BRUSSELS — Once a formidable presence on the soccer field, former France and Arsenal player Mathieu Flamini is now tackling environmental issues head-on as the CEO of a pioneering chemicals company in France. Flamini, who co-founded GF Biochemicals in 2013, is challenging the European Union's approach to maintaining competitiveness in manufacturing, particularly against giants like China and the U.S.

Contrary to popular strategies that advocate for the reduction of environmental regulations, Flamini asserts that the EU should intensify its efforts to move away from fossil fuels. He believes that diluting policies such as the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS) is not the pathway to gaining a competitive edge. "The reality is, if we believe we're going to remove the carbon tax in Europe and suddenly we're going to be competitive with China or other [regions], we're lying to ourselves," Flamini told POLITICO in a recent interview.

After a successful soccer career, including a return to Arsenal in 2013 following a five-year stint with AC Milan, Flamini shifted his focus towards environmental sustainability. His company, GF Biochemicals, converts agricultural waste into bio-based chemicals that are used in everyday products like paints, cosmetics, and cleaning agents.

Flamini emphasizes that the European chemicals industry, which is currently grappling with high energy costs and geopolitical tensions, must transition from fossil-based resources to bio-based alternatives. This shift is crucial not only for reducing CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming but also for enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy by decreasing dependency on imported fossil fuels.

However, Flamini acknowledges the challenges ahead. There is resistance within the EU, with some member states and lawmakers pushing to weaken or even abolish the ETS. These tensions were evident during a recent meeting of EU economy ministers in Brussels, where concerns about the impact of carbon pricing on industries were voiced.

Despite these hurdles, Flamini remains optimistic about the future. "We have to embrace and accept that there is an evolution like any other industry, from combustion engine to electric engine; [in the] chemical industry, from a petrol-based industry to bio-based," he stated.

Flamini's journey from the football pitch to the forefront of the green chemistry movement illustrates a profound shift in focus towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, proving that the drive for change can come from the most unexpected places.

To read more about Mathieu Flamini's insights and the full interview, visit [POLITICO's coverage](https://www.politico.eu/article/the-ex-arsenal-player-gunning-to-turn-eus-dirtiest-industries-green/) by Jakob Weizman.