French chemical industry news

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  19 March 2026

  WACKER unveils BELNEXT bio-based ingredients at in-cosmetics Global 2026

  TAL 1840 M: theanine-based cationic emulsifier (fermentation-made, biodegradable) for hair. EMO FH2: fermentation-made nonpolar emollient—stable, improves spread, combability and pigment dispersion
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  19 March 2026

  Plastic Energy powers start-up of TotalEnergies' Grandpuits advanced recycling plant

  New 15,000 t/yr advanced recycling plant now producing TACOIL from hard-to-recycle plastics, feeding petrochemical sites to make high-quality, food- and medical-grade plastics.
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  18 March 2026

  TotalEnergies Annual Shareholders' Meeting — May 29, 2026

  Board convenes May 29 meeting; renews three directors for 3 years; appoints Slawomir Krupa to replace Mark Cutifani; seeks to raise chair/CEO age limits; submits pay, finance and sustainability items.
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  18 March 2026

  Technip Energies acquires minority stake in Verso Energy’s DEZiR eSAF plant in Rouen

  Project will use carbon capture to source biogenic CO2 and has FEED underway; plant due ~2030 to produce 80,000 t/yr eSAF, backed by France 2030/EU fund and planned for replication.
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  17 March 2026

  Aptar appoints Gael Touya CEO effective Sept 1, 2026; Stephan Tanda to retire end-2026

  Gael Touya, a 30-year veteran, led the Pharma unit’s transformation (~82% sales growth) and has global commercial and operational experience. Tanda raised margins, EPS and sustainability.
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  17 March 2026

  Kemira obtains PMRA approval in Canada for KemConnect DEX

  Chlorine-free performic-acid wastewater disinfection; used in Paris 2024 wastewater works. Combines on-site generation, real-time monitoring and dosing algorithm. Canada rollout pending approvals

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  17 March 2026

  Eni secures €9bn 5-year revolving credit facility

  €9bn 5‑year revolver with 2‑year extension option refinancing prior €6bn and €3bn lines; provided by 28 banks, ~40% oversubscription, maintains financial flexibility and extends maturity
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  16 March 2026

  LANXESS Showcases Cosmetics and Personal Care Portfolio at in-cosmetics Global

  LANXESS highlights preservation solutions, sustainable ingredients, and global production capabilities for cosmetics and personal care at the Paris trade fair.
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  16 March 2026

  Arkema Boosts Kynar® PVDF Capacity in China

  Arkema expands Changshu site by 20% to meet rising demand in Asia-Pacific for Kynar® PVDF, targeting EV batteries, coatings, and more, with a 2028 start-up.
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  12 March 2026

  Lhyfe Maintains Strong ESG Rating from Ethifinance

  Lhyfe scored 88/100 in 2024 ESG performance, reflecting strong environmental efforts and energy independence, with improved ratings since 2022.
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  11 March 2026

  Elkem Restructures and Cuts Costs to Boost Competitiveness

  Elkem introduces a new structure, reduces workforce by 300, and cuts costs by NOK 1.9 billion to enhance profitability amid market challenges.
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  10 March 2026

  Plenitude and Methagora Partner for 15-Year Biomethane Supply in France

  The deal secures 50 GWh of biomethane annually, supporting France's biomethane sector and aligning with the Biomethane Production Certificates scheme.
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  6 March 2026

  Iberdrola Acquires First Wind Farm in Victoria, Australia

  Iberdrola acquires Ararat Wind Farm, expanding its presence in five Australian states and reinforcing its renewable energy strategy with a 242 MW capacity.
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  5 March 2026

  SEQENS Sells Limoges Botanical and IVD Units to Solabia

  The sale aligns with SEQENS' focus on core activities, while Solabia's expertise supports the Limoges site's growth in personal care and life sciences.
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  5 March 2026

  Altris and Mecaware Join 2026 EIC Accelerator

  Selected for EIC funding, they aim to scale battery materials and recycling, enhancing Europe's clean energy and circular economy efforts.
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  4 March 2026

  Axens Joins FACET for Australian eFuel Plant Study

  The project aims to produce low-carbon eFuels for maritime and aviation sectors, enhancing regional fuel security and utilizing Australia's renewable resources. Completion is expected by April 2026.
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  4 March 2026

  Heliup Secures €16M to Expand Lightweight Solar Panels in Europe

  Heliup's funding boosts lightweight solar panel deployment on rooftops with limited load capacity, aiding Europe's energy transition and decarbonization efforts.
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  26 February 2026

  Veolia Expands in India with Major Mumbai Water Projects

  Secures 15-year contracts for Mumbai's largest water plants, enhancing water security and efficiency with advanced tech, aiming to double India's revenues by 2030.
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  26 February 2026

  Eni Reports Strong 2025 Financial and Strategic Progress

  Strong Q4 results with 35% net income growth. Major projects launched, production up 7%. LNG expansion, biofuels growth, and strategic partnerships enhance resilience and shareholder returns.
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  25 February 2026

  Renault's Ampere and Basquevolt Partner on Next-Gen Lithium-Metal Batteries

  The partnership aims to advance lithium metal batteries for EVs, enhancing energy density, thermal stability, and cost efficiency, while reducing manufacturing complexity and investment.
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  24 February 2026

  Honeywell and Verso Energy Partner to Boost eSAF Production

  Verso Energy will use Honeywell's eFining technology to produce eSAF, reducing GHG emissions by 88% and meeting EU's 2050 fuel requirements.
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  24 February 2026

  Iberdrola France Sells Onshore Portfolio to Technique Solaire

  The sale includes 118 MW of wind capacity and 639 MW pipeline. It's part of a strategy to focus on core businesses and key markets like the US and UK. Fifth transaction this year.
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  19 February 2026

  INEOS Secures €300M French Grant to Decarbonise Lavera Site

  The investment cuts CO2 by 331,000 tonnes annually, secures jobs, boosts competitiveness, and supports France's industrial and climate goals through electrification and carbon capture.
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  17 February 2026

  Vattenfall Divests French Sales Business to Alterna énergie

  Vattenfall transfers its French electricity and gas sales business, ensuring seamless service continuity. Alterna énergie will integrate all employees and maintain existing contracts.
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  17 February 2026

  Vattenfall Divests French Sales Business to Alterna énergie

  The transaction includes 15,000 business customers, 3,000 large accounts, and 175,000 residential contracts. All employees will transfer, ensuring seamless service continuity.
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  16 February 2026

  Horse Powertrain and Repsol Develop Efficient Hybrid Powertrain with Renewable Gasoline

  The new hybrid powertrain achieves 44.2% efficiency, cuts fuel use by 40%, and reduces CO2 emissions using 100% renewable gasoline, supporting a technology-neutral approach to decarbonization.
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  13 February 2026

  Reju Selects Lacq for French Textile Regeneration Hub

  The facility will recycle textiles into polyester, creating jobs and supporting France's circular economy and decarbonization efforts.
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  13 February 2026

  Elkem Q4 2025: Market Challenges Offset by Cost Improvements; Silicones Division Sale

  EBITDA fell 24% YoY. Silicones sale to Bluestar boosts focus and flexibility. Safety incident in Lyon. Market uncertainties persist, but strong cost positions aid adaptation.
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  10 February 2026

  RWE's Nordseecluster Offshore Wind Substations Ready for Installation

  Two offshore substations completed in France will be installed in the German North Sea, advancing the Nordseecluster wind project, which will power 1.6 million homes.
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  6 February 2026

  Hyliko Expands Renewable Hydrogen Supply with Lhyfe in Paris Region

  Hyliko secures a multi-year contract for over 200 tonnes of RFNBO hydrogen, supporting decarbonized transport and benefiting from the upcoming TIRUERT scheme.