EU politicians, industry leaders call for ‘sustainable carbon’ policy package

Brussels – European leaders and chemicals industry officials have called for access to ‘sustainable carbon’ as an “essential element" for the progress of the sector.

A European “sustainable carbon policy package” for the chemical industry was proposed by the Czech, Dutch, French, and Irish governments on 16 April, during the World Circular Economy Forum 2024 (WCEF2024).

The joint statement called for “an overarching European policy framework that stimulates the production and use of sustainable carbon feedstocks,” reported the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic).

This, according to the statement, is “crucial for maintaining the long-term competitiveness of the European chemical industry in a climate-neutral and circular economy.”

Key proposals in the statement include market creation for chemicals made from sustainable carbon sources and a review of state aid frameworks for funding projects concerning sustainable carbon.

Advocating for a “sustainable carbon availability strategy”, the statement also called to limit “the regulatory load for the industry by creating policy consistency and coherency with climate and product policies.”

The event included a panel discussion joined by Cefic director general Marco Mensinkand who voiced support for the uptake of sustainable carbon sources.

“The industry looks at this initiative with great interest. A key element will be to reward the use of sustainable carbon in the production of chemical products,” said Mensink.

According to the Brussels-based industry body, access to sustainable carbon will be “major enabler” for transformation of chemical sector.

Also commenting at the event, the Dutch minister for the environment Vivianne Heijnen emphasised the role of the chemical industry as “a key contributor to a circular economy.”

Stressing the importance of the package, Heijnen noted that “degradation of chemical value chains in Europe could have ripple effects across the economy.”