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

Biogenic carbon and RNG

Norway advanced bio‑CCS with an ENOVA‑backed Skogn carbon capture pre‑project, targeting FID in 2027 and permanent removal of biogenic CO2. In the U.S., Brightmark RNG Holdings delivered first gas at 10 Midwest RNG projects, now 15 sites, reporting more than 1.2 million tons CO2e reductions via on‑farm anaerobic digestion.

SAF feedstocks scale

To supply SAF and renewable diesel, Corteva and bp launched Etlas, targeting 1 million t/y feedstock by the mid‑2030s from cover and fallow crops, with initial supply in 2027. Demand alignment includes the launch of Zaffra, a joint venture with Sasol for SAF pathways under Topsoe’s platform.

Hydrogen and electrification

Refinery decarbonization advanced with OMV constructing a 140 MW green hydrogen plant in Austria, supported by up to EUR 123 million and a JV with Masdar, to cut up to 150,000 tons CO2 annually. Base chemicals electrification progressed as BASF commissioned the steam cracker at its Zhanjiang Verbund site with main compressors powered by 100% renewables.

Circular operations and policy

Eni reorganized downstream by transferring its Refining Evolution & Transformation unit to Eni Industrial Evolution, aligning legacy assets with circular‑economy transformation. Policy engagement included Philipp Andree will lead EEW's efforts on CO2 reduction, CCU/CCS, and the role of thermal waste utilization in a circular economy.

Catalysts and process technology

Technology portfolios shifted as Technip Energies completed the acquisition of the Advanced Materials & Catalysts business from Ecovyst, adding Advanced Silicas and Zeolyst International. Separately, Topsoe’s leadership transition highlighted scaling of clean‑fuels technologies, including Europe's largest SOEC manufacturing facility and expanded catalyst capacity in Bayport, Texas.

Latest trends, product updates, and discussions
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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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