In October 2025, eight major chemical plants in the Netherlands stopped or temporarily suspended their operations. Among them are well-known companies such as LyondellBasell, Indorama, Tronox, Westlake, and Vynova. The news has caused a strong reaction, as it affects one of the key industrial sectors in the country and across Europe.
One of the most significant cases is the LyondellBasell plant in Rotterdam, which was closed despite a recent modernization aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This decision shows how deep the problems in the sector run and how even investments in sustainability cannot offset the high costs and economic pressure.
The main reasons for the crisis are several. First are the high energy prices, which make production in Europe increasingly unprofitable. In addition, Chinese manufacturers offer the same products at much lower prices thanks to cheaper energy and government support. Added to this are increasingly strict environmental regulations that raise production costs and limit growth opportunities.
The effects of these shutdowns are being felt not only in the Netherlands but across the entire European market. Many industries depend on chemical products for their production, and the reduced supply could lead to higher raw material prices and slower supply chains.
This case illustrates a broader issue of industrial competitiveness in Europe. Between the drive for green transformation, rising costs, and global competition, European companies are increasingly finding it difficult to balance sustainability and economic viability.