Sustainability in the GCC Petrochemical Sector: A Call for Improvement

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by the University of Hull and published in the International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications has highlighted the importance of sustainability in the GCC Petrochemical sector. The study, which involved 32 respondent interviews and a review of supporting secondary data, identified four key pillars for sustainability: digitalisation, value creation, risk management, and partnerships. The research found that normative and coercive pressures, as well as partnerships and self-regulation practices, are crucial for improving sustainability in this sector. The study suggested eight policy recommendations for governments to enhance sustainability implementation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GCC Petrochemical sector is critical to improving its sustainability through regulation, standards, and environmental performance monitoring.
  • Four best practice pillars emerged from the study: digitalisation, value creation, risk management, and partnerships.
  • Normative and coercive pressures, as well as partnerships and self-regulation practices, are key drivers and barriers for sustainability in this sector.
  • Partnerships and self-regulation practices were identified as important components for sustainability.
  • Eight policy recommendations were suggested for governments to enhance sustainability implementation.
  • The study confirmed the influence and impact of Institutional Theory elements on the GCC Petrochemical sector.
  • Abdullah Alsaif and David B. Grant were co-authors of the study, alongside lead author Sarah Shaw.
  • The study provides a framework for stakeholders to inform sustainability practices and performance measurement in the GCC Petrochemical sector.

Statistics:

  • 32 respondent interviews were conducted as part of the study.
  • Four best practice pillars emerged from the study.
  • 8 policy recommendations were suggested for governments to enhance sustainability implementation.
  • The study involved a review of supporting secondary data.
  • The study was peer-reviewed and published in the International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from University of Hull in the Area of Sustainability Research Reported (Exploring Supply Chain Sustainability Practices In the Gulf Cooperation Council Petrochemical Sector). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. June 27, 2025; p 637.
  • Exploring Supply Chain Sustainability Practices In the Gulf Cooperation Council Petrochemical Sector. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 2025.