Framework conditions for the transformation toward a sustainable carbon-based chemical industry – A critical review of existing and potential contributions from the social sciences

Due to the urgent need for global climate change mitigation, the use of renewable carbon sources and the application of circular economy principles represent promising ways to implement the necessary fundamental transformation toward a sustainable (i.e., carbon-neutral) carbon-based chemical industry. As this required transformation involves a multitude of stakeholders and requires broad societal support, social sciences have to be involved to inform possible transformation pathways. Although there is a growing body of social sciences research in the field of a circular plastics economy, some processes in the social sciences that have the potential to support the transformation process are still understudied. Based on a reflection of the current circular economy approach, we point out research needs in the following fields: (1) behavioral plasticity of consumer behaviors and potential side effects of mitigation strategies, (2) the dynamics of political framework conditions, and (3) the citizens’ literacy as relevant supporters of the transformation. We conclude that social sciences-related circular economy research is just beginning to understand the needs and willingness of actors involved in the transformation toward a sustainable carbon-based chemical industry, clearly implying the need for further contributions from the social sciences.