Described by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) as a "once in a decade" opportunity, the EU high-level group on the competitiveness of the chemical sector today published a report on the future role of the industry, helping to define a more modern vision of the industry.
CEFIC, European chemicals distributors and their downstream customers pushed hard for the 18-month process in which they claimed the ears of EU ministers, Commissioners and senior academics and NGOs in a series of meetings in order to prepare a joint vision for the sector. Emerging bruised from regulatory negotiations including on the REACH Regulation and climate change, the industry sought recognition for its important potential to deliver solutions to such societal challenges as well as being seen as a chief part of the problem.
The report of the high-level group recognises the challenges faced by the EU industry in the face of the economic crisis, the difficult energy and feedstock situation and increasing competition from other countries. It concludes that more must be done to level the playing field for EU firms, including helping to reduce barriers to global trade and better regulation, which is defined as improved impact assessments, consultation of stakeholders and more harmonised and correct application of agreed rules.
In turn, it urges the industry to play its part in putting more investment into innovation and research and develping the responsible and more efficient use of natural resources. It is also asked to work towards global harmonisation of the regulations covering carriage of dangerous goods by different modes of transport.
Commenting on the report, Gernot Klotz, Executive Director, Cefic Research & Innovation managing the platform said: “Today’s society faces unprecedented challenges. The chemical industry has been recognised as the solution provider and is requested to deliver. The High Level Group’s report puts the focus right where it needs to be - on innovation, which is turning research ideas into societal value through
technologies and products."
Welcoming recognition for the industrys European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (SusChem), Dr Klotz concluded: "There is no time to lose. SusChem encourages all parties in the EU
and member states to work together, to put aside segmentation and institutional barriers to build a
stronger and more sustainable future for Europe through innovation.”
At its annual meeting earlier this month, the SusChem project identified a number of new hot topics and priorities under its three broad research programmes on materials, reaction and process design, and industrial biotechnology: