Investors Call on Chemical Sector to Act Now to Protect Biodiversity
Over $4 Trillion in Investor Assets Back Bold Statement on Safer Chemistry
As momentum grows for global action on chemical pollution and biodiversity loss, more than 44 investors representing over $4 trillion in assets under management have issued a strong call to the chemical industry: transition away from highly hazardous chemicals and toward safer alternatives to protect biodiversity, human health, and long-term value.
The call from investors, coordinated by responsible investment NGO ShareAction, Achmea Investment Management, ChemSec, Erste Asset Management, IEHN of Clean Production Action, Planet Tracker and Mercy Investment Services, comes as stakeholders gather in Uruguay for the next phase in the Global Framework on Chemicals, where the goal is to strengthen action to tackle the crisis of pollution from chemicals and waste.
Julie Gorte, Impax Asset Management:
"If we want to avoid a planetary catastrophe, we must all act to achieve a circular economy and eliminate the pollution that is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss."
Despite rising regulatory and reputational risks, many chemical companies are lagging. The investor statement warns that companies are failing to map their dependencies and impacts on nature and are missing the growing market opportunities for green chemistry innovation.
Arthur van Mansvelt, Achmea Investment Management:
"This statement shows investors are deeply concerned that the chemical sector is not sufficiently mitigating the risks related to biodiversity loss from pollution."
Why This Matters
- Chemical pollution has breached planetary boundaries—threatening ecosystems that sustain life.
- More than 11,500 animal species are impacted by pollution, according to the IUCN Red List.
- Investors are demanding companies align with global frameworks and develop robust biodiversity strategies, enhanced disclosures, and safer product portfolios.
Two Complementary Statements
- Corporate-Focused Statement – Urges chemical companies to commit to transitioning product portfolios away from hazardous chemicals and align with the Global Framework on Chemicals and Target 7 of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Policy-Focused Statement – Calls on governments to strengthen and harmonize regulatory frameworks to accelerate the chemical industry’s transition.
Add Your Voice: The Statement Is Still Open
This powerful investor statement remains open for additional signatories. We will continue using it to influence key forums shaping the future of global chemical and biodiversity policy—including upcoming meetings under the Global Framework on Chemicals and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Join us in calling for a future free from chemical pollution.
To sign the statement or learn more, click here!
Together, we can help shift markets and policies toward safer solutions that protect people, planet, and portfolio value.