From Insights to Action: ESG & Sustainability in Specialty Chemicals

April 25, 2025
By Emylyn Noma Reyes, SOCMA
Director, EHS

I recently had the privilege of moderating SOCMA’s 2025 ESG & Sustainability Workshop in Indianapolis. As participants begin implementing what they learned, I wanted to share how the insights from this event can translate into practical action for specialty chemical manufacturers.

Adapting to a Shifting Landscape

A key theme echoed throughout the workshop was adaptability. With evolving political and regulatory dynamics, this is a strategic moment to recalibrate—to align sustainability strategies with business goals and stakeholder expectations.

While federal mandates may fluctuate, we’re seeing state and global frameworks step in. Companies that remain focused, yet flexible, will be best positioned to thrive.

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Aligning Goals with Business Drivers

The workshop provided valuable guidance on setting sustainability goals that support core business objectives. The most effective approaches tie ESG and sustainability initiatives directly to:

  • Risk reduction
  • Revenue growth opportunities
  • Meeting investor demands
  • Satisfying customer procurement standards

This alignment ensures ESG isn’t a siloed initiative—it becomes a strategic advantage supported across the organization.

Navigating Assessment Frameworks

EcoVadis remains a key benchmark in our industry. With scoring criteria tightening in 2025, the focus is shifting toward meaningful policy improvements and measurable KPIs. A strong message emerged: assess what you already have in place. Map your policies, safety systems, and management programs to EcoVadis criteria rather than starting from scratch.

One standout example came from a company leveraging the ChemStewards® program as part of their submission—earning extra credit and significantly improving their overall score. It’s a reminder that what you do is important, but how you document and communicate it is equally critical.

The Power of Authentic Storytelling

One of the most practical and insightful sessions centered around ESG and sustainability communication strategies. The key takeaway: storytelling matters—but only when it’s grounded in authenticity. To avoid the risks of greenwashing, companies must ensure that their messaging reflects real progress, supported by data and transparency.

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The most effective ESG and sustainability narratives are those that highlight tangible actions and outcomes. For specialty chemical manufacturers, that could mean showcasing improvements in emissions tracking, updates to EHS protocols, meaningful employee engagement efforts, or contributions to local communities. These are the types of stories that demonstrate progress and build trust.

Looking Ahead: Practical Progress Matters

The closing panel offered valuable perspective on future trends, emphasizing that even small sustainability wins can drive long-term value. Speakers encouraged attendees to:

  • Start with practical actions aligned with business strategy
  • Develop repeatable systems for data collection and reporting
  • Find the right balance between aligning with global framework and responding to specific customer and stakeholder demands –flexibility is the new standard! Share progress transparently, including both successes and challenges. Authentic, operations-driven storytelling makes ESG and sustainability relatable and credible.

The core message was clear: ESG & Sustainability isn’t just about compliance—it’s about performance, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

Final Thoughts: Turning Insight into Action

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As I reflect on the workshop experience, I’m encouraged by the commitment I saw across our industry despite an uncertain regulatory environment. The challenge now is to translate that energy into action—starting with what we already do well, staying nimble, and building toward the future.

To my fellow leaders in specialty chemicals: How are you approaching ESG in 2025? What challenges are you navigating? What’s working? Let’s continue learning from each other and proving that in this industry, sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.

To learn more about ESG, sustainability, and explore SOCMA’s resources, visit: www.socma.org/esg

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