The shaping and implementation of the elements of the strategy is starting now and will continue over the coming years. It is essential that trade unions have a say.

After the adoption of its position on the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, industriAll Europe is reaching out to the European Commission, Parliament and other institutions.

Luc Triangle, industriAll Europe General Secretary: “The shaping and implementation of the elements of the strategy is starting now and will continue over the coming years. It is essential that trade unions have a say. IndustriAll Europe and its members stand ready and are prepared for this important dialogue.”

“Trade unions fully support the strategy’s aim of a safe and sustainable chemicals production and we will contribute to the dialogue processes that will deliver these objectives. Equally, we underline that chemicals are building blocks for low-carbon, energy- and resource-efficient technologies, materials and products. The strategy must therefore reinforce the key role of the chemical(s) industry in Europe as a provider of solutions for the digital and green transitions."

“We also demand that the strategy puts a focus on the employment dimension and recognises the potential of the industry for job creation. Around two million workers are employed in the EU’s chemical industry. Their contribution, particularly to innovation, must recognised. They require high-quality jobs, investment in skills and upskilling. Sustainable chemicals production must be based on sustainable jobs in the chemical(s) industry.” 

Our key demands are: 

  • strengthen the key role of the chemical(s) industry as enabler of the green and digital transformations 
  • acknowledge the potential of the industry as a driver for recovery and job creation 
  • re-shore the production of important chemicals and strengthen European production sites
  • an encompassing impact assessment of the potential effects of the strategy’s elements on employment and solutions for possible negative impacts 
  • simplify substance assessment processes with the ultimate goal of “one substance, one assessment” 
  • an unambiguous definition of “safe and sustainable by design”, “essential substances” and “essential uses” that respects the environmental, economic and social dimensions 
  • increase control of imports to ensure that they fulfill the same high standards 
  • long-term stability and planning security for the industry

IndustriAll European Trade Union Position Paper on the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability: EN, FR, DE

Contact: Andrea Husen-Bradley (press and communication), Maike Niggemann (policy adviser)