Just Transition Leadership
Sustainable Management of Just Transition towards Climate Neutrality in the European Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Rubber and Plastics Industry
The project partners FECCIA, ECEG, Lederne and Ledarna representing sectoral social partners in the chemical, pharmaceutical, rubber, and plastics industry within the EU 27, have successfully implemented the JUST[T]RANS LEAD project co-funded by the European Commission, from 1 may 2024 to 30 April 2026.
The green transition towards a climate-neutral economy is one of the challenges in all industry sectors in the European Union and globally. For the social partners in the European chemical, pharmaceutical, rubber and plastics industry it is a high priority that the green transition is also a “Just Transition”, so that nobody working in the sector is left behind.
Managers and employers are facing – and will so increasingly in the future – Just Transition challenges that require new leadership and management skills. Since Just Transition will foster considerable strategic and actual changes within the sector and individual companies, these changes require informed sustainable leadership to guide and implement all Just Transition measures and strategies.
With the results of the JUST[T]RANS LEAD project FECCIA and ECEG present the first EU-level and jointly developed social partner guidance as to how to make the green transition both economically sustainable and socially just for all.
Results
1. Transition Leadership Toolbox
The Just Transition Leadership Toolbox is a unique collection of practical tools designed to help managers and employers lead the development and implementation of Just Transition strategies within their organisations.
It is based on extensive work, including desk research and a survey conducted by the University of Leuven, as well as good and best practice examples from companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, rubber and plastics sectors across Europe. In addition, it incorporates insights and contributions from managers and employers gathered during the lifetime of the JUST[T]RANS LEAD project.
This toolbox is designed for practical application by managers and employers, and is intended to be used in conjunction with the Just Transition Leadership Best Practice Guide.
2. Just Transition Leadership Best Practice Guide
The Just Transition Leaderhsip Best Practice Guide aims to identify and explore key domains managers need to consider and act on when leading processes towards a Just Transition. Understanding these domains is essential for managers to effectively guide their organisations through the transition.
The Guide also investigates the specific skills required for white-collar managers to implement Just Transition processes within specific domains of that role. These skills may include change management, sustainability knowledge, and the ability to guide the workforce in the transition process.
Finally, the Guide examines the practical measures and actions that managers have already implemented to align with Just Transition principles. This includes analysing current practices and actions to provide a comprehensive understanding of successful strategies.
3. Sustainable Just Transition Leadership for Employers and Managers in the European Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Rubber and Plastics Sector
The Joint Strategic Framework signed in Brussels by FECCIA and ECEG on 23 April 2026 shows a strong and voluntary leadership commitment to ensure that the transition is managed in a just, responsible and competitive manner. Through this framework and the accompanying “Just Transition Toolbox”, employers and managers are provided with practical guidance to implement just transition principles without creating additional administrative burdens. This is designed to support companies of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises, by offering concrete tools that facilitate implementation, strengthen resilience and help avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.
By taking proactive joint responsibility through this framework, FECCIA and ECEG highlight the importance of sectoral social dialogue to deliver effective and balanced solutions. This framework provides a cooperative, flexible and industry-driven approach for the European chemical industry that supports competitiveness, reduces red tape and ensures that the green transition is both economically sustainable and socially just.
