Chemical Week Can the chemicals sector truly move away from fossil-based carbon?
Jul 9, 2025
Christopher vom Berg, executive manager of the Renewable Carbon Initiative, dives into the urgent need for Europe's chemical industry to transition from fossil-based to renewable carbon. He discusses how this shift can enhance competitiveness amid regulatory pressures. The conversation highlights innovative strategies for defossilization, balancing regulations with incentives, and the importance of creating stable markets for non-fossil carbon products. Insights from the solar sector reveal valuable lessons for driving sustainable practices in chemicals.
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EU Chemical Industry Shrinking
- The European chemical industry is shrinking partly due to high regulatory burdens and high energy costs.
- This makes Europe less competitive compared to regions with lower costs like the US or China.
Defossilization: New Carbon Paradigm
- Decarbonization for chemical industry means defossilization, replacing fossil carbon feedstock with renewable carbon.
- Renewable carbon includes biomass, captured carbon (CCU), and recycling to reduce fossil feedstock reliance.
Renewable Carbon Spurs Innovation
- Using renewable carbon feedstocks enables innovations not possible with fossil feedstocks.
- New technologies and novel production methods can revitalize Europe's chemical competitiveness.