Recent developments
Lower-carbon feedstocks
BASF’s European Performance Materials sites obtained REDcert² certification, enabling certified mass-balance polymers. Vioneo’s Antwerp LDPE project will use green‑methanol feed to deliver ISCC PLUS product. Avantium reported commissioning progress toward FDCA, backed by new financing and offtakes. Moeve and the Global Impact Coalition started a feasibility study on an MTO‑based e‑SAF and olefins route.
Circularity advances
Versalis and Veritas will build a local EPS‑to‑r‑GPPS/r‑EPS value chain at Porto Marghera. Dow and Gruppo Fiori demonstrated recovery of automotive polyurethane foam suitable for depolymerization. PureCycle’s 50% PCR PureFive resin ran on Brückner’s BOPP line with virgin‑like performance. Mitsubishi Chemical and Honda validated recycled PMMA for N‑ONE e: door visors. ISO 14021 claims for Trinseo’s ALTUGLAS R‑Life were confirmed by DNV.
Application-focused innovations
Borealis introduced a three‑layer cast PP concept for LIB pouch‑cell laminates, now under independent validation. BASF launched Ultramid H33 L, a high‑permeability polyamide enabling thinner artificial casings. WACKER began serial production of NEXIPAL Sense silicone‑based sensor laminates via roll‑to‑roll. Asahi Kasei previewed PFAS‑free polyamides and a CFRP recycling process using electrolyzed sulfuric acid.
Capacity and consolidation
Mitsui Chemicals, Idemitsu, and Sumitomo Chemical are integrating PP and LLDPE assets into Prime Polymer to counter oversupply. Borealis will expand PP compounding in Schwechat with a new line operational in 2026. LyondellBasell enhanced its Suzhou Technical Center with new extrusion and testing capabilities for complex formulations. Momentive extended distribution of silicone elastomers across Europe via Safic‑Alcan. Asahi Kasei launched R‑Series Asaclean purging compounds in Europe ahead of K 2025.