The Lenzing Group has welcomed the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal, an initiative aimed at driving sustainable, climate-neutral, and competitive industries. Lenzing CEO Rohit Aggarwal joined 400 business leaders in Antwerp, Belgium, to discuss the initiative with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and urge EU heads of state to take immediate action ahead of the European Council meeting in March.

“International trade tensions, volatile energy markets, and the urgent need for decarbonisation demand collective action,” said Aggarwal. “We must continue to support Europe’s green leadership and ensure that sustainability investments are incentivised. The Clean Industrial Deal is crucial for Europe’s industrial and sustainable future, strengthening the net-zero industry, expanding green technology manufacturing, and enhancing competitiveness.”

A key focus of the initiative is access to affordable, clean energy, essential for maintaining Europe’s global industrial position. Industry leaders emphasised that Europe’s ambition must translate into tangible results, warning that the region is falling behind in its sustainability and economic goals.

Ilham Kadri, President of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that Europe’s manufacturing sector, which employs over 31 million people, saw a 2.6% decline in output between 2023 and 2024. Additionally, the chemicals industry has been particularly affected, with 11 million tonnes of capacity closures announced in the same period, impacting 21 major sites.

The Antwerp Declaration, first presented in February 2024, lays out 10 concrete actions to restore investment confidence, implement sustainability targets, and protect quality jobs in Europe. Originally signed by 73 business leaders, the declaration now has over 1,300 signatories. Industry leaders are urging EU policymakers to prioritise key actions this year and implement a clear roadmap for the remaining measures.

Cefic Director General Marco Mensink said: “New EU initiatives must be evaluated against essential criteria: Do they maintain Europe’s independence, reduce energy prices, ease administrative burdens, attract investment, create markets for sustainable products, and safeguard jobs? If not, they should be reconsidered.”

The Antwerp Declaration remains a crucial call to revitalise Europe’s industrial landscape. Lenzing and other industry leaders stand ready to collaborate with policymakers to build a competitive, resilient, and sustainable future for European manufacturing.

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