Wedoany.com Report on Feb 26th, INEOS has announced a €300 million investment, supported by funding from the French government, to advance the regeneration plan for the Lavéra chemical site. This initiative is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 331,000 tons annually, equivalent to taking over 70,000 cars off the road each year, while enhancing the long-term competitiveness of this critical industrial asset and securing thousands of skilled jobs.
The French government is providing support through its "Grands Projets d’Investissement pour la Décarbonation de l’Industrie" (AO GPID) program, which is part of the France 2030 investment strategy and is managed by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME). The AO GPID aims to assist large-scale industrial decarbonization projects in achieving verifiable emission reduction targets over a 15-year period through annual funding, thereby reducing France's dependence on fossil fuels.
In the current context of high energy costs and global competition challenges facing the European chemical industry, this investment will secure employment for approximately 2,000 direct employees and over 10,000 workers in the supply chain. The Lavéra site is a crucial pillar of French manufacturing, with its products widely used in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, aerospace, transportation, clean energy, food packaging, and defense. Maintaining these production capabilities is vital for France's industrial strength, economic resilience, and technological leadership.
The upgrade will transform the Lavéra site into a profitable and low-carbon facility, with a clearer path to achieving net-zero emissions as electrification and carbon capture technologies develop. This investment will also boost the development of France's circular economy, enabling Lavéra's cracker to process more sustainable feedstocks derived from recycled plastics and bio-based materials, gradually replacing fossil-based feedstocks.
Combined with the €250 million investment announced in November 2025, the total investment plan for the Lavéra site now exceeds €550 million. INEOS emphasizes the need for urgent action to restore the competitiveness of Europe's critical chemical industry and avoid the risks of job losses and increased emissions.
This announcement reflects INEOS's long-term commitment to France. INEOS will work closely with the French government to ensure the Lavéra site remains competitive, resilient, and aligned with France's industrial and climate objectives throughout its planning and implementation.
