The regulated Europe versus dynamic China Muczek has cited specific data: Over the past two decades, China has increased their share in the global chemical market from 9% to 44%. Europe has fallen from 38% to 11%. As he said, this is the result of not only global trends, but above all overregulation, which inhibits the innovation and competitiveness of European companies.
– Chemistry is the foundation of many other industries – from agriculture, through motoring, to cosmetics. If we do not produce basic chemicals in Europe, other sectors will also lose – he noted.
You need a wise right
According to Muczka, this is the last moment to save the European chemical industry. He pointed to new initiatives of the European Commission – including Clean Industrial Deal – as the first steps in the right direction. – These regulations are like a drip. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity – he said. He also added that it is important to conduct a real dialogue with industry and create law in cooperation with business, not in isolation from its reality.
Energy consumption is not a sentence
Chemistry is one of the most energy -consuming industries – Even more than metallurgy. Muczek admitted that BASF needs as much energy as all Romania a day, and one of their factories consumes as much as the whole dish. Despite this, in his opinion, the industry may operate in a balanced manner. Example? Biodegradable films developed in chemical laboratories, which are already standard in Spain or France.
Green Europe with industry, not instead of how to convince society that factories do not have to be an enemy of ecology?
– We want to breathe clean air and look at the forests outside the window, but we also want to have a job, medicine, food and cars. It all arises in factories Moczek explained. – You can reconcile the development of industry with environmental protection, but rational decisions are needed, not emotional slogans.
Industry as a security guarantor
At the end of the conversation, Muczek drew attention to one more dimension – Europe’s security. – Industry is not only jobs and innovations, but also sovereignty. If we completely become addicted to import, we will not decide about our own fate – he warned.
To sum up the conversation, he added: – Today it is said that “China Imitates, US Innovates, Europe Regulations”. It’s time to change it. Europe should regulate – but wisely, with a head and dialogue with those who create this industry. Because without local industry Europe will not survive.
