London, 21st May 2026 – SCI® has welcomed today’s announcement of a £350 million Government support package, the Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund, for the UK chemicals sector, recognising it as an important first step in safeguarding one of the most critical foundations of UK industry.
The funding reflects the recognition of the sector’s vital role in economic resilience, supply chain security, and industrial capability.
However, SCI® has cautioned that while the package is a positive signal of intent, much greater investment, as well as policy change, will be needed to build back the capabilities that the UK needs.
Sharon Todd, CEO at SCI®, said: “We very much welcome the Government’s recognition of the strategic importance of the chemicals sector and the role it plays in underpinning UK capabilities. This funding is certainly an important first step and will provide much-needed support to companies facing significant cost pressures.”
“The scale of the challenge facing chemical producers, not just in the UK but across the EU, should not be underestimated. To maintain a competitive and resilient industrial base, a long-term plan, underpinned by new investment and a sustainable cost base is needed.”
The chemicals sector is a cornerstone of numerous industries, including pharmaceuticals, construction, healthcare, and clean energy. Maintaining domestic production capacity is vital for reducing reliance on imports and ensuring the resilience of key supply chains.
SCI® emphasises that base chemicals producers, in particular, form the backbone of the wider chemicals value chain. Without a strong domestic presence, downstream industries risk increased costs, reduced security of supply, and greater exposure to international disruption.
SCI® is calling on the Government to build on this initial package with a longer-term, more ambitious strategy that reflects the scale and importance of the sector to the UK economy.
Further details on the funding scheme and application process can be found here: Government steps in to back long-term resilience of UK’s chemicals and ceramics industries - GOV.UK
About SCI®
SCI® (Society of Chemical Industries), established in 1881, is an independent not for profit that convenes across industry, academia and government to help accelerate the pace of adoption of science into industry for the benefit of society.
SCI® is a global network of innovators using science to tackle some of the big societal challenges of the day, across climate & planet and health & wellness. SCI® brings together companies with $500bn in global sales and $30bn in scientific R&D; publishes peer reviewed journals, including the recently launched Sustainability journal; and convenes a broad range of societal challenge areas. Through its mentoring and training programmes, SCI® empowers future leaders in science and business.
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