Lenzing AG, a global leader in sustainable cellulose fiber production for the textile and nonwoven industries, supports the Clean Industrial Deal introduced by the European Commission. This initiative aims to pave the way for a climate-neutral, competitive, and sustainable industrial landscape in Europe.
On February 26, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with 400 industry leaders, including Lenzing Group CEO Rohit Aggarwal, in Antwerp to discuss the urgent need for action. Ahead of the European Council meeting in March, business leaders are calling on EU policymakers to implement immediate measures across all member states to enhance industrial competitiveness and sustainability.
A Call for Urgent Action
“With global trade tensions, energy market volatility, and the pressing need for industrial decarbonization, we must act swiftly. Europe’s leadership in sustainability must be reinforced, and those investing in green solutions should be incentivized,” said Rohit Aggarwal. “The Clean Industrial Deal is a crucial step toward strengthening Europe’s net-zero industry, expanding green technology production, and improving industrial competitiveness.”
A key element of this initiative is ensuring access to affordable and clean energy, which is critical for the industry’s global positioning and competitiveness.
Challenges and the Antwerp Declaration
Europe’s manufacturing sector, employing over 31 million people, has faced significant setbacks, including declining demand, reduced investments, and high energy costs. Between 2023 and 2024, the sector’s economic output fell by 2.6%, with the chemical industry particularly affected. Over 11 million tons of production capacity, impacting 21 major sites, were shut down during this period.
To address these challenges, 73 business leaders submitted the Antwerp Declaration to the European Commission in February 2024. This document outlines ten specific actions to restore investment confidence, achieve Europe’s sustainability goals, and protect high-quality jobs. With over 1,300 signatories to date, the declaration remains a strong call to revitalize European industry.
The Path Forward
Industry leaders urge the European Commission to focus on three key actions that can drive immediate improvements and establish a realistic roadmap for long-term transformation. Marco Mensink, Director General of Cefic, emphasized that future EU initiatives should be evaluated based on their ability to enhance security, reduce energy costs, attract investments, and create markets for sustainable products.
The Antwerp Declaration continues to serve as a crucial appeal for Europe’s industrial revival, with businesses prepared to collaborate with policymakers in building a resilient, competitive, and sustainable future.