Recent developments
Circular polymers and foams
Sinopec launched Sinopec Recycling Technology Co. to integrate waste-plastic collection, processing, and partnerships. Covestro and Fraunhofer UMSICHT will run a pilot plant for smart pyrolysis of rigid polyurethane foam waste targeting recycled aniline for MDI. ARLANXEO’s Orange, Texas site gained ISCC PLUS certification for HNBR and BR. Japan advanced a circular model for recycling window glass into equivalent-quality products.
Certified low‑carbon drop‑ins
BASF started North American production of ISCC PLUS-certified biomass balance polyether polyols (drop-in PU raw materials) and launched rPCF variants of BDO, THF, PolyTHF, and NMP from Ludwigshafen, offering verified product-carbon-footprint reductions without process changes.
Bio-based and fermentation scale-up
IFF is building the first full fermentation-based enzyme production hub in Latin America and opened a Brazil lab for household care testing. Celtic Renewables secured funding to expand biorefinery operations in Grangemouth. Plenitude and Methagora signed a 15-year agreement to source 50 GWh of biomethane. Altris advanced sustainable sodium-ion battery electrodes with EIC support.
Material recovery advances
Johnson Matthey and Syensqo demonstrated processes to recover and reuse platinum group metals and ionomers from PEM fuel cells/electrolysers. Teijin Aramid’s industrial-scale application of Twaron Next used reclaimed aramid in solar car tires. Carbon Centric won the Climate Østfold Award 2026 for modular carbon capture at smaller emitters.
Energy and infrastructure build-out
Gasunie advanced the hydrogen network in the Rotterdam port area and progressed CO2 transport/storage. Sinopec connected its largest photovoltaic project in South China. UPM will modernize the Tyrvää hydropower plant. Heliup raised funds to expand lightweight solar panels for low-load rooftops.
Aviation, electrolyzers, and policy
Axens and Airbus agreed to collaborate on SAF development. Neste issued an EUR 700 million green bond for Rotterdam renewables expansion. Topsoe inaugurated a Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell manufacturing facility in Herning. The EU proposed an Industrial Accelerator Act to favor low‑carbon industry. Heidelberg Materials’ Paderborn cement plant closed amid weak demand.