Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.
Fibrant, a Dutch chemical producer based at the Chemelot Industrial Park in Geleen, announced plans to close three of its seven plants, resulting in around 100 job losses. The affected facilities include production lines for caprolactam, a key raw material for nylon used in automotive parts, packaging and textiles.
The decision stems from persistently high energy and production costs in the Netherlands and Europe, which have made competition with Asian producers increasingly difficult. Following consultation with the works council, a final decision is expected.
Trade union CNV expressed serious concern about the regional impact, warning of a potential domino effect for other companies on the Chemelot site that rely on Fibrant as a supplier. Union representatives called on the government to ensure a level playing field for the chemical industry.
The restructuring adds to a series of recent industrial closures in the Netherlands, including at Vynova 2025 - NL, Dow Chemicals 2025 - NL and Apollo Vredestein 2025 - NL.
Eurofound (2025), Fibrant, Closure in Netherlands, factsheet number 203521, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203521.