Lenzing Group, a global leader in regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries, proudly supports the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal. This initiative is designed to drive Europe towards a sustainable, climate-neutral, and competitive industrial landscape.
On February 26, 2025, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen engaged with over 400 business leaders, including Lenzing Group CEO Rohit Aggarwal, in Antwerp, Belgium, to discuss the initiative’s significance. Industry leaders are urging EU policymakers to take immediate and decisive action across all member states before the European Council meeting in March.
Urgent Action for a Green and Competitive Europe
“The global landscape is shifting rapidly due to trade tensions, volatile energy markets, and the urgent need for industrial decarbonization,” stated Rohit Aggarwal, CEO of Lenzing Group. “Europe must reinforce its leadership in sustainability by incentivizing investments that drive green innovation. The Clean Industrial Deal is a crucial step in ensuring a strong net-zero industry, boosting green technology production, and maintaining industrial competitiveness.”
Access to affordable, clean energy remains a key factor in securing Europe’s industrial leadership on the global stage.
Addressing Europe’s Industrial Challenges
Ilham Kadri, President of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), emphasized the need for immediate action: “While the Clean Industrial Deal addresses nine out of ten calls from the Antwerp Declaration, Europe is still falling behind its goals. We need bold leadership to prevent the loss of quality jobs and industrial capacity.”
Europe’s industries are facing unprecedented hurdles, including declining demand, stalled investments, and skyrocketing energy costs. Between 2023 and 2024, manufacturing output dropped by 2.6%, with the chemicals industry particularly impacted—over 11 million tons of capacity closures were announced, affecting 21 major sites.
The Antwerp Declaration: A Roadmap for Industrial Renewal
In response to these challenges, 73 business leaders presented the Antwerp Declaration to European leaders in 2024, outlining 10 critical actions to restore investment confidence, drive sustainability goals, and protect quality jobs. Today, over 1,300 organizations have signed in support.
Cefic Director General Marco Mensink underscored the urgency: “The Commission must focus on three key priorities that can yield immediate improvements this year. We need concrete action—not just strategies and policies. Every measure should be assessed on whether it makes Europe safer, reduces energy costs, attracts investment, and secures jobs. If it doesn’t, it must be revised.”
A Call to Strengthen Europe’s Industrial Future
The Antwerp Declaration remains a powerful call for revitalizing Europe’s industrial sector. Lenzing Group and its industry peers stand committed to working alongside policymakers to build a resilient, competitive, and sustainable future for Europe amid evolving global challenges.
