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 | [email protected]
    

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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:      [email protected]
   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


   2370930  27.07.2026 CET/CEST

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