Recent developments
Demand and capacity
Responding to oversupply and high energy and carbon costs, Solvay plans to adjust Torrelavega soda ash capacity to 420 kt by Q3‑2026. The site will prioritize regional soda ash and premium sodium bicarbonate; up to 77 positions are affected.
M&A and oversight
Ercros’ board rejected the Bondalti takeover bid, citing leverage concerns, a 15‑year CNMC requirement to sell sodium hypochlorite at cost, potential dividend policy changes, and sustained shareholder opposition; CNMV has not validated the delisting price.
Decarbonization moves
Air Liquide will deploy Cryocap OXY to capture 1.1 MtCO2/yr at Holcim’s Obourg cement plant through the Air Liquide and Holcim agreement, with export via Antwerp@C; FID depends on value‑chain partners and public support. France awarded grants enabling INEOS to decarbonise the Lavera site by 331 ktCO2/yr, preparing for electrification, CCUS, and increased use of recycled and bio‑sourced cracker feedstocks.
Alternative marine fuels
Japan completed its first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering in Yokohama, using domestically produced biomethanol; MLIT standards guided operations, supporting methanol’s role as a lower‑emission, infrastructure‑compatible marine fuel for chemical carriers and broader shipping.
Financial and assets
Under its Winning Ways strategy, BASF reported 2025 EBITDA before special items of €6.6bn (down year‑on‑year) and stronger free cash flow, accelerated cost savings, and lower 2026 capex guidance. Startups at Zhanjiang increase near‑term CO2 emissions, with mitigation via efficiency; 2026 EBITDA outlook is €6.2–7.0bn and free cash flow €1.5–2.3bn.
Supply chain reliability
Nouryon Supplier of the Year recognition for Borealis underscores dependable ethylene and methane‑rich gas supply to specialty producers, emphasizing reliability and collaboration in upstream‑downstream integration.