CATF and Bellona Europa urge stronger demand measures for clean steel, cement and chemicals in IAA
NGOs set out how the Industrial Accelerator Act can create credible demand for low-carbon steel, cement and chemicals.
BRUSSELS — 23 September 2026 — Bellona Europa and Clean Air Task Force (CATF) have joined forces on the #LeadMarketsNow campaign to help shape a strong Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). The campaign calls for ambitious procurement targets, credible definitions for low-carbon materials, fewer loopholes and broader sectoral coverage, so the IAA can create real demand for low-carbon steel, cement and other industrial products while supporting Europe’s industrial competitiveness. As part of the campaign, the organisations are publishing a series of materials exploring how the IAA can help create lead markets for low-carbon industry.
Ahead of the European Parliament’s amendment deadline, CATF and Bellona Europa have published three explainers that summarise how the Act can create credible demand for low-carbon steel, cement and chemicals. CATF and Bellona Europa are calling for progressively stronger procurement requirements, credible definitions of low-carbon products, fewer loopholes and wider coverage across key sectors. Their recommendations include greater ambition for low-carbon steel and cement, the inclusion of construction plastics, a clear pathway for low-carbon chemicals, and a gradual extension of demand measures beyond public procurement.
Explore the #LeadMarketsNow campaign and read the explainers:
Quotes from our experts:
“The EU already has the tools to cut emissions from steel, cement and chemicals. But Europe’s clean industrial transition will require turning ambition into investable demand. The Industrial Accelerator Act can help create the market certainty needed to unlock investment in clean technologies and strengthen Europe’s industrial base. The Industrial Accelerator Act should build steady demand through strong public purchasing incentives, clear standards for low-carbon products and a gradual move beyond public buyers. In the end, the lead markets of today will have to progressively become the de facto markets” – Alessia Virone, Government Affairs Director for Europe, Clean Air Task Force
“The Industrial Accelerator Act is Europe’s chance for a win-win: to make climate ambition a reality, and to ensure the long-term resilience of the European industry. It must do so by sending a strong demand signal that creates lead markets for low-carbon products and empowers the steel, concrete and chemicals industry to strengthen their investments in decarbonisation.” – Irene Domínguez Pérez, Policy Manager Embodied Carbon & Lead Markets, Bellona Europa
Read our recent explainers on steel, chemicals, and cement.
CATF and Bellona Europa experts are available to discuss the Industrial Accelerator Act, lead markets, public procurement and the implications for steel, cement, and chemicals.
Press Contact
Julia Kislitsyna, communications manager, Europe, Clean Air Task Force, [email protected], +4915116220453
Rebecka Larsson, Senior Communications Manager, Bellona Europa, [email protected], +32488760518
About Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organisation working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalysing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With 30 years of internationally recognised expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
About Bellona Europa
Bellona Europa is an international, independent and non-profit organisation that meets environmental and climate challenges head on. We are solutions-oriented and have a comprehensive and cross-sectoral approach to assess the economics, climate impacts and technical feasibility of necessary climate actions. To do this, we work with civil society, academia, governments, institutions, and industries.
