- 175 jobs will be affected by the closure of two production units in Rheinberg, Germany.
- The Allylics unit produces key ingredients for epoxy resins used in defense, aerospace, and renewable energy.
- The electrochemical facility produces chlorine essential for clean water, medicines, and sanitation.
- Since 2019, Germany's chemical output has dropped by 18%, leading to job losses and reduced investment.
Closure Announcement
INEOS plans to shut down two production units in Rheinberg, Germany, resulting in the loss of 175 jobs. The decision is driven by high energy and carbon costs, alongside a lack of tariff protection.
Impact on Chemical Production
The closures will affect the Allylics unit, which produces key ingredients for epoxy resins used in defense, aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. The electrochemical facility, crucial for producing chlorine used in clean water, medicines, and sanitation, will also be closed.
Industry Challenges
Europe's chemical sector faces a deepening crisis, with a significant drop in competitiveness. Since 2019, Germany's chemical output has decreased by 18%, leading to job losses and reduced investment. INEOS has already closed plants in the UK and Belgium, with further closures in Germany and mothballed assets in France and Spain.
Call for Action
INEOS criticizes the EU's lack of tariff protection, contrasting it with the US's strong tariffs that block cheap chemical imports. The company urges European governments to support strategic manufacturing and restore competitiveness to prevent further closures and dependency on other regions.
