Greenhouse gas neutrality: A qualitative analysis of perceived sustainability tensions in the German chemical industry

Heck, Janine; von Delft, Stephan; Leker, Jens

Abstract

The chemical industry plays a critical role in achieving climate neutrality. While several recent studies have concluded that a greenhouse gas-neutral chemical industry is technically feasible, implementation seems to lag behind. This study addresses this issue and contributes to the literature on corporate sustainability by providing a contextual perspective of tensions. Specifically, this study investigates perceived tensions of sustainability managers in their chemical firms’ quest to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and how they react to these tensions. The study thereby draws on paradox theory. A qualitative content analysis of interviews with sustainability managers from 22 chemical companies in Germany identifies six tensions, of which four occur very frequently. The responses are grouped into four categories: Business success vs. GHG savings (1), Missing availability (2), GHG savings vs other ecological impact (3) and Desire for sustainability vs. actual behaviour (4). Energy is identified as an overarching topic through which the tensions are linked. Therefore, it is concluded that the response to tensions, as well as the framework conditions around energy, determine if the tensions are either amplified or reduced.