampoo, detergents, glues, paints etc.; Investing in decarbonisation of chemicals manufacturing; and Decarbonised power through use of hydrogen and carbon capture as well as utilizing green electricity. The other areas include: Developing and manufacturing chemical inputs into the Electric Vehicle battery supply chain; Making plastic packaging that degrades completely or can be recycled fully; and digitalization of production processes,” said Lima.

 

Sharing his perspective on UK chemicals export capability, Alastair Gardner, Chemical Sector Specialist, Trade, Department for International Trade, London said, “There are approximately 4,500 businesses in the UK chemicals supply chain. The UK Chemicals and petrochemical industry is the 2nd largest contributor to the country’s manufacturing GDP with revenues of around €55 billion per annum. These include manufacturers, formulators, and downstream high value consumer goods manufacturers. UK speciality chemical expertise includes adhesives and sealants, additives, agrochemicals, aerosols, inks, paints and coatings, personal care, lubricants, pharma, circular economy, batteries, laboratory and equipment suppliers, electronics, and miscellaneous specialities. Organic chemicals, polymers, and plastic products are in high demand in the UK. While we do import from India which is an important specialty market, we are looking at building more partnerships, especially for selling downstream process equipment.”

 

“The UK's success in automotive, aerospace and pharmaceuticals creates demand for sophisticated chemical products. Strong R&D and innovation infrastructure provide the means for commercializing new technologies. As the global supply chains move to be more sustainable and given its expertise in the areas of sustainability and responsible regulation in chemistry, the UK could help the Indian chemical industry grow in a sustainable way. We plan to visit Chemspec India, and PlasIndia in collaboration with the British Plastic Federation. Indian chemical industry members looking for specific products or distribution opportunities are welcome to contact our team in India," adds Gardner.

 

Sharing his insights on UK’s R&D Innovation, Dr. Matthew Reeves, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Materials Chemistry and Formulation, KTN UK says, “To stay competitive as an advanced economy, we need to do things that others cannot do or to do things in different and better ways. Innovate UK drives productivity and growth by supporting businesses to realize the potential of new technologies, develop ideas and make them a commercial success. KTN exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond the existing thinking, accelerating ambitious ideas into real world solutions. It is focused on connecting, funding including private and public finance, influencing through information to policy makers, supporting business planning and helping navigate to engaging wider stakeholders. Among the relevant industry programmes for chemistry are clean growth, industrial decarbonisation, and smarter innovation through digital technologies, prospering from the energy revolution, smart sustainable plastic packaging, transforming construction, transforming food production, and foundation industries.”

 

“Speciality chemicals and organic fertilizers are among few major areas of trade between UK and India. For water and industrial effluent treatment plants, we can bring in technologies from the UK. Going forward, we plan to organize business to business (B2B) programs in the months of March - April, 2022. If the COVID situation permits, hopefully the delegation from the UK will visit India and reach out to the Indian companies,” says Jasdeep Jassal, Senior Sector Manager - Chemicals, Department for International Trade (DIT) India.