Biobased & Circular

Recent developments

Bio-based packaging shifts

Metsä will add a commercial line for Muoto fibre-based packaging at Äänekoski. However, the planned Kuura man-made cellulosic textile fibre mill was halted amid global overcapacity. Bio-based plastics advanced as the first Happy Cup using locally produced Caleyda® (PHA) was injection‑moulded, with food‑contact approvals pursued.

Circular polymers scale

Advanced recycling progressed. Viva Energy demonstrated converting soft-plastic pyrolysis oil into recycled polypropylene for KitKat wrappers under ISCC PLUS mass balance. PureCycle reported growth with first P&G commercial resin deliveries and Ironton compounding scaling. The KOLLEKT consortium targets recyclable product concepts for automotive lighting using design for circularity and AI‑enabled dismantling.

Corporate green pivots

Portfolio strategies emphasized circularity. PTT Global Chemical is positioning Map Ta Phut as a regional growth base integrating Specialty and Green & Bio, leveraging NatureWorks’ PLA facility, oleochemicals and recycled plastics. allnex capacity additions in Asia support specialty growth alongside Thailand’s ethane import project to enhance feedstock flexibility.

Metals circularity moves

Metal-cycle capacity expanded. Aurubis commissioned Complex Recycling Hamburg and advanced Richmond and Bulgarian tankhouse projects. In the US, Worley will engineer a USSM black mass processing line and cobalt refinery. MOL’s Deposit Return System showed high utilization, supporting PET collection and circular feedstock availability.

Low‑carbon fuels progress

Low-carbon fuels advanced. Infinium and American Airlines allocated electro sustainable aviation fuel to a commercial flight, with 2027 scale-up planned at Project Roadrunner. Finland’s VolagHy secured EU Project Development Assistance to mature an e-fuel project. ORLEN expanded HVO sales regionally and opened a hydrogen hub.