Chemical Companies Find a Sustainable Base in the Netherlands

Powerful industry as a gateway to Europe

The Netherlands has the fourth largest chemical industry in Europe. Rotterdam port, good infrastructure, first-class universities and qualified talents attract many of the world’s largest chemical companies.

Major employers

The turnover of chemicals in 2017 was EUR 55 billion, of which EUR 5 billion came from the self-made pharmaceutical industry. Our industry has 57000 employees, including 13000 in the pharmaceutical industry, working in more than 470 companies. It is the second largest industry in the Netherlands.

Leading the world

In the fields of basic chemistry, biotechnology, food ingredients, coatings and high performance materials, the Netherlands is in the leading position in the world. The chemical industry accounts for more than 15% of Dutch exports, exceeding Japan’s exports.

Driven by innovation

Our chemical industry is a leader in innovation, with an annual R & D investment of 750 million euros, accounting for one fifth of the national industrial R & D.

Network and neighboring countries

The combination of port Rotterdam and pipelines to chemical production centers near Belgium, Germany and northern France ensures that Dutch industry is part of a strong cluster in northwest Europe.

Regional clustering

The Netherlands is a relatively small and manageable country with excellent networks of roads, railways, waterways, telecommunications and energy supply pipelines connecting production areas.

The main categories are as follows:

Rotterdam / botlek Pernis / Moerdijk

Rotterdam focuses on basic chemicals and petroleum chemicals. Looking to the future, the goal of Rotterdam port is to integrate its petrochemical complex with those of Antwerp, mordick, teneutzen and frischengen to create a single large global leader closely linked with German petrochemical enterprises.

Nanlinbao / chemelot

Nanlinburg is a center for life sciences and materials funded by the University of Maastricht.

Delfzijl / eemshaven and East Holland / tweente

There are 160 chemical companies, covering energy, recycling, chemicals, metals and logistics.

How are we doing?

The advantages of

This is a key part of Europe’s largest cross-border chemical cluster

A well educated workforce

Stable political and social climate

Provided by Rotterdam Port

The increase of productivity reduces the unit labor cost

weakness

Relatively high energy cost: achieving affordable clean energy supply through cooperation of all parties

The aging of the labor force

Our contribution to a competitive Europe

Research capacity building

Education, science, knowledge institutions and industry are collaborating on research to accelerate innovation.

Opportunities for growth

In 2012, a study sponsored by vnci predicted that the industry would see substantial growth.

The chemical industry is expected to transform from fossil inputs, biomass, biological waste and other resources through more efficient use of raw materials. Achieving this goal requires free trade, improving energy efficiency, diversifying raw materials, focusing on research and development, sustainable innovation and promoting legislation.

Government policy support

The chemical industry is one of the first-class industries in the Netherlands and benefits from the government’s supporting policies.