Nobian has joined the EU Critical Chemicals Alliance, a strategic initiative launched by the European Commission to strengthen and modernize Europe’s chemical industry. The Alliance plays a key role in implementing the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan, which recognizes the chemical sector as the backbone of countless value chains, and aims to boost competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability.

Joining the first General Assembly

On 13 January, Nobian took part in the Alliance’s first General Assembly, held at the Chemelot Chemical Park in the Netherlands. The event brought together Member States, regional representatives, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss coordinated solutions for strengthening the market and adaptability of the EU chemical industry.

The Assembly was opened by Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Stephane Séjourné, who called the chemical industry the mother of all industries and emphasized the strategic importance of securing critical chemical value chains for Europe’s economic and industrial future. In her opening remarks, Sophie Hermans, the demissionary Minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth in the Netherlands, emphasized that the chemical industry is crucial for European society and that the Critical Chemicals Alliance is essential to move to action. 

Facilitated by Director General of the European Commission, Kerstin Jorna, participants discussed challenges such as an increasing number of plant closures, unfair global trade practices, and the urgent need for investment to maintain critical production capacities and the need to create demand for chemical products made in Europe. The meeting also marked an important step in shaping the Alliance’s workstreams and collaborative approach for the coming years.

Markus Mingenbach, Senior Vice President Chlor Alkali & Chloromethanes at Nobian, noted: “Urgency, focus, and action were key words at the General Assembly. The Critical Chemicals Alliance demonstrates the strong commitment across Europe to safeguard and strengthen our chemical value chains. Nobian is proud to contribute our expertise and to work with partners on practical solutions that enhance Europe’s industrial strength and competitiveness.”

Addressing trade challenges and strengthening resilience

Through the Alliance, Nobian is committed to work with partners to tackle global trade issues such as supply chain dependencies, intellectual property rights, and distortions in the playing field. We support efforts to improve early detection of harmful import surges and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy for critical value chains.

Identifying and mapping critical sites and molecules

Chemicals are essential building blocks for industries such as energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Without a strong chemical industry, many other sectors cannot function or innovate. By joining the EU Critical Chemicals Alliance, Nobian reinforces its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and building a resilient chemical sector. 

Nobian will also support the Alliance in its work on defining clear criteria for identifying chemical production sites and molecules that are essential for Europe’s economy. These efforts will help prioritize investments and safeguard rare or irreplaceable production capabilities. In addition, we will support the systematic mapping of critical molecules, which will underpin enhanced monitoring under the Customs Surveillance System, supply diversification strategies, and potential future legislation. We look forward to contributing to this important initiative and helping shape a competitive and sustainable future for Europe.