Study “3C-VaCS – Trilateral Chemical Region - Value Chain Structures”
Flanders • The Netherlands • North Rhine-Westphalia
Towards a sustainable and competitive chemical industry in Europe: Results from Trilateral Study show that the Chemical Industry needs Urgent Policy Action
The Trilateral Chemical Region (TCR) published the results of the “3C VaCS – Trilateral Chemical Region – Value Chain Structures” on 13 May 2026 during a web meeting attended by industry representatives, governments, the European Commission and members of the Critical Chemicals Alliance.
The study analyses the cross-border chemical cluster spanning The Netherlands, Flanders and North Rhine Westphalia (NRW). With more than 1,300 chemical companies and 30–40% of EU chemical production capacity, the region is central to Europe’s industrial supply chains. However, its competitiveness is increasingly challenged by high costs, weak demand and geopolitical pressures.
The study examines value chains, trade flows and transition pathways for the chemical industry. It concludes that while low carbon production routes are technically feasible, they currently lack viable business cases due to insufficient infrastructure, high costs and an inadequate policy framework.
The study was conducted by DECHEMA e.V., VITO/EnergyVille and TNO, and supported by the Ministries of Economic Affairs of Flanders, The Netherlands and NRW, together with industry associations essenscia, VNCI and VCI NRW.
Presentation of the Study Results
Here you will find the presentation of the study results from the We-Meeting on May 13, 2026.
