The Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) has released a strategic policy report designed to accelerate the transition of Europe’s chemical industry away from fossil carbon. The initiative proposes ten focused policy actions to promote renewable alternatives derived from biomass, carbon capture, and recycling.
Faced with increasing global competition, high energy costs, and growing regulatory pressure, Europe’s chemical sector is at a tipping point. The industry’s over 90% dependence on fossil-based raw materials is a key vulnerability—contributing to deindustrialisation and limiting sustainable growth.
RCI sees this moment as a crucial opportunity to drive change. The new report, developed in partnership with nova-Institute experts and RCI member organizations, outlines concrete policy measures to overcome innovation barriers, scale up renewable technologies, and support Europe’s industrial competitiveness.
Key Proposals Include:
- Mandatory targets for renewable carbon use in chemicals and materials
- Regulatory updates to existing EU frameworks (e.g., PPWR, ELVR, ESPR)
- Introduction of a European Carbon Utilisation Trading System (CUTS)
- Improved access to renewable feedstocks and affordable green energy
- Balanced policies for energy vs. material use of biomass and CO₂
The report calls for strong political commitment, market-building measures, and support for early adopters to close the gap between innovation and full-scale industrial deployment.
“Defossilising chemicals isn’t just a climate goal—it’s a strategy for Europe’s industrial resilience,” the report states.
Read the full report here:
👉 RCI Policy Proposals PDF