Recently , a group of four EU Member states in the Netherlands, France, Ireland and the Czech Republic, decided to take action at EU level and transform the chemical industry into a sustainable sector. They proposed an overarching long-term European policy framework, which focuses on successfully transitioning from fossil to sustainable carbon feedstocks within the chemical industry.

The party members who joined together to make this proposal, worked on a joint statement, which they presented on the 16th of April 2024, to the Commission and Member States, along with industry representatives. They handed the decision over to the European Commission, who in this case was represented by European Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra, who gladly welcomed the initiative. The proposal marks a significant step for European politicians, as this is the first time that they have presented a paper of defossilisation of the chemical industry, whilst also asking the Commission for strong action and a long-term vision. It is anticipated that other Member States who will also support the initiative will soon join the proposal.

The core parts to this proposal, include, ‘is it provides a clear pathway without alternative to ensure the transition towards a modern and globally competitive chemical industry in Europe – which at the same time can also achieve sustainability and net-zero targets.’

This joint statement will be significantly beneficial to the European climate and environmental goals and will also help to limit Europe’s external dependencies.

At the moment, the European chemical industry’s feedstock, consists of more than 90% fossil feedstocks, which makes up about 10% of the EU’s total fossil resource consumption. If this fossil-based carbon is to be replaced with sustainable carbon materials like recycled materials, sustainable biomass and Co2, then the European chemical industry, would move closer to its goal of becoming a sustainable and competitive leader. The use of sustainable carbon sources within the chemical industry is an aspect which is strongly emphasised in the proposal.

The drive towards defossilisation has been in progress since 2020, when the Renewable Carbon Initiative introduced the concept. This drive has been of constant interest since this point and creating this proposal which has been taken into consideration, is a huge milestone for the parties to have accomplished.

The Dutch minister for the environment Vivianne Heijnen, commented, “In our statement we propose that an overarching European policy framework is needed in order to achieve the transition from fossil to sustainable carbon feedstocks in the chemical sector. Such a framework is essential if we’re to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the European chemical industry, while at the same time transforming it into a truly sustainable industry.” She continued, “We, the initiators of this joint statement, are convinced that we need an overarching European policy framework. An EU policy package that focuses on market creation, sustainable carbon availability and instruments to strengthen the competitiveness of the chemical industry.”

Ms Heijnen added, “First of all, market creation is essential to boost demand for and supply of sustainable carbon products. Effective incentives that take into account all three sustainable carbon sources – recycled materials, sustainable biomass and CO2 – can drive this market. For instance, achievable, gradually increasing and ambitious targets can be set to promote the use of sustainable carbon as a feedstock in the chemical industry. In doing so, the EU is enabling a strong and sustainable chemical sector to flourish in Europe. Besides market creation, careful attention needs to be paid to the availability of sustainable carbon to help companies transition to these sources. To maximise availability, the member states are calling for a sustainable carbon availability strategy, in line with the Waste Framework Directive and the EU bioeconomy strategy.”

The Joint Statement of the four Member States, was also supported by, Katja Wodjereck, Executive Vice President Renewable Products at Neste (Finland), and Marco Mensink, Director General of Cefic.

Mr Mensink said that, ‘the ongoing, absurd situation that there are strong incentives for burning biomass for electricity and heat, for using biomass or CO2 for fuels, or for capturing and storing CO2 long term – but the only activity that is completely ignored is the use of biomass or CO2 for products. This goes against cascading use principles and the circular economy.’ Mr Mensink asked for, ‘a long-term framework for a level playing field for chemicals and plastics using biomass, CO2 and recycled materials, for incentives and targets as for sustainable fuels.’