What specific concern did Orion SA's CEO raise about the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS) as it applies to the carbon black industry?

Orion SA chief executive Corning Painter criticized the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), stating that its current framework for the carbon black industry 'overlooks manufacturing realities and threatens to shift jobs and CO2 emissions from Europe to Asia.' He emphasized that converting and separating CO2 is 'energy-intensive and expensive,' rendering the policy 'impractical' for the sector. Painter therefore urged EU policymakers to adopt a more realistic approach grounded in science, innovation, incentives, and judicious trade policies.

According to Orion SA's CEO, what are the key elements he proposes for a more effective EU carbon policy?

Corning Painter urged EU policymakers to adopt a more realistic approach based on 'science, innovation, incentives, and judicious trade policies.' This statement directly reflects his core argument that the current ETS framework fails to account for industrial realities—particularly in energy-intensive sectors like carbon black manufacturing—and risks unintended consequences such as offshoring of both jobs and emissions. His proposal centers not on abandoning climate goals, but on aligning regulatory design with technical feasibility, economic viability, and global competitiveness—emphasizing pragmatic tools over prescriptive mandates that lack sector-specific grounding.

Orion Chief Warns EU Carbon Policy Risks Shifting Jobs, Emissions to Asia

Jun 4, 2026

Orion SA CEO warns EU carbon policies threaten the carbon black industry by driving jobs and emissions to Asia due to high energy costs. He urges policymakers to adopt more realistic, science-based incentives.

European Rubber Journal

2026-06-04

Orion Chief Warns EU Carbon Policy Risks Shifting Jobs, Emissions to Asia

Orion Chief Warns EU Carbon Policy Risks Shifting Jobs, Emissions to Asia

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