Publications
Chemicals and CCS/U: Exploring the role of carbon capture in the sector’s transition to ‘circularity’
This technical brief explores the potential role of carbon capture, storage and utilisation (CCS/U) for Europe's chemicals sector.
We find that CCS/U will be necessary in Europe’s chemicals sector, but only to a limited extent in targeted applications.
The EU CBAM gives a boost to Algeria’s iron exports
Sandbag’s brief assesses how the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) may affect Algeria’s iron and steel exports. It finds that although Algeria’s overall exposure to CBAM is limited, rising EU carbon costs are likely to increase EU market prices, with implications for the revenues and competitiveness of Algerian exports.
CBAM and Fertiliser Inflation in 2026: The facts behind the numbers
Estimates suggesting that the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could increase fertiliser prices by up to 30% have brought a central question into focus: how significant is the inflationary impact likely to be?
The CBAM dividend for Namibia and Ghana
This research note shows that Namibia and Ghana are likely to benefit from the CBAM, as EU price increases linked to the EU ETS outweigh CBAM fees under current exports. It also sets out transparent transformation scenarios, based on announced industrial projects, to show how expanded and lower-emissions production could further increase export revenues over time.
Steel labelling: Beyond the sliding scale
As EU policymakers debate how to certify low-carbon steel, Sandbag’s new briefing analyses the “sliding scale” method — and outlines why it may hinder rather than help decarbonisation. A new model is proposed based on product-specific benchmarks, multi-tier ratings, and circularity incentives.
Chemicals in the CBAM: Time to step up
Sandbag’s latest brief explains why the EU CBAM must be expanded to cover key chemical value chains. With chemicals and refinery products responsible for 30% of industry emissions, phased inclusion is critical to prevent carbon leakage and phase out free allowances.
Scrap Steel at Sea: How ship recycling can help decarbonise European steel production
As Europe seeks to decarbonise its steel industry, a new Sandbag report highlights an overlooked solution: high-quality scrap steel from retired ships. With up to 15 million tonnes of certified scrap available annually, ship recycling could meet 20% of EU steel scrap demand — if policy gaps are addressed.
The EU CBAM: a two-way street between the EU and Africa
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism CBAM is often misunderstood as a trade policy whereas it is actually a climate policy. Its only objective, as stated in Article 1 of the CBAM Regulation, is to replace the current system of free allocation of emission allowances to EU-based manufacturers under the EU carbon market.
CBAM impact on US trade: an analysis
Sandbag’s September 2025 research note explores the impact of the EU’s CBAM on US exports. It finds that even with expanded scope, the financial impact remains marginal, and US carbon pricing could turn net costs negative.
The EU CBAM: A Two-Way Street to Climate Integrity?
Supported by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Sandbag’s report examines the impact of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the gradual removal of free allowances on third-country exporters. The joint implementation is expected to raise production costs for both EU and non-EU producers, leading to higher prices for CBAM-covered goods in the EU.
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