Europe’s Low-Carbon Transition: Understanding the Chemicals Sector

Is there a way for Europe to increase its competitiveness, while at the same time reducing its greenhouse gas emissions?  This is the key question that the European Climate Foundation asks in a study looking at the relationship between emissions reductions and competitiveness, using the European chemicals industry as a case study.

The ECF authored the report with analytical support from McKinsey & Company and in consultation with a group of industry representatives and academics. It highlights the need for a broader notion of competitiveness to enable Europe to profit from the challenges of the transition. As a major share of emissions reduction opportunities identified in the study lie in cross-company and cross-sector integration, the question is raised as to how industry and policy makers can interact effectively to unlock these more complex opportunities.