Lenzing Group, a major provider of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwoven sectors welcomes the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal, which seeks to create a sustainable, climate-neutral, and competitive economy.
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Antwerp, Belgium, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the project with 400 business executives, including Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of the Lenzing Group. Ahead of the March European Council meeting, the sector is urging EU heads of state and government to act immediately and urgently in all EU member states.
Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of Lenzing Group, emphasized that “International trade tensions, volatile energy markets, and the need to decarbonise industries demand urgent collective action. We must continue to support Europe’s green leadership and ensure that those investing in sustainability are incentivised. We must act now, work together and translate ambition into tangible results. The Clean Industrial Deal is an important initiative for Europe’s industrial and sustainable future. It will strengthen Europe’s net-zero industry, expand green technology manufacturing, and enhance industrial competitiveness.”
“We appreciate the Commission President taking the time to join us today in Antwerp to present the Clean Industrial Deal. Nine out of ten calls of the Antwerp Declaration have been addressed. We need to transform Europe’s ambition ‘to be’, into a determination ‘to do’. Every day, Europe is falling behind its goals, and is losing quality jobs for our current and future generations of workers. In the turbulent times we are in we need bold action from the European Leadership,” said Ilham Kadri, President of the European Chemical Industry Council, Cefic.
European industries are struggling with falling demand, investment freezes, reduced capacity, and high gas prices. Manufacturing output has declined, with the chemical sector particularly hard-hit. To address these issues, over 1,300 business leaders signed the Antwerp Declaration, which proposes 10 actions to boost investment, achieve sustainability goals, and protect European jobs.
The urgent need to revitalize Europe’s industrial environment is still echoed in the Antwerp Declaration. In the face of altering geopolitics, Europe’s businesses are prepared to contribute and keep helping policymakers create a competitive, resilient, and sustainable future for the continent.
