Antwerp wins top European award for sustainable chemistry collaboration
The city of Antwerp has won a prestigious European award for its collaborative model promoting sustainable chemistry: from research and innovation to large-scale industrial application. Antwerp triumphed in the Supporting the Sustainable Transition category of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA) and also received the overall Jury’s Grand Prize across all categories.
The EEPA, organised by the European Commission since 2006, recognises outstanding initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, sustainability and innovation across Europe. This year’s jury commended Antwerp for building a thriving ecosystem that helps chemical companies reduce their ecological footprint, accelerate innovation and strengthen the circular economy.
Among the city’s highlighted initiatives are projects to recover PFAS and valuable metals from wastewater and to break down CO₂ into base molecules that can be reused as raw materials in the chemical industry. “This award confirms Antwerp’s position as a European centre for innovation and sustainable chemistry,” said Antwerp’s Alderman for Economy Johan Klaps.
Collaboration delivers tangible results
“It demonstrates that collaboration between government, industry and research institutions delivers tangible results for people, the environment and the economy. Innovation and the transition to a circular, sustainable industry are essential to keep our industrial base competitive and future-proof.”
Through this collaboration, Antwerp is becoming a European frontrunner in sustainable chemistry
Since its launch in 2020, Antwerp’s partnership model in the chemical sector has generated 465 new jobs, attracted over 840 million euros in investment and led to the creation of 26 start-ups, according to city officials. “Through this collaboration, Antwerp is becoming a European frontrunner in sustainable chemistry,” the city said in a statement.
The European Enterprise Promotion Awards evaluate projects on originality, feasibility, local economic impact and their potential to be replicated in other regions. Antwerp’s recognition underscores its growing reputation as a hub where sustainability and heavy industry converge, and where the future of European chemistry may well be taking shape.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
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