Digital Optimisation of UK Chemical Supply Chains: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Operational Efficiency, Safety Risk, and Carbon Emissions Reduction [Paper]

The UK chemical industry is grappling with the problem of operational effectiveness, safety and carbon emission within the context of the regulatory and environmental demands. The paper evaluates the opportunity to optimise one of these objectives with the help of digital technologies (IIoT, AI, and Digital Twins). This study was based on a mixed-method exploratory sequential design, where 50 qualitative interviews with industry stakeholders would be carried out in order to find an insight on what is done and the challenges experienced. The second phase consisted of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), which evaluated the effects of digital technologies on operational efficiency, safety, and carbon emissions. Findings show that a high level of digital maturity results in significant improvements: operational efficiency has increased by 13.3 %, safety incidents have decreased by 32 %, and carbon emissions have been cut by 7 %. The article demonstrates how digital solutions can deliver efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the chemical industry.