The European Commission’s much anticipated Clean Industrial Plan marks a significant step towards securing a resilient and decarbonised industrial future. Designed to build on the Critical Raw Materials Act, the plan introduces a joint procurement platform for critical raw materials, ensuring a sustainable supply for EU industries, including automotive manufacturing. This initiative aims to mitigate reliance on foreign supply chains – particularly pertinent given China’s dominance in critical raw materials supply chains, including that of lithium – and prioritise European suppliers in public procurement processes, creating new opportunities for companies aligned with low-carbon production.
As the EU shifts towards clean production and circular economy, new measures – such as labelling, mandates, and financial incentives – will actively reward early movers in decarbonisation. The Clean Industrial Plan directly supports energy-intensive industries and key manufacturing sites, helping to decarbonise the highest CO2-emitting facilities.
With the production of its carbon neutral lithium hydroxide, Vulcan aligns with the EU’s focus on rewarding low-carbon product suppliers. Our agreement with BASF – one of the world’s largest chemical producers – to decarbonise their global headquarters, places Vulcan at the heart of the EU’s industrial transformation.
