O GZS
Kemijska politika

CHEMICAL POLICY
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY IS CRUCIAL FOR THE GREEN TRANSITION


The chemical industry is crucial for the green transition of the whole society – it offers and develops sustainable solutions to address numerous global challenges. As an enabling industry, it supplies other manufacturing industries, as well as building, agriculture, crafts, medicine and veterinary sectors and final consumers with vital raw materials, products and technologies. International and European strategic documents name the chemical industry as the generator of development. To play the desired role also in the future, the chemical industry also needs to transform itself and for this, it needs strong support.

During Slovenia‘s presidency of the Council of the EU in the 2nd half of 2021, the Association of Chemical Industries of Slovenia (ACIS) prepared a website in Slovenian and English to serve as a communication tool on regulatory and other matters with decision-makers at the Slovenian and European level also after the presidency. The page is foreseen to provide relevant news, position papers and information on the importance of the European and Slovene chemical industries. There are also some documents contributed by European associations with which ACIS closely cooperates, highlighting from different perspectives the potential of the chemical industry to contribute to the green transition. We kindly invite you to read them.

Take a look at the websites for general public about chemical industry >> www.pravakemija.si and about plastics  >> www.dobrastranplastike.si (both only in Slovenian).


 

Position of Chemical Industry >

For the realization of the goals and for playing the expected role in this transformation, the chemical industry needs suitable support measures. In order to ensure the fast transformation of the chemical industry itself and its best possible contribution to the implementation of the ambitious Green Deal goals with innovative products and solutions:

  • The Green Deal must be accompanied with an enabling and holistic industrial strategy in the form of a »Future Chemicals Deal« with an adapted realistic timetable.
  • The sectoral roadmaps included in the Climate Law are very important for achieving the climate neutrality by 2050 to stimulate transformation, competitiveness and adequate protection against carbon leakage of the European chemical industry. Access to low carbon power at competitive prices is crucial, as well as a much stronger link between state aid and technologies which reduce the overall CO2-footprint and/or support the circularity of materials (introduction of additional ETS free allowances for development/implementation of circular technologies until they become profitable).
  • Not only revision and upgrading, but also a sensible overhaul and simplification of chemical and environmental legislation are expected as a matter of urgency, taking into account the sector-specific roadmap – agreement with industry on the realistic intensity of introducing changes.
  • To ensure fast and effective use of the available EU project funds (like Recovery and Resilience, Cohesion, ...), a one stop shop with a fast track (green lane) and simplified procedures for green/circular industrial investment projects shall be enabled in the process of environmental and other relevant permitting.
  • Substantial project funds at the EU level shall be reserved and made available exclusively to the chemical industry and its value chain/ecosystem (incl. pharma, plastics and rubber) to facilitate its transformation and using its whole potential to be the real driver of the mentioned economic/societal change.
  • In line with the declaration that “nobody shall be left behind” in this overall green transformation of Europe, it is extremely important that differences in capacities and capabilities of administration and economic sector of different Member States are taken into account when setting strategic goals and deadlines.
  • In addition, it has to be pointed out that adequate national infrastructure and legislative framework are needed for a broad introduction of hydrogen technologies, carbon capture/storage and for recycling. Except in the biggest countries, the national resources are too scarce to cover such extremely big investments, and unfortunately, also the funds like RRF do not seem enough. 
  • Last but not least, the chemical industry calls for continued and improved support for innovation and introduction of new green materials and processes on the market, as well as for upgrading the skills and competencies of employees on all levels in the chemical industry: this envisaged tectonic change in our society requires completely new complex knowledge. We believe that everything starts with people and good chemistry therefore this has for many years already been the slogan of the Association of Chemical Industries of Slovenia.

Future of Europe with the European Chemical Industry >

It is impossible to build a better future for Europe without a thriving European chemical industry.

This report is an initiative by the European chemical industry to describe the likely path towards a prosperous and more sustainable Europe in 2050. This is our commitment on the path ahead: cleaner, safer and more circular. Produce more with less. Greater justice. The transition to digitization. Dynamic resistance.

We not only want to operate successfully for the next 30 years and beyond, but also to lead the transition of our industry globally by offering European solutions to global challenges.

More >>

 European Chemical Industry Council >> Cefic