Recent developments
Bio-based feedstocks diversify
Scotland’s Celtic Renewables progressed bio-acetone/ethanol/butanol from whisky residues via a Japan mission. Siemens introduced 70% UCO-based plastic coupling relays with Envalior. Sasol launched LIVINEX IO 7, an insect oil–derived surfactant. Braskem updated LCAs for its I'm green™ bio-based product line. BLOOM and Borealis advanced ISCC PLUS–certified Bornewables™ EVA compounds.
Chemical recycling scales
Trinseo started using Indaver’s chemically recycled styrene monomer in PS, ABS and SAN via mass balance, including food-contact. Eni advanced the Versalis Hoop® plant for mixed-plastic pyrolysis within the Priolo conversion. Plastic Energy commercialized TACFILLER as a low-emission carbon black alternative. Schneider Electric and Evonik automate a thermoplastic processing plant to improve recyclate quality.
Water and biodiversity
Solvay piloted the IUCN RHINO approach at Dombasle, integrating STAR metrics into site targets. At Santo André, it achieved 94% water reuse via Veolia’s ZeeWeed MBR. Toray launched the TLF-400ULD reverse osmosis membrane for lower-energy reuse. TotalEnergies and Veolia deploy AUSEA technology for landfill methane monitoring and resource recovery.
Safer catalysts, additives
Clariant unveiled titanium-based catalyst solutions for antimony-free polyester production and energy reduction. It also added Exolit OP flame retardants for PBT in e-mobility and expanded Daya Bay capacity. Chemetall introduced Gardolene D, chromium- and fluoride-free copper foil passivation. BASF’s Dilovası facility added low‑VOC dispersions via mass balance. The Navigator Company secured EIB funding for moulded fibre packaging to displace plastics.