Circularity Champion
WHAT ABOUT OUR CIRCULARITY?
There is increasing regulatory focus on measures to boost the circularity of all European activities, services and products. For some, circular ways of doing things are obvious and readily available. For others, even things such as definitions and methodologies can be complex. Euro Chlor continues to study what is possible in this space and, during the 2025 Technology Conference and Exhibition, welcomed several presentations on ways to ‘close the loop’ on those materials (e.g. electrodes and ion-exchange membranes) that our industry relies upon. More work is expected on this by our association in the coming years to show our commitment to even more sustainable chlor-alkali production.
WHAT THESE DATA TELL US…
WASTE FROM THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Since 2020, we have been monitoring the amount of hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated by our members.
In 2023, data showed a trend of decreasing waste generation. In 2024 we observed a slight increase, bringing the number to 4.5 kg per tonne of chlorine (compared to 3.9 kg in 2023).
Understanding the reasons behind this increase is crucial as it impacts not only our economic efficiency but also our environmental footprint. The Euro Chlor Working Groups continue to investigate this issue and are working with industry suppliers to develop circular models and schemes. However, further clarifications and legal certainty may be needed to support this work. This includes Commission initiatives on the classification of materials as they move from our plants to points of recycling around the world.
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY’S CIRCULARITY STUDY REVEALS FIVE URGENT ACTIONS TO SCALE THE TRANSITION
On 17 June 2025, the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), in partnership with consultancy UNITY, revealed the key findings of a joint study on Accelerating the Circular Transformation: Insights, Challenges, and Pathways for the Chemical Industry and Beyond.
Supported by examples from Euro Chlor members, the study offers key insights from industry experts into where the European chemical industry stands in the shift to a circular economy and how to accelerate it.
High costs, gaps in infrastructure, complex regulations, and low demand for circular production continue to limit progress. These are structural changes that require coordinated solutions from industry and policymakers alike.
Based on the findings, the study sets out a Five-Point Action Plan to drive forward the transition:
Drive forward a supportive regulatory framework with targeted incentives.
Facilitate investments in circular infrastructure and technologies.
Embed circular thinking across the economy and society.
Foster innovation through new forms of multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Monitor progress to close implementation gaps.