This move, affecting approximately 100 employees, aims to enhance the company's long-term competitiveness amid global overcapacity and weak demand in the European PVC market.
Vynova, a prominent European producer of PVC and chlor-alkali products, today announced its strategic decision to cease all PVC production activities at its facility in Beek, the Netherlands, by November 2025. This move follows an extensive review of the company’s manufacturing operations, driven by a confluence of persistent economic headwinds, evolving regulatory landscapes, and severe market pressures within the European PVC sector. The company has formally notified its personnel and initiated the necessary consultation process with the works council of Vynova Beek B.V.
The Beek plant, situated within the expansive Chemelot industrial park, has been a significant operational hub since its establishment in 1972. It currently employs approximately 100 individuals and boasts an annual PVC production capacity of 225,000 tonnes. The impending closure underscores the profound challenges faced by the European chemical industry, particularly in energy-intensive segments like PVC manufacturing.
Christophe André, CEO of Vynova, articulated the rationale behind this difficult decision. "Our announcement today is the culmination of a comprehensive review of our manufacturing footprint in light of ongoing economic, regulatory, and market challenges," André stated. He highlighted the "strong pressure" on the European PVC market, attributing it to "global overcapacity, persistently weak demand, and increased competition from regions with lower production costs and less stringent regulations." André further emphasized that these adverse conditions are unlikely to abate in the foreseeable future, making the closure a "difficult but necessary step" to bolster Vynova's long-term competitiveness and ensure its continued reliability as a partner in its core markets.
The European PVC market has indeed been grappling with a complex set of issues. Reports indicate a significant decline in PVC demand across Europe, exacerbated by stringent environmental regulations and a general economic slowdown. This contrasts sharply with regions like Asia-Pacific, which are experiencing robust growth fueled by rapid industrialization. The global oversupply of PVC, coupled with higher production costs in Europe (particularly energy expenses) compared to other regions, has made it increasingly challenging for European producers to maintain profitability.
Recognizing the profound impact of this decision on its workforce, Vynova has affirmed its commitment to supporting the affected employees. Henk Veldink, COO of Vynova, stated, "We fully recognise the impact this announcement has on our colleagues in Beek. In line with our company values, we are fully committed to supporting our Beek employees through a comprehensive set of initiatives designed to assist them during this transition."
