• Despite progress in carbon management, a critical aspect of industrial decarbonization—demand-side measures—has been overlooked. The EU has focused on pushing emitters to invest in CCS technology, but the added costs risk making low-carbon products unaffordable for customers. To create a sustainable market, the EU must incentivize demand for these products, such as low-carbon cement or hydrogen. CCS Europe proposes three key measures:
    • 1. Labelling Scheme: A system to inform consumers about a product’s carbon intensity, starting with EU ETS sectors like steel and cement, then expanding. Labels could link to tax breaks or support programs, with sector-specific targets for low-carbon products.
    • 2. Public Procurement: Public tenders should include sustainability criteria, favoring low-carbon products through minimum requirements or non-price factors. This would align procurement with climate goals.
    • 3. Private Sector Incentives: Public demand alone won’t suffice. A voluntary lead market, with standards requiring a minimum "Made in EEA" low-carbon content, could drive private-sector adoption.
  • These steps would complement the EU ETS, making low-carbon products competitive and accelerating industrial decarbonisation