Recent developments
Waste-to-feedstock scale-up
Scale-up of circular feedstocks accelerated. SynPet will build a new recycling facility at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges converting 250 kt/a mixed plastics to circular naphtha. Lummus Technology and InnoVent Renewables agreed to jointly license continuous tire pyrolysis technology worldwide. Research with BASF showed recycling mixed plastic waste from end-of-life vehicles with biomass can reduce emissions.
Catalysts and composites circularity
Circular services expanded. Axens moved to acquire Ketjen's shares in Eurecat to deepen catalyst regeneration and metals recycling. Toray unveiled a recycling technology capable of decomposing carbon fiber reinforced plastics while retaining fiber properties. In ELV plastics, dismantling automotive lighting systems and advanced recycling trials progressed with Trinseo and ARN.
Hydrogen-to-e-fuels
Power-to-X projects advanced. Topsoe opened a SOEC manufacturing facility in Herning, Denmark to supply high-efficiency electrolysis stacks. Its SOEC platform was also chosen for the Triskelion e-methanol project in Galicia, Spain, integrating hydrogen production and synthesis toward 57 kt/a output and on-site CO2 utilization.
Bio-based ingredients and talent
Bio-based offerings broadened. LANXESS launched an ISCC PLUS-certified version of its lubricant additive, Additin RC 2515, reducing product carbon footprint. Croda introduced a biodegradable version of its odour-neutralising technology for home care. Hydrolite® 5 green gained recognition and European capacity. Celtic Renewables is expanding its workforce, attracting talent from oil and gas.
Policy, financing, and markets
Enabling conditions progressed. NEXTCHEM launched a Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework with KPIs on supplier SBTs and avoided CO2. Eni and Egypt’s Bioenergy Association agreed on feasibility for biogas using agricultural waste. In markets, Rotterdam posted higher renewable fuels throughput, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel sales reached a record 251 thousand tons at Neste.