Recent developments
Strategy and ESG
Strategic shifts included Covestro and XRG gaining final approval for a partnership with a EUR 1.17 billion capital increase, while DOMO Chemicals secured an EcoVadis Platinum Medal. Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures recommendations were adopted by ORLEN for its 2025 reporting.
Bio-based materials
In polymers, Trinseo and RWDC advanced PHA dispersion technology for compostable paper coatings. BASF expanded APG production in Thailand to supply bio-based surfactants in Asia. Upstream of applications, Sinopec trialed a PBST biodegradable mulch film in Xinjiang cotton, and TE Connectivity’s BIOFUSE Tubing portfolio leveraged Braskem’s bio-based polymers for electronics.
Circular carbon feedstocks
Circular feedstocks progressed through the integration of e-Naphtha into the plastics value chain and BASF’s biomass-balanced methanol receiving ISCC EU certification. On recycling, PureCycle and Churchill Container won the U.S. Plastics Pact Sustainable Packaging Innovation Award for high-PCR food-contact cups.
Policy and infrastructure
Policy signals diverged as Germany’s proposed EnWG amendment raised biomethane access concerns, while China highlighted 60 green technologies via the 2025 Annual Green Technology Innovation Cases. CO2 and waste infrastructure advanced with fully electric marine loading arms for Northern Lights Phase 2, the Aramis tender for the construction linepipe supply, and flexibility services at the Lapouyade Industrial Ecology Hub.