As a company in the steel processing industry, Hettich relies on efficient and competitive European value chains. Rising costs, increasing regulatory burdens and competitive disadvantages compared with non-European providers are putting numerous industrial sectors in Europe under increasing pressure.

For Hettich, the design of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is of particular importance. Whilst steel and numerous intermediate products are already covered, this has not yet been the case for many steel-intensive components and finished products, such as furniture fittings. This creates the risk that manufacturing stages – and with them workplaces – will move away from Europe, whilst finished products are increasingly imported. This does not prevent the emissions, but merely shifts them elsewhere. As part of the downstream industrial value chain, Hettich recognises the need to prevent distortions of competition and to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders. Hettich does not see climate protection and industry as being at odds with one another, but rather believes that the two must be considered together: European companies must be able to decarbonise their production without being structurally disadvantaged as a result compared with their international competitors.

“European industry needs a framework that enables innovation, investment and sustainable growth. Only if the entire value chain remains competitive can investment, employment and industrial value creation be strengthened in Europe in the long term,” explains Jan Hobert, Director of Procurement at Hettich. “Politicians must now ensure that relevant downstream products are also consistently included in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and in trade defence instruments such as safeguards and anti-dumping measures. This is the only way to achieve genuine equality of opportunity and ensure that industrial value remains in Europe.”

By taking part in the “European Convoy for Industrial Competitiveness” in Brussels, Hettich is championing a strong industrial sector in Europe, with a level playing field throughout the entire European value chain – from the raw materials industry to the manufacturing sector. The “European Convoy for Industrial Competitiveness” was initiated by the European Association of Steel, Pipe and Non-Ferrous Metals (EUROMETAL), which acts as the European umbrella organisation and representative body for the trade and distribution of steel, pipes and non-ferrous metals.