Chemical industry

The chemical industry is a vital player in the EU economy, and most goods that are manufactured in Europe rely on chemicals for a wide range of various functions. They are at the heart of Europe's major value chains, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, batteries for electric vehicles, construction materials and more. The chemical value chain typically includes chemicals producers, mixture manufacturers and producers of articles. Despite its significant contributions, the industry faces significant challenges. As a high-emission sector, it is under intense pressure to improve sustainability. Global events, notably Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, also highlighted vulnerabilities in supply chains. The industry faces challenges related to ensuring a stable supply chain for raw materials, energy, and other critical resources. To ensure the resilience and sustainability of the industry, EU chemical policy places a strong emphasis on boosting global competitiveness, achieving a 'toxic-free' environment, climate neutrality, circularity, and digitalization.