The role of International Cooperative Initiatives in achieving national climate targets in the Netherlands: The case of the chemical sector

Abstract

This research investigates the role of International Cooperative Initiatives (ICIs) in supporting the Netherlands’ national climate targets, with a specific focus on the chemical sector. The chemical industry is a critical contributor to national greenhouse gas emissions, while also being highly interconnected with global supply chains. ICIs, which include voluntary agreements, international partnerships, and sector-specific coalitions, offer a mechanism for sharing best practices, accessing technological innovations, and aligning industrial activities with climate objectives beyond national borders. Understanding their effectiveness is essential for both policymakers and industry actors aiming to meet ambitious emission reduction targets while maintaining competitiveness.

The study examines how chemical sector companies in the Netherlands participate in ICIs and to what extent these initiatives influence their climate performance. Data were collected through a mixed-method approach, including a review of policy documents, corporate sustainability reports, and publicly available records of participation in ICIs. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry representatives, policymakers, and experts from ICIs to obtain qualitative insights into the mechanisms, benefits, and challenges of these collaborative efforts.

Findings indicate that ICIs play a multifaceted role in advancing national climate goals. First, they enable knowledge transfer and capacity building, allowing Dutch chemical companies to adopt innovative low-carbon technologies and operational practices more rapidly than would be possible through national efforts alone. Second, ICIs provide reputational and regulatory incentives, as participation can signal corporate commitment to sustainability and facilitate alignment with international climate standards. Third, they foster the development of joint projects and sector-wide initiatives, enabling scale effects that amplify the impact of individual corporate actions.

However, the research also identifies several challenges. The voluntary nature of many ICIs can limit enforcement, and discrepancies between international standards and national climate policies may create coordination issues. Furthermore, participation requires significant organizational resources, which may disadvantage smaller firms or create inequalities in influence among participants. Despite these challenges, ICIs were found to have a positive effect on the chemical sector’s ability to meet emission reduction targets, particularly when initiatives are well-integrated with national policy frameworks and include clear performance indicators.

The study concludes that ICIs are an important complement to national climate policy in the Netherlands. To maximize their effectiveness, policymakers should encourage alignment between ICIs and national targets, provide support for smaller firms to participate, and promote transparency and monitoring mechanisms. For the chemical sector, active engagement in ICIs can accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies, strengthen global competitiveness, and enhance contributions to national climate objectives.

Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of how international collaboration mechanisms can support domestic climate ambitions, highlighting the benefits and limitations of ICIs in translating global cooperation into measurable national outcomes.