The European chemicals and materials sector is facing challenges due to high energy and raw material prices, as well as the need to reduce CO2 emissions. The Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) members are working together to address these issues. One major issue is the lack of policies to encourage the shift from fossil to renewable feedstocks in chemicals and plastics. RCI members are urging policymakers to create a regulatory framework to promote the use of renewable carbon feedstocks and make them attractive to both producers and consumers.
Europe has strengths in education, culture, and infrastructure, but other countries like the USA, China, and India are quickly advancing. With the right incentives, Europe can make changes in a short period of time. RCI members have proposed various measures to improve the economic conditions for the European chemicals and materials industry, including introducing minimum quotas for renewable carbon content in different sectors.
To fully close the carbon cycle, it is essential to combine food and non-food biomass, CCU from biogenic and fossil sources, and mechanical and chemical recycling. Green energy sources like solar, wind, and green hydrogen need to be expanded to support all production sectors. By implementing these measures, the European chemicals and materials sector can become more innovative, competitive, and sustainable.