Abstract
Eco-innovation is defined as any form of innovation aiming at significant and demonstrable progress towards the goal of
sustainable development, through reducing impacts on the environment or achieving a more efficient and responsible use of
natural resources, including energy. The chemical industry is usually considered one of the most polluting industries. Ensuring
safe production, transport and handling of its products, with care for the environment and in full accordance with regulations, is
of key importance for the image and reputation of today’s chemical industry. Most chemical companies have been developing
and introducing eco-innovations in an attempt to change this negative image. Using a sample of 544 companies in the Spanish
chemical industry, we study the factors that have driven these companies to move towards this type of innovation activities. Our
empirical research shows that intra-group sources of innovations, together with clients and industry associations are the main
driving forces of eco-innovation in the chemical industry. Furthermore our model establishes that innovations in products,
services, manufacturing methods and logistical systems are positively related to the achievement of environmental objectives.