Europe’s industrial transition is entering a more practical phase and recent signals from across industry, finance and policy all point in the same direction, but from different angles.
One perspective argues that Europe doesn’t need to reinvent itself, but to scale what already works. Another highlights how volatility in oil markets once again exposes the fragility of fossil dependence and raises the question of whether industries will finally accelerate toward bio-based alternatives. A third reminds us of a fundamental constraint: in the physical economy, you can’t “print” molecules. Real transformation requires real production.
Taken together, the message is clear. It is no longer about optimizing the old system, but about building on solutions that are already proven, scaled, and independent of fossil volatility.
For the chemical industry, this creates a moment of truth.
Will the industry still wait for the next disruption, the next policy push, the next technology breakthrough? Or will it learn from the spring of 2026 and double down on what is already working?
At Sekab, we don’t wait. We work.
24/7, our plant in northern Sweden converts bio-based ethanol into fossil-free chemicals for industrial value chains across Europe. No pilots. No delays. Just continuous, large-scale production.
While others discuss future supply, we deliver it. While fossil markets swing, our operations stay steady.
This is not a scenario. It’s shift work.
While the world scrambles, markets turn on a dime, and many are forced to rethink sourcing strategies and long-term plans – our job is actually quite simple.
We just keep the plant running.
Mikael Lundqvist
Head of Production
This is the concluding comment of Sekab newsletter, read all our newsletters here