About us
The International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) advances the global transition to Sustainable Chemistry across chemical value chains with cross-sectoral impact. The chemical industry is deeply interconnected with almost all areas of the economy and shapes the lives of people worldwide.
ISC3 promotes a holistic sustainability approach that embeds sustainable technologies, processes and products throughout supply chains. Products are considered across their entire life cycle – from design and production to use and further processing. This approach integrates environmental, economic and social dimensions, supports the closing of material loops within a circular economy, and fosters new efficiency- and sustainability-oriented business models. At the same time, ISC3 promotes a shift in thinking among stakeholders by advancing sufficiency strategies, helping to reduce the absolute consumption of materials, resources and energy, and encouraging solutions that are aligned with actual needs.
The Centre follows a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing together policymakers, public and private actors, industry, academia and civil society worldwide. It strengthens expertise and sustainability competencies, contributes to international chemicals policy, advises organisations, promotes innovation and entrepreneurship, and develops education and training programmes. In addition, ISC3 initiates strategic alliances to accelerate the transition to Sustainable Chemistry.
ISC3 was established in 2017 on the initiative of theGerman Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and the German Federal Environment Agency. The Centre is hosted by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and supported by DECHEMA (Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology) as the ISC3 Innovation Hub.
