EQS-News: wienerberger welcomes European Commission ETS proposals to strengthen industrial competitiveness and advance decarbonization
EQS-News: Wienerberger AG / Key word(s): ESG
wienerberger welcomes European Commission ETS proposals to strengthen
industrial competitiveness and advance decarbonization
27.07.2026 / 08:30 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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wienerberger welcomes European Commission ETS proposals to strengthen
industrial competitiveness and advance decarbonization
Vienna, July 27, 2026 – wienerberger welcomes positive steps in the
European Commission’s legislative proposals to further develop the EU
Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) with relevance for our ceramic
construction material production in the European Union as well as the
newly released electrification action plan. The package includes several
important measures that could strengthen Europe’s industrial
competitiveness while supporting the transition to climate neutrality.
Heimo Scheuch, CEO of wienerberger: „The European Commission’s proposals
are an important step towards strengthening Europe’s industrial
competitiveness while advancing its climate ambitions. We are pleased to
see that several long-standing recommendations put forward by wienerberger
together with our industry associations have been reflected in the
legislative package. A balanced, practical and predictable regulatory
framework is essential to enable companies to invest in decarbonization,
accelerate innovation and strengthen Europe’s industrial resilience while
contributing to Europe’s climate neutrality. wienerberger stands ready to
support policymakers with practical industry insights as the legislative
process progresses particularly in areas where further discussion and
refinement of the ETS review proposals will be required“
Positive developments for the ceramics industry
A key element of the package is the proposed revision of benchmark
methodologies for the 2026–2030 period. The proposal would create a legal
basis for increasing free allocation for clay blocks, clay pipes and
ceramic tiles. This would reduce ETS-related carbon costs for
wienerberger’s clay building materials and ceramic businesses while
supporting continued investment in decarbonization and low-carbon
technologies.
A more balanced ETS framework after 2030
The Commission also proposes adapting the future ETS trajectory to current
geopolitical and economic realities. By introducing a more gradual
reduction pathway after 2030 and extending free allocation beyond the
currently foreseen phase-out, the proposal would provide greater planning
certainty for long-term industrial investment while preserving the EU’s
long-term climate ambitions.
Fairer benchmark methodology for ceramics
Another important proposal is the introduction of sector-specific fallback
fuel benchmarks from 2031 onwards, replacing the current cross-sectoral
benchmark methodology. This approach would better reflect the specific
production characteristics of the ceramics industry and is expected to
improve future free allocation levels for ceramic construction materials.
Supporting industrial decarbonization
The legislative package also includes measures designed to accelerate
Europe’s industrial transformation and support investment in low-carbon
solutions:
• establishing an ETS Investment booster (2027-2030) and an Industrial
Decarbonization Bank (2031-2040) to support investment in low-carbon
technologies and fuel-switch
• allowing the use of high-integrity international carbon credits from
2036 onwards to support global emissions reductions while maintaining
Europe’s climate ambitions
• introducing a comprehensive Electrification Action Plan and requiring
Member States to invest at least 50% of ETS revenues in renewable
energy, electricity grids, industrial decarbonization and circular
economy projects, thereby accelerating electrification and supporting
infrastructure-related solutions
Together, these initiatives create stronger incentives for investment,
innovation and industrial decarbonization while reinforcing Europe’s
industrial base.
Looking ahead
While we welcome the Commission’s proposals, certain aspects require
further clarification, particularly the conditions linking future free
allocation to company-specific decarbonization investments as well as
further improvements to the benchmark methodology. These provisions must
remain practical, proportionate and supportive of investment and must take
into account the specific situation of ceramics with many small
installations across Europe as well as the regional heterogeneity of the
availability of green energy in the EU.
As the legislative process moves to the European Parliament and the
Council, wienerberger will continue to engage constructively with European
policymakers, Cerame-Unie and national industry associations. The aim is
to help shape a regulatory framework that combines ambitious climate
objectives with industrial competitiveness, investment certainty and
sustainable economic growth.
wienerberger
wienerberger is a leading provider of innovative, eco-friendly solutions
for the entire building envelope in the areas of new construction and
renovation, as well as for infrastructure in water and energy management.
With more than 20,000 employees worldwide, wienerberger’s solutions enable
energy-efficient, healthy, climate-friendly, and affordable living.
wienerberger is the world’s largest brick producer and the market leader
in clay roof tiles in Europe as well as in concrete paving in Eastern
Europe. In pipe systems (stoneware and plastic pipes), the company is
among the leading suppliers in Europe, and in facade products, it is among
the leading suppliers in North America. With more than 200 production
sites across the group, wienerberger generated revenue of €4.6 billion and
operating EBITDA of €754 million in 2025.
For further information
Claudia Hajdinyak, Head of Corporate Communications Wienerberger AG
t +43 664 828 31 83 | claudia.hajdinyak@wienerberger.com
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27.07.2026 CET/CEST This Corporate News was distributed by [1]EQS Group
View original content: [2]EQS News
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Language: English
Company: Wienerberger AG
Wienerbergerplatz 1
1100 Wien
Austria
Phone: +43 1 60 192-0
Fax: +43 1 60 192-10159
E-mail: investor@wienerberger.com
Internet: www.wienerberger.com
ISIN: AT0000831706
Listed: Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Market)
LEI Code: 529900VXIFBHO0SW2I31
EQS News ID: 2370930
End of News EQS News Service
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