Competing for the nature-positive economy: how can sustainable chemistry drive Europe’s next global lead?

How can Europe secure a leading position in the emerging nature-positive economy? This event in Brussels explores how sustainable chemistry can drive innovation, industrial transformation and ecosystem regeneration, turning Europe’s strengths into a global competitive advantage.

Organised by the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3), hosted by GIZ, together with Bioeconomy Revier Rheinland, the event brings together key actors from policy, industry, innovation ecosystems and international partnerships. As global competition accelerates, with major investments in biorefineries, biobased materials and circular production systems across the Americas and Asia, Europe must act strategically to maintain and expand its leadership.

At the heart of this transition lies the chemical industry, a cornerstone of nearly all value chains. By advancing biobased, circular and resource-efficient solutions, it can play a pivotal role in shifting from fossil-based systems to renewable and regenerative production models.

Through expert dialogue, industry insights and interactive discussion formats, participants explore how Europe can translate its innovation leadership into global competitiveness while fostering a nature-positive economy. Particular attention is given to international cooperation with key partners, including India and the Mercosur region, in light of evolving political and economic relations.

The event highlights real-world industry experiences, strengthens collaboration across sectors and identifies pathways to scale sustainable solutions globally. It also examines how Europe can shape global standards, build resilient value chains and create lead markets for sustainable and circular innovations.

Participants are invited to take part in an engaging and solution-oriented exchange on how sustainable chemistry can connect policy, industry and global partnerships, positioning Europe at the forefront of the nature-positive transition.