Investing in EU's competitiveness
From circular technologies to local investments, INEOS Styrolution is proving that sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand. Rob Buntinx, Board Member EMEA, outlines how Europe can lead with both.
At INEOS Styrolution, we believe in the future of European industry. As one of the continent’s leading producers of styrenics materials, we are deeply invested in Europe’s success, including its people, its innovation, and its transition toward a low-carbon, circular economy.
Investing in Europe’s sustainable growth
Our roadmap is centred on growing sustainably while strengthening Europe’s industrial base. We continue to invest in our European sites to ensure reliable supply for key industries such as automotive, construction, healthcare and packaging. These investments are designed to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and support the transition to more sustainable materials that align with Europe’s environmental goals.
Advancing circularity and reducing emissions
We are taking tangible action to lower our environmental footprint and help our customers do the same. All our European sites now run on green electricity, and our expanding ECO product line offers drop-in solutions made with recycled and bio-attributed materials. This enables customers to reduce their scope 3 emissions while maintaining product quality and performance.
We are also leading in circular styrenics technologies. Mechanically recycled polystyrene is already being used by major European retailers in food packaging applications, and we are expanding our work on recycled ABS. In parallel, we are advancing chemical recycling through off-take agreements for recycled styrene monomer via depolymerisation. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to building a truly circular industry in Europe.
Restoring Europe’s competitive edge
Our progress in circularity and sustainability depends on a strong, competitive industrial foundation. The current economic and policy environment in Europe poses challenges to maintaining that strength. High energy (gas) and carbon costs continue to disadvantage European producers and make investment decisions more difficult.
To remain a leader in sustainable manufacturing, Europe must create the right framework conditions for industry to thrive. INEOS Styrolution calls on policymakers to:
- Provide energy cost relief to level the playing field
- Offer comprehensive relief from carbon costs
- Increase support for industrial investment within the EU
- Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens
- Ensure fair trading conditions globally
These measures are essential to encourage innovation, maintain jobs, and secure the investments needed to deliver Europe’s green transition.
Shaping the future of European industry
Our European customers and partners share our ambition for a more circular and low-carbon future, and together we are making it real.
At INEOS Styrolution, we are proud to invest in Europe’s competitiveness and to play our part in building a strong industrial foundation for generations to come.