IChemE welcomes report on contribution of chemistry to UK economy

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has welcomed a report from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) detailing The Contribution of Chemistry: Understanding how chemistry capability translates into economic value across the UK, as an important recognition of the fundamental role of the chemicals industry to the UK economy. 

The RSC’s research explores how chemical sciences and chemical engineering support economic growth, underpin the skills pipeline, and create jobs and opportunities across the UK, yet are not always recognised in policy and economic decision making.  

Some key findings from the research include:  

• Chemistry contributed £60.5bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK in 2023, an 18% increase compared to in 2019.  
• GVA per worker in chemistry is 34% higher than the UK average across all sectors.  
• 46% of chemistry-using professionals work in UK Government priority sectors compared to 26% across the wider UK economy.

Whilst the strong economic impact of chemistry reflects its role across the whole economy, we also recognise the pressure the chemicals sector is experiencing. IChemE joins the call for coordinated action across skills, supply chains and infrastructure, to support the sector and economic resilience.  

Chemical engineers play a central role across the chemicals industry, supporting the safe and efficient production of materials and products that underpin critical national infrastructure, including energy, water, pharmaceuticals, food production, advanced manufacturing and defence.

Dr Rachel Bibby, Director of Member Experience and Knowledge at IChemE, said: “These findings underline the vital contribution that chemical engineers and technical professionals make to the UK's industrial success. Their expertise is essential to developing, operating and improving the processes that underpin sectors ranging from chemicals and pharmaceuticals to energy, food production and advanced manufacturing. 

As the UK seeks to strengthen competitiveness, improve resilience and deliver a more sustainable future, it is crucial that the skills, knowledge and innovation capabilities of the chemical and process engineering workforce are recognised and supported. Investing in these professionals will help ensure that the UK can continue to translate scientific and technological advances into economic and societal value.”

What is chemical engineering?

Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.

IChemE

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries. 

We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.