The Lenzing Group has welcomed the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal, aimed at driving sustainability and industrial competitiveness in Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the initiative in Antwerp, Belgium, on February 26, 2025, alongside 400 business leaders, including Lenzing CEO Rohit Aggarwal.

Industry leaders are urging EU heads of state to act swiftly ahead of the European Council meeting in March. “Decarbonization, energy volatility, and trade tensions demand urgent collective action,” said Aggarwal. “Europe must incentivize sustainability and turn ambition into results. This initiative strengthens the net-zero industry and green tech manufacturing.” A key challenge is access to clean and affordable energy, vital for industrial competitiveness. Ilham Kadri, President of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), warned that Europe risks losing quality jobs due to slow action. “Nine out of ten calls from the Antwerp Declaration have been addressed. Now we must move from ambition to execution,” Kadri stated.

European industries face mounting pressures, including declining demand, stalled investments, and soaring gas prices. Between 2023 and 2024, manufacturing output fell 2.6 percent, while the chemicals sector saw over 11 million tons of capacity shut down.

The Antwerp Declaration, initially backed by 73 business leaders, now has over 1,300 signatories calling for urgent reforms. Cefic Director General Marco Mensink stressed that EU policies must prioritize energy affordability, investment, and job security. “We need action, not just strategies or plans,” he said.

As geopolitical shifts reshape global markets, Europe’s industries remain committed to supporting policymakers in building a competitive, resilient, and sustainable future.