From PPE to Electric Vehicles: How Modern Chemistry is Building a Sustainable Future
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies in the business of chemistry. Our mission is to deliver value through advocacy, safety research, and economic insights. american chemistry council
April 13, 2026 By: American Chemistry Council From PPE to Electric Vehicles: How Modern Chemistry
When you hear the word "chemistry," you might think of a laboratory with beakers and goggles. But at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), we see chemistry as the invisible thread woven into every part of modern life. But at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), we
From the helmet protecting a soldier to the lightweight plastic panels in an electric vehicle (EV) and the sterile packaging of a COVID-19 vaccine, chemistry is the solution.
For over 150 years, the business of chemistry has been a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. Today, we are leading the charge toward a lower-carbon, safer, and more circular future. You cannot have an electric vehicle without advanced plastics and specialty chemicals. Batteries require high-purity chemicals for energy density. EV bodies need lightweight polymers to extend driving range. According to our latest Global Chemical Industry Outlook , the demand for battery-grade lithium, cobalt, and specialty films has tripled in the last five years. American chemistry is not just supporting the auto industry; we are enabling the transition to net-zero emissions. 2. The "Chemistry" of Circularity One of the biggest myths we fight is that all plastic ends up in the ocean. The reality is that the U.S. business of chemistry is investing over $50 billion in advanced recycling technologies. These new processes—like pyrolysis and depolymerization—allow us to break down hard-to-recycle plastics back into their molecular building blocks. Then, we rebuild them into brand new, food-grade packaging or auto parts. This is a circular economy in action, and it reduces the need for fossil feedstocks. 3. Safety Through Science We understand the public’s concern about chemical safety. That is why ACC members operate under Responsible Care® —our mandatory ethic of continuous environmental, health, and safety performance. We don't just follow regulations; we help write the science that informs them. From phasing out PFAS in consumer products to reducing industrial emissions, our members are committed to transparency and product stewardship. 4. The Workforce of Tomorrow The business of chemistry supports over 500,000 high-paying American jobs. But we face a skills gap. We are actively partnering with community colleges and trade schools to train the next generation of chemical technicians and process engineers. These are careers that pay $85,000+ a year and don't always require a four-year degree. The Bottom Line Chemistry is not the problem; it is the key to the solution. Whether it is making solar panels more efficient, creating lighter airplane parts to burn less fuel, or ensuring your drinking water is clean, the American Chemistry Council is proud to represent the scientists and manufacturers building a more sustainable tomorrow. For more data on advanced recycling and the EV supply chain, visit our official blog or check out the latest Chemical & Engineering News report.