Less import duties for green chemistry

The abolition of import duties on "renewables" such as sugars, cereals, and bio-ethanol would give a clear signal to the market helping to attract more bio-based investment to Europe, according to Hubert Mandery, Director General of Cefic (European Chemical Industry Council). His position backs up that of the raw material producers, represented by PlasticsEurope, who are pressing to stop landfill disposal of recyclable waste, in order to give new impetus to the recycling industry.
According to Cefic, in addition to removing import duties, Europe should deploy common agricultural policy measures to promote local production of renewable raw materials, without detracting from the amount devoted to food supplies. The Council also argues for a non-discriminatory approach to the different uses of renewable raw materials. Tax policy should not create any distortions or conflicts of interests between value chains.