In the run-up to the next parliamentary elections (November 22, 2023), the Royal Association of the Dutch Chemical Industry (VNCI) is providing politicians with a number of recommendations. They must contribute to a climate-neutral, circular, safe and sustainable society and economy.
The industry wants to collaborate with the government in the field of materials transition. This involves a complex puzzle: replacing fossil raw materials with alternative materials, including bio raw materials, waste flows and reuse of CO2.
How can the new government accelerate the materials transition according to the VNCI?
- By supporting the entire 'chain of materials': from the availability of alternative raw materials and the collection of plastic to encouraging the purchase of products that have been sustainably made.
- By creating a European market for products with (partly) non-fossil raw materials, after all, this concerns international product chains. A concrete national example is the standard for a minimum share of recyclate and bio-raw materials in plastics.
- By ensuring that alternatives to fossil raw materials are available: a construction scenario of non-fossil raw materials that can be quickly applied.
- By setting up a governance model in which both public and private parties are represented to coordinate the implementation of measures and maintain control over their implementation.
- By supporting the approach to the materials transition with our own instruments and financing options and thus keeping it affordable for both companies and consumers.
- By making the reduction of scope 3 emissions (chain emissions) measurable and valuable, so that companies are rewarded for this contribution, just as with scope 1 and 2 emission reductions.
- By focusing on long-term purchasing certainty for sustainable materials. There must be a clear policy framework for both the fossil raw materials that are being phased out and for the alternative raw materials that are being built up.
The VNCI also makes recommendations in the areas of climate neutrality, safety and sustainability, including focusing on a business climate that contributes to broad prosperity, a sustainable future, new jobs, open strategic autonomy and future earning capacity in the Netherlands.
The full recommendations can be read on the VNCI website.
Source Agro-Chemistry
Photos: Husky
