Large-scale decarbonisation requires collective effort and meaningful action. Energy-intensive sectors, such as the chemical industry, have a key role to play in accelerating the goals of the Paris Agreement. TfS – a pioneering initiative led by chemical companies – is proving that transparency, innovation and collaboration can drive measurable progress.

Embedded in all areas of life and spanning industries and regions, the chemical sector has the potential to catalyse substantial global emissions reductions. Here’s how TfS is supporting that by helping shape sustainable practices.

Building decarbonisation knowledge through the TfS Academy

Decarbonisation begins with knowledge. Recognising this – and responding to increasing demand for sector-specific sustainability training – in 2022, TfS launched the TfS Academy. The Academy provides a foundation for building sustainability expertise among members, procurement teams and chemical industry suppliers. Since launching, it has provided more than 300 courses in 11 languages, designed to build global capability and provide the latest recommendations for sustainable procurement practices. In 2024 alone, 7,829 attendees completed 9,660 courses. With courses on greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonisation among the most popular, the industry’s focus on environmental progress is clear.

Cracking the carbon code: Standardising calculations with the PCF Guideline

One of the greatest challenges of decarbonisation lies in the inconsistency of calculating and reporting supply chain carbon emissions. To address this, TfS introduced the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Guideline in 2022. Harmonising carbon footprint calculation approaches across the industry, the PCF Guideline provides comprehensive instructions for calculating “cradle-to-gate” PCFs for chemical manufacturers, increasing accuracy and standardisation.

Since its launch, the PCF Guideline has been downloaded nearly 20,000 times in five different languages[1], demonstrating its global relevance and the demand for solutions to one of the sector’s most pressing issues.

TfS recently released the PCF Guideline 3.0, an updated version designed to further streamline Scope 3 emissions calculations. The update aligns calculation approaches more closely with key global sustainability frameworks, including the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) PACT, Catena-X and the Global Battery Alliance. The refreshed Guideline aims to better support the chemical industry in navigating growing regulatory pressures and evolving requirements such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). By adopting the PCF Guideline, companies can implement a consistent approach to measuring Scope 3 emissions, enabling them to set informed decarbonisation targets and accurately monitor their emissions reduction progress.

Simplifying carbon data exchange: The PCF Exchange solution

Effective decarbonisation requires robust data exchange, and TfS is taking the lead with its innovative PCF Exchange solution^[2]. Launched in 2024, the tool enables seamless, large-scale exchange of PCF data between chemical companies and their suppliers, fostering transparency and efficiency throughout supply chains. To celebrate its launch, TfS hosted a virtual event that attracted over 900 registrants from 35 countries, representing more than 500 companies and entities. This level of engagement emphasises the global commitment to collaboration and the pursuit of sustainable solutions in the chemical sector.

Powered by Siemens’ SiGREEN technology, the PCF Exchange solution facilitates secure, accurate and reliable emissions data exchange on a product level across platforms and industries. This robust technology builds trust among companies, suppliers and stakeholders by delivering consistent, traceable information that adheres to the highest regulatory standards.

A key feature of the PCF Exchange solution is its ability to simplify the complex and fragmented process of exchanging carbon footprint data. The platform significantly reduces the administrative burden traditionally associated with emissions reporting, enabling companies to request, compare and analyse supplier-provided product emissions data at scale. By implementing the PCF Exchange solution, businesses can spend less time addressing logistical challenges and more time taking actionable steps to reduce emissions.

A blueprint for the future

Since TfS was founded in 2011, the focus has been more than simply providing tools and frameworks; it is also dedicated to catalysing action for long-term sustainability throughout the chemical industry. By enabling collaboration and promoting accountability, the initiative is laying a solid foundation for widespread chemical industry decarbonisation.

In 2025, TfS will continue to drive adoption of its tools across the chemical industry, offering webinars, additional training courses and valuable resources to support the collective effort.

Ready to transform your decarbonisation journey? TfS invites you to register for the TfS Academy and start your learning journey with its free online training programme for TfS members and their suppliers. For a closer look at how TfS is equipping businesses to decarbonise, and how it can help support your business’s decarbonisation journey, visit the TfS website.

[1] As of 31 December 2024.

[2] The PCF Exchange solution is available to all TfS members and their suppliers.