Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Biobased & Circular

The latest industry news on green and sustainable chemistry in Europe: investments, new projects, expansion plans and companies working on the decarbonization of the chemical industry.

Recent developments

Circular plastics and packaging

Prysmian and Versalis are establishing a cable‑scrap chemical recycling chain; Prysmian will collect production and decommissioned waste, while Versalis applies Hoop technology at the Mantua plant to yield pyrolysis oil for new polymers, with an H2 2026 pilot and ~60% XLPE recovery. Mitsubishi Chemical introduced a PFAS‑free oil‑resistant paper coating technology based on SoarnoL EVOH, aiming for evaluations and potential FY2026 adoption.

Bioprocess efficiency advances

Toray unveiled immobilized‑microorganism bioreactor technology that targets 80–90% energy reductions versus conventional thermal routes, demonstrating >99.5% acrylonitrile conversion to organic acids in sealed reactors using wood‑based carriers; customization via a ~500‑microbe library supports broader chemical applicability and commercialization studies.

Dynamic green ammonia deployment

A dynamic green ammonia plant in Ramme, Denmark, from Skovgaard Energy, Topsoe, and Vestas integrates 50 MW solar and 12 MW wind directly to synthesis without hydrogen storage, producing 5,000 t/y and avoiding 9,600 t CO2, with EUDP support of DKK 81 million.

Biomethanol financing and scale

Perpetual Next fully redeemed roughly €35 million of bonds ahead of 2026 growth financing plans, while deploying its Biomethanol Blueprint across four sites in Europe and the United States to accelerate commercial-scale production.

Corporate governance alignment

Covestro’s Supervisory Board elected Rainer Seele as Chairman following the strategic partnership between Covestro and XRG, aligning leadership with ongoing sustainability and circular-economy priorities.

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Owners & Investors

Top 5 companies involved as owner and/or investor in current and planned Biobased & Circular projects:

TotalEnergies TotalEnergies, INEOS INEOS, Air Liquide Air Liquide, BASF BASF, Moeve Moeve, Repsol Repsol, Shell Shell, Eni Eni, Lhyfe Lhyfe, and Perpetual Next Perpetual Next.

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