PtX Lab Lausitz Strengthens Europe's Chemical Industry – Joining the Critical Chemicals Alliance

Working Together for a Resilient and Competitive Chemical Industry in Europe

The Critical Chemicals Alliance was initiated by the European Commission in October 2025 and announced as part of the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan, which was presented in July 2025. Its aim is to strengthen the European chemical industry for the future in the face of global competition, high energy prices and vulnerable supply chains.

The CCA serves as a coordination platform for EU institutions, Member States, regions, industry, research and other relevant stakeholders. Its mandate includes, in particular, the development of criteria for identifying so-called critical chemical products and molecules that are essential for strategic value chains and key industries in the EU. The results will serve as a basis for targeted policy support measures and for prioritising investments.

Focus on Lead Markets

Another focus of the Alliance is on developing lead markets for clean chemical products in order to create targeted demand stimuli for the European chemical industry. The CCA is examining instruments such as quotas and accompanying market incentives to support investment in climate-friendly and resilient production capacities in Europe and to promote industrial transformation along value chains. 

An important opportunity lies in the fact that green lead markets can use biomass, chemical recycling and power-to-X as fossil-free carbon sources to strengthen domestic production, increase the resilience of EU value chains, reduce import dependencies and, at the same time, enhance the competitiveness of the European chemical industry.

Why the Involvement of PtX Lab Lausitz is Important

With its expertise in the field of power-to-X raw materials, sustainable molecules and industrial transformation pathways, PtX Lab Lausitz brings important technical perspectives to the work of the Alliance. 

The aim is to actively shape the dialogue on climate-neutral production processes, resilient value chains and green lead markets, and to provide impetus for a sustainable European chemical and raw materials industry.

In its study ‘Fossil-Free Chemistry of Tomorrow’ and in the PtX Lab Briefing ‘The Role of Steam Crackers in the Future’, PtX Lab Lausitz analysed the situation of the chemical industry in Europe and formulated concrete recommendations for political action.

Active Participation at European Level

As part of its involvement in the Critical Chemicals Alliance, PtX Lab Lausitz will actively participate in European dialogue formats from the outset. Dr Sarah Bernhardt, Head of Section PtX Basic Materials, will attend the First General Assembly of the Critical Chemical Alliance in the Netherlands on 13 January 2026. 

This will be the first official meeting of the Alliance's members to discuss the working structure, thematic priorities and next steps for identifying critical chemicals and production sites and establishing green lead markets.

By joining the Critical Chemicals Alliance, PtX Lab Lausitz is underlining its commitment to actively shaping the transformation of industry towards greater sustainability, resilience and strategic autonomy at European level.