IMCD Group, a distributor and formulator of speciality chemicals and ingredients, will participate in K 2025 with a program centered on data-driven sustainability and market-relevant expertise. IMCD Advanced Materials will present insights from its Sustainability in Industry survey, which captured responses from more than 600 industry participants across over 40 countries. The dataset was analysed by industry, region, main markets and company level to map sustainability drivers, priorities, challenges and support needs. Visitors to booth D28 in Hall 6 will be able to discuss how these findings translate into practical, market-focused solutions. As part of its Power Up with IMCD initiative, the company will also provide Future Briefs for four market segments, namely automotive, medical and healthcare, film and packaging, and wire and cable. The survey further delivers detailed perspectives across eight areas of practice, including recycling, waste reduction, renewable sources, CO2 reduction, end-of-life enhancement, weight reduction, biodegradables and compostables, outlining where adoption is progressing and where barriers remain.
Survey scope and key findings
The analysis highlights four headline observations from respondents operating across multiple regions and value chains:
- The industry is gaining maturity in adopting sustainable solutions.
- While cost remains the most common challenge, cited by 48 percent of respondents, performance is now an essential requirement for adoption, identified by 28 percent. This challenge is even greater in the context of recycling and waste reduction.
- Greenwashing is a widespread concern for 87 percent of respondents, and it is also viewed as an opportunity for trusted validation and guidance in a complex market.
- Beyond regulatory compliance, environmental impact and customer demand are the main forces driving adoption, with 60 percent citing customer pressure as a major influence. There are regional and industry nuances, particularly regarding regulatory compliance.
The results also provide granularity across eight sustainable practices, covering recycling, waste reduction, renewable sources, CO2 reduction, end-of-life enhancement, weight reduction, biodegradables and compostables, enabling stakeholders to benchmark pain points and support needs.
Dan Andersson, Global Head of Sustainability at IMCD Advanced Materials, said: "Our recent survey shows that trade-offs are no longer accepted. Sustainability must perform, and sustainable materials are expected to match or exceed high performance standards without escalating costs."
Focus areas at the booth
On stand D28 in Hall 6, visitors can explore how the survey insights map to application-specific requirements and materials selection. Under the Power Up with IMCD banner, the company will offer Future Briefs for four of its 23 segments: automotive, medical and healthcare, film and packaging, and wire and cable, providing concise overviews of needs and solution pathways aligned with the survey’s findings.
Centre: Dan Andersson, Global Head of Sustainability at IMCD Advanced Materials, at K Show.
