The petrochemical and chemical industry is one of the major sources of carbon emissions and a typical energy‑ and resource‑intensive, high‑emissions sector within the global industrial system. In 2020, global carbon emissions from the petrochemical and chemical industry reached approximately 2 billion tons, accounting for ~4% of total global emissions. In China, emissions from the sector were close to 1.4 billion tons, representing ~13% of national carbon emissions. As the world’s largest producer and consumer of chemical products, China’s petrochemical and chemical industry constitutes a critical pillar underpinning the industrial system and the stable operation of the economy. Advancing the transition toward low‑carbon feedstocks, low‑carbon processes, and low‑carbon materials is not only essential for achieving climate goals, but also holds significant potential to unlock new growth opportunities in advanced materials, the circular economy, and high‑end manufacturing.