European industry focuses on sustainable design and long-term competitiveness

The chemical industry and environmental agencies are emphasizing sustainable design and circularity as essential drivers for European competitiveness through 2040. During the XXI General Assembly of SusChem España, the Sustainable Chemistry Technological and Innovation Platform highlighted that sustainability must be integrated from the initial research, development, and manufacturing stages rather than merely addressing environmental impacts at the end of a product's life cycle.

By incorporating safety, efficiency, and economic viability into the design phase, companies can anticipate effects on health and the environment while optimizing the use of raw materials, energy, and water. This proactive approach is expected to reduce regulatory risks and avoid costly modifications during later development stages.

Complementing this, a report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) identifies six strategic pathways to bolster Europe's long-term prosperity amidst geopolitical and technological disruptions. These pathways include expanding circular economy models, investing in climate adaptation and nature-based solutions, and strengthening capabilities in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and next-generation computing. The EEA suggests that generating economic value without depleting natural and social capital is vital for maintaining resilience and competitiveness.