The chemical and life science industry encompasses a series of activities including basic organic and inorganic chemistry, pharmaceutical products, biotechnology, agricultural products, paint, adhesives and ink, soaps, detergents and cosmetics, plastics and rubber conversion, and more. Products from this industry respond to human needs and play a role in areas of health, hygiene and quality of life.
In Belgium, chemical and life science products constitute more than 6% of total sales of Europe zone, while the country’s population only comprises 2.1% of the population of the European Union. This explains the importance of the chemical and life sciences industry in our country, one of the smallest countries in Europe but, nevertheless, one of the foremost maker of chemical products. In total, the sector employs 95,000 workers directly and is responsible for another 150,000 jobs indirectly.
Today, the chemical and life sciences sector faces challenges to which it is essential to bring solutions if the industry desires the economic development compatible with sustainable development.
To maintain the competitiveness of our industry, it will be necessary: to reduce the wage handicap substantially compared to our neighbouring countries; to guarantee a competitive energy supply; and to stimulate innovation. These elements are essential is our industry is to continue to play an essential role in both the European and world-wide chemical industries.
Finally, it is essential that authorities make logistics and transport infrastructure investments and land-use decisions in cooperation with stakeholders while making sustainable development the priority.
At the federal level, essenscia is involved through the Conseil central de l’économie (Central Economic Council, or CCE), a venue where social partners (union organisations and business representatives) come together in consultation. Besides specific commissions addressing the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, a special consultative "Chemical" commission was set up to respond to questions directed at our sector. This commission issues opinion papers and reports on economic problems affecting the chemical industry to the appropriate ministers and to the CCE.
At the regional level, essenscia works with employer organisations (UWE and Voka) within economic and social advisory councils and social such as Wallonia’s Conseil économique et social de la Région wallonne (the Wallonia Economic and Social Council, or CESRW) and its equivalent in Flanders, Sociaal-Economische Raad van Vlaanderen (SERV).