The study assesses both the current financial position of European chemical companies and possible pathways towards a future sustainable European chemical industry. A sustainable chemical industry is defined as one that is fossil-free, climate-neutral, circular and non-toxic by 2050.
The analysis combines a financial assessment of listed European chemical companies based on LSEG data with a trade analysis of Eurostat data and a meta-analysis of existing European transition scenarios. It aims to provide insight into the economic capacity of the sector to invest in the transition, the possible future size and structure of the industry, and which chemical value chains should be prioritised from an economic, strategic and security-of-supply perspective.
Parts of the European chemical industry face pressure on their market position, raising concerns about plant closures, employment losses and carbon leakage. In response, the industry has asked for public support. Through the Antwerp Declaration for an Industrial Deal (2024) and the Critical Chemicals Alliance (European Commission; 2026a) the European chemicals sector is calling for public support for de-risking investments in Europe. Climate Catalyst has asked CE Delft to assess the financial position of chemical companies and investigate possible scenarios for a transition to a future sustainable European chemical industry.