Web Meeting
Study “3C-VaCS – Trilateral Chemical Region - Value Chain Structures”
Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 h
Format: Web Meeting
The Trilateral Chemical Region (TCR) – the cross-border strategic cooperation between Flanders, the Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia – is pleased to present the study “3C-VaCS – Trilateral Chemical Region - Value Chain Structures”.
The event is open to all interested stakeholders (industry, government, research institutes and NGO’s). We also would like to invite in particular all members of the working groups of the Critical Chemicals Alliance (CCA).
About the Study
The TCR – comprising the Netherlands, Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia – is one of Europe’s most significant chemical regions. With about 1,300 chemical companies and more than 40% of the EU’s production of polypropylene and high-density polyethylene, the region represents a central pillar of European industry.
The study was conducted on behalf of the Trilateral Chemical Region by DECHEMA (Germany), VITO/EnergyVille (Belgium) and TNO (the Netherlands). It was supported by the Ministries of Economic Affairs of Flanders, the Netherlands and North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as by the chemical industry associations essenscia (Flanders), VNCI (the Netherlands) and VCI NRW (NRW).
The 3C-VaCS study analyses the value chain structures of the chemical industry in the TCR and future pathways against the backdrop of a profound sectoral crisis: declining steam cracker utilisation rates, rising energy and feedstock costs, global overcapacities and persistently weak domestic demand are placing considerable strain on the region. The study develops scenarios and derives recommendations for the political and regulatory measures needed to safeguard the region’s competitiveness and Europe’s industrial resilience.
Following the web meeting, the final report will be published on this website.
Agenda
The meeting will be structured as follows:
- Welcome and introduction by the TCR
- Presentation of the study findings (approx. 30 minutes)
- Questions and discussion