Umicore is a Belgium-based materials technology and recycling company active across the chemical and clean‑technology value chain. It develops and produces advanced materials and specialty chemicals, and operates large-scale refining and recycling facilities for precious and non‑ferrous metals.
Its activities are organized around three areas: Catalysis (emission control catalysts and related technologies), Energy & Surface Technologies (cathode active materials for lithium‑ion batteries, cobalt and nickel specialty chemicals, and metal deposition materials), and Recycling (precious‑metals refining, recovery, and closed‑loop services). These businesses support applications in automotive, battery manufacturing, electronics, and industrial chemicals, with an emphasis on material efficiency and circularity.
Umicore operates a global production and R&D network, including major sites in Belgium such as Hoboken (precious‑metals recycling and refining) and Olen (materials research and production). The company engages in partnerships across the battery and automotive supply chains and provides metal management and tolling services to industrial customers.
chemXplore tracks 3 projects involving Umicore, of which one is active.
Umicore's role on them: Owner and Technology / equipment supplier.
1 new construction.
Contractors and licensors are recorded on this project For subscribers
Adj. EBITDA +33% to €577m and margin 30.2%; revenues €1.9bn; Free Operating Cash Flow €295m; guidance upgraded to slightly above €1bn adj. EBITDA for FY2026.
Outgoing CFO leaving after 20 years, advising until 28 Feb 2027. Successor has 20+ years in chemicals finance. New digital & transformation officer to lead operational excellence, digitalization and AI.
Strong Q1: Catalysis and Recycling strong; Specialty led by cobalt; CAM volumes modest, take‑or‑pay compensation; anode JV in place; capex up; leverage <2x
Panelists stressed transition from project launches to industrial ramp-up, needing coordinated policy, finance and market measures, new funding tools, and scalable tech to secure competitiveness
Appointment effective after AGM on 12 May 2026. Outgoing chair Trond Berger to step down. Committee also nominated Martina Merz and Ivar Vatne; John Thuestad and Tove Feld not standing for re-election.
New 3,600 sqm Shanghai innovation center, first corporate R&D outside Europe; focuses on fuel cells and recycling, expanding to catalysis for renewables, CO2 capture, H2, and local partnerships.
Strong performance with €3.6B revenue, €847M EBITDA. Efficiency measures hit €100M target. Proposed €0.50/share dividend. Net debt at €1.4B, TRIR at 4.5.
Average blood lead levels near the site rose but stayed within norms. Participation in tests decreased. Umicore continues environmental efforts and encourages more children to join studies.
