Exponential Roadmap Initiative is proud to announce that Ragn-Sells’ Solvent Recycling Solutions (SRS) has become the third product to qualify under our Climate Solutions Framework, joining Oatly and Stegra in this distinction.
This milestone was first shared publicly by Johan Falk, CEO and co-founder of Exponential Roadmap Initiative, and Pär Larshans, CSO of Ragn-Sells, during COP30 — a COP hosted on the doorstep of the Amazonas, a place that reminds us of both the scale and the fragility of the natural world. The timing feels symbolic. As nature is given a seat at the table, solutions that close material loops, reduce emissions, and protect finite resources are stepping into the spotlight. This announcement highlights that circular industrial systems are not only possible, but already functioning at scale, accelerating the shift away from fossil-based alternatives while safeguarding the planet that makes all industry possible.
The Climate Solutions Framework and why it matters
The Climate Solutions Framework, developed by Exponential Roadmap Initiative together with Oxford Net Zero, offers a rigorous, science-anchored definition of what a climate solution is. It helps investors, businesses, and policymakers distinguish products and services that can deliver meaningful emissions reductions at a global level, not incremental improvements, but contributions aligned with a 1.5°C pathway.
For a product to qualify, it must deliver at least 50 percent lower emissions per functional unit than the business-as-usual alternative. It must also support, rather than undermine, broader planetary and social boundaries. Safeguards ensure that potential trade-offs or unintended consequences are assessed and addressed. After extensive analysis by the ERI team, Ragn-Sells’ SRS has been confirmed to meet these requirements. This signals that SRS is not merely a recycling innovation; it is a true climate solution that can drive systemic change when adopted at scale.
Why SRS represents a breakthrough
Ragn-Sells’ SRS plant is a joint venture between Ragn-Sells and Vilokan Group represents a major advance in circularity within the chemical sector. The facility can process up to 20,000 tonnes of solvent waste each year, including acetone, industrial ethanol, and propylene glycol. By recycling these solvents instead of incinerating them, SRS can reduce climate impact by up to 87 percent compared to producing virgin, fossil-derived solvents.
Once purified, the recycled solvents are used in new products such as cleaning agents, disinfectants, windshield fluid, and glycol-based products. What was once classified as waste becomes high-purity raw material again. This is not simply an efficiency improvement. It is the creation of a circular system that regenerates resources and sharply reduces dependence on fossil feedstock.
Claire Wigg, Chief Climate Performance Officer, Exponential Roadmap Initiative:
“By developing new recycling and circular solutions, Ragn-Sells is taking action today to shift society towards net zero. Their products meet the Climate Solutions Framework’s rigorous standards for emissions reductions compared to business‑as‑usual.”
Why this qualification matters for the transition to net zero
The qualification of SRS is a strong signal that circularity is essential to a net-zero future. By reducing the need for virgin, fossil-derived solvents, Ragn-Sells supports the decarbonisation of industrial value chains and offers a credible pathway to lower-emission production across multiple sectors. The qualification also strengthens Ragn-Sells’ position among investors, policymakers, and customers, demonstrating that SRS meets robust scientific standards and is ready for wider adoption. As more solutions like SRS scale, they can help shift entire sectors away from linear, high-emission models toward circular, low-carbon, resource-efficient alternatives.
Pär Larshans, CSO at Ragn-Sells, emphasises this potential:
“The Climate Solutions Framework gives clear criteria and an assessment structure that supports the development and scaling of innovative products like our Solvent Recycling Solutions system. Holding this qualification strengthens our conversations with investors, policymakers, and customers, and guides internal decisions on prioritising current and future portfolio investments.”
