Catalisti joins Flemish industrial mission to Germany underlining importance of the chemical industry
The economic mission focused on the pioneering role that Flanders and Germany play in industrial innovation, particularly in areas such as the circular economy, energy, digitalisation, and sustainable chemistry. The delegation visited Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, two of Germany's most important economic regions. One of the highlights was the visit to the production site of chemical company Evonik in Marl.
Historically, Germany has been one of Flanders' most important trading partners, with numerous German chemical and pharmaceutical companies establishing production sites and research centres in our region. German companies also remain a prominent investor in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector in Flanders. Moreover, Germany is the number one export country for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, accounting for 30% of all Belgian exports to Germany.
At the same time, the industry in both countries faces the same challenges: high energy costs, regulatory pressure, cheap imports from other parts of the world, and this within an extremely uncertain geopolitical context. With this industrial mission to Germany, Flanders aims to highlight the the strengths of its industry and to further strengthen industrial cooperation through partnerships between governments, companies, and knowledge institutions.
Heart of the chemical industry
One of the highlights of the mission was the visit to Evonik in Marl, the company's largest chemical park worldwide. Evonik and Flanders have had close ties for decades: Marl and Evonik Antwerp collaborate via pipelines and an integrated production network, with the Port of Antwerp serving as the logistical hub.
This collaboration is set to become even more important due to plans for a cross-border hydrogen network and CO₂ transport infrastructure. The delegation also gained insight into groundbreaking technologies, such as the Rheticus installation, which converts CO₂ and water into valuable chemical products using artificial photosynthesis and renewable energy.
Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Minister for Industry and Innovation:
"The Flemish industry is a driver of prosperity and innovation. In a rapidly changing world, we must continue to strengthen our competitiveness. We do not do this alone, but together with strong partners such as Germany. By sharing knowledge and further developing industrial cooperation, we are creating a future-proof European industry that is committed to sustainability, innovation and growth."
Yves Verschueren, Managing Director of essenscia:
"Flanders and Germany are at the heart of the European chemical industry. They face the same challenges and share the same opportunities. With this industrial mission, we are placing the need for concrete measures to strengthen the industry high on the agenda. Strategic cooperation across borders is an important lever in this regard. Because that must be our shared ambition: a future-oriented industry that can continue to innovate, invest and create jobs here."
In addition to Evonik's production site, the programme also included visits to the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research centre, aircraft manufacturer Airbus, car manufacturer BMW, steel company thyssenkrupp, and the ESA astronaut training centre. The Flemish industrial delegation also joined a session in the Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia to discuss with state political representatives strategies for strengthening European industry.
Peter Roose, Chairman of our Board of Directors, represented both Catalisti and Eastman in the delegation. The delegation also consisted of chemical companies, including Bayer, Evonik, Oleon, Proviron, as well as the scale-ups Qpinch and Triple Helix.