Introduction
The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a global roadmap for achieving sustainable progress, addressing issues from poverty reduction and equality promotion to building sustainable cities and improving climate resilience, both in Denmark and globally. These goals are interconnected, emphasizing that meaningful progress requires tackling economic, social, and environmental challenges together.
Materials engineers are key contributors to achieving the SDGs by driving innovation, advancing sustainability, and ensuring reliability in materials and processes. Their expertise in designing, testing, and producing materials for specific purposes is critical to addressing pressing global issues like climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation.
Ensuring Safety, Reliability, and Sustainability
Corrosion engineers play a pivotal role in enhancing the safety and efficiency of chemical plants, contributing to safer workplaces (SDG 8). By reducing shutdowns and accidents, they help ensure consistent operations, fostering economic growth and job security. For instance, by ensuring the integrity of structures and equipment, corrosion engineers help reduce workplace hazards and improve occupational safety.
Corrosion engineers also work on essential infrastructure such as water pipelines, bridges, and transportation systems. Designing and maintaining safe, sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls—such as providing reliable access to clean water and safe public spaces—supports gender equality (SDG 5). For example, corrosion-resistant materials for water pipelines in rural areas can help achieve SDG Target 5.4, by reducing the time women and girls spend fetching water, allowing them more opportunities for education and employment.
Materials engineers contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by developing non-toxic materials for medical devices, packaging, and indoor building materials, all of which help improve public health. Innovations in materials science reduce exposure to harmful substances and create safer environments.
Additionally, materials engineers work to prevent the release of toxic substances from equipment failures, safeguarding public health and promoting safer workplaces. For example, corrosion-resistant systems that prevent chemical leaks reduce health risks for workers and surrounding communities.
Chemical plants play a vital role in industries such as agriculture. Corrosion engineers help ensure the safe production and storage of chemicals, supporting food security and safe agricultural practices (SDG 2 Zero Hunger). A corrosion-resistant storage system for fertilizers, for example, helps avoid contamination, ensuring the safe distribution of agricultural products.
One significant way materials engineers support the SDGs is by innovating new materials that minimize environmental impact. By developing materials that are resource-efficient and eco-friendly, they reduce the environmental footprint of various industries. For instance, biodegradable plastics reduce pollution and waste in oceans and landfills, while lightweight, high-strength materials improve transportation efficiency, advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Materials and corrosion engineers are also developing bio-based plastics, recyclable composites, and energy-efficient materials to decrease reliance on finite resources and lower carbon footprints. Advances in energy storage materials, like batteries and supercapacitors, facilitate the shift to renewable energy, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable
and Clean Energy).
In another example, corrosion-resistant coatings extend the lifespan of pipelines and reactors, reducing maintenance costs and supporting sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9).
Corrosion engineers working in energy-related chemical plants optimize the lifespan of equipment, reducing inefficiencies and supporting clean, sustainable energy systems (SDG 7). They develop materials that withstand harsh conditions in renewable energy systems, such as biofuel or hydrogen production, which reduces the need for frequent
replacements and minimizes energy loss.
The reliability of materials is essential for product safety and durability, especially in critical sectors like construction, transportation, and healthcare. Materials engineers ensure that materials meet stringent safety and performance standards, essential for achieving SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
For example, corrosion-resistant materials for wind turbines and solar panels extend the operational life of renewable energy systems, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and
Clean Energy).
By prioritizing durable, resilient materials, engineers contribute to infrastructure that withstands environmental challenges, supporting sustainable urban development
(SDG 11). Additionally, corrosion engineers working in industrial plants ensure the longevity and safety of plant equipment, reducing downtime and maintenance expenses. Consistent operation supports jobs and economic growth in local communities, indirectly reducing poverty (SDG 1). Prolonged equipment life leads to steady operations, supporting economic stability for workers, suppliers, and nearby communities.
What are the challenges:
Materials engineers face several challenges in promoting sustainable development, which can hinder their ability to create and implement innovative solutions.
• Limited Availability of Sustainable Materials: One of the significant hurdles is the restricted access to sustainable materials. Many eco-friendly materials are either difficult to obtain or expensive to import, which can limit their use in engineering projects. Engineers often need to explore alternative materials that are locally available and cost-effective to support sustainable practices, while maintaining project timelines and budgets.
• Increased Costs: Sustainable materials and technologies can be more expensive than traditional options. The initial investment in eco-friendly materials and high-tech equipment can deter companies from adopting sustainable practices. Engineers must find ways to balance these costs with the long-term benefits of sustainability, such as
reduced operational costs and improved product quality.
• Regulatory and Compliance Challenges: Engineers must navigate a complex landscape of regulations and building codes that can vary widely by location. Keeping up with changing regulations and ensuring compliance can be challenging, especially as sustainability standards become stricter. This complexity can slow down project timelines and
increase costs.
• Technical Complexity: The integration of advanced technologies and sustainable practices often involves complex engineering solutions. As products become more sophisticated, materials engineers must continuously update their skills and knowledge to keep pace with technological advancements. This ongoing need for education and training can be resource intensive.
• Environmental and Human Health Impacts: While developing sustainable materials is essential, it can also lead to unintended consequences, such as increased material mass and embodied energy. For instance, electric vehicles and LED light bulbs, while more energy-efficient, require more materials than their conventional counterparts,
potentially leading to greater environmental impacts during production and disposal.
• Cultural and Behavioral Barriers: Encouraging widespread adoption of sustainable practices requires a shift in mindset among stakeholders, including engineers, manufacturers, and consumers. Engineers must advocate for sustainability and educate others about its importance, which can be challenging in environments resistant to change.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Achieving sustainable development often requires collaboration across various disciplines. Materials engineers must work with professionals from different fields, such as environmental science, economics, and social sciences, to develop holistic solutions. This interdisciplinary approach can be challenging due to differing priorities and perspectives.
Industry Example – Topsoe A/S
At Topsoe, materials specialists are essential to advancing the energy transition while also optimizing our traditional operations. These experts play a critical role in deploying Topsoe’s technologies and catalysts for applications like low-sulfur fuels, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and reducing sulfur emissions and air pollution from industrial activities. Their work is related to materials and corrosion issues in refining processes, minimizing waste, enhancing hardware design, eliminating non-essential tasks, and implementing digitalization projects, such as next-generation ClearView™ solution.
In 2024, Topsoe completed an impactful project with its partner, the global technology group Andritz. This collaboration enabled the Brazilian pulp and paper company Klabin to improve both economic and environmental performance by converting sulfur-containing by-products into sulfuric acid, which is used within its own pulp mill. Additionally, Topsoe supported Anglo American Platinum’s South African platinum smelter with ClearView™ technology.
Topsoe is driving the energy transition by developing catalysts specifically designed for producing renewable and low-carbon fuels such as biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), low-carbon hydrogen, e-methanol, and green ammonia. These catalysts make production processes more efficient, accelerating the reduction of emissions across the energy industry.
Furthermore, in 2023, Topsoe built its largest and most efficient catalyst production facility in Bayport, Texas, with a nameplate capacity of 15,000 MT. Designed as a closed system, the unit significantly reduces dust exposure for employees. The high level of automation at this facility also enables it to operate at a larger scale with the same workforce, increasing efficiency.
Summary
In summary, materials engineers play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development by driving innovation, enhancing sustainability, and ensuring product reliability. By
creating new materials, fostering circular economy practices, maintaining product safety, and engaging in collaborative efforts, they contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This work is key to creating a more sustainable and resilient future. However, materials engineers face challenges that demand innovative
thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for developing sustainable materials and practices that benefit both the environment and society.
BY: MARIA JOSE LANDEIRA OESTERGAARD, TOPSOE
This article was originally published in MTI CONNECT 2025, Issue 1.`