1、Driving toward the future of materialsConsiderations for Europe and the chemical industry2Driving toward the future of materialsCompanies in the materials industryincluding those in chemicalshave long played an important role in the daily lives of people around the globe.But as a changing world brin

2、gs new challengesfrom global competition to disruption and the growing need for sustainabilitythe industry is often seen as mature and largely static,with limited involvement in meeting those challenges.In reality,however,it is on the verge of a new era.The future of materials will play a vital role

3、 in reshaping our“material world”for the betterment of people and the planet.Today,the industry is seeing the creation of a range of new materials in a revolution that is driven by technology-enabled innovation,coupled with increasingly sophisticated end uses and products that require materials with

4、 new properties.Many of these materials would have sounded like science fiction just a few years ago.They include self-healing materials that can recover from scratches and cracks;metal foams that are lighter than traditional metals while providing the same strength;and willow glass that is strong,l

5、ightweight and conformable,and can be used in ultra-thin displays and flexible solar cells.This growing range of new products is likely to drive the next wave of growth for the materials industry,according to an Accenture analysis.For European chemical companies in particular,it will bring opportuni

6、ties to adopt new business models and compete more effectively in global markets.To succeed,however,they will need to rethink their value chains,find ways to expand manufacturing capabilities and capacity in the region,and take advantage of digitally powered approaches to faster,more focused innovat