Recent developments
China cracker start-up
BASF commissioned the steam cracker at its new Verbund site in Zhanjiang, supplying one million t/y of ethylene and propylene with compressors powered by renewables. Mechanical completion of BASF's Zhanjiang Verbund project by Fluor delivered EOEG, power, steam, water, wastewater, cooling, and logistics infrastructure.
Gulf utilities build-out
ADNOC and TAQA signed a 27-year Utilities Purchase Agreement supporting the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone in Ruwais, enabling grid, steam, cooling, and water services. TA’ZIZ targets 4.7 million t/y by 2028 across methanol, low‑carbon ammonia, PVC/EDC/VCM, and caustic soda.
Japan ethylene overhaul
Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Chemical will merge ethylene production in western Japan, consolidating at OPC in Osaka by fiscal 2030 and shutting AMEC. The partners are collaborating on decarbonizing ethylene production in Japan via bioethanol-based Revolefin under METI’s HtA program, aiming verified operations at Mizushima and joint commercial output by fiscal 2034.
Prices and procurement
LANXESS announced a EUR 100/t price increase for adipic acid globally, citing higher raw material costs. Nouryon named key partners in its Supplier of the Year awards, including ethylene, intermediates, logistics, and power suppliers.
EU industry measures
Nobian joined the EU Critical Chemicals Alliance to help define essential molecules and sites amid closures and investment needs. The company will directly supply calcium chloride from Frankfurt, shortening supply chains in de‑icing, dust control, and water treatment.
Chlor-alkali efficiency
INEOS Electrochemical Solutions commissioned a BICHLOR electrolyser at Chemfab Alkalis in India, replacing legacy cells to cut energy use and downtime in chlor‑alkali operations.