Recent developments
Fiber packaging pivots
Stahl introduced the Repura barrier coatings portfolio for paper packaging to replace plastics while keeping repulpability, offering oil/grease, MVTR and OTR protection and launching at Interpack 2026. UPM Specialty Materials and BASF paired recyclable barrier papers with waterborne Joncryl HPB resins to substitute PE laminates, with recyclability evidenced under CEPI and PTS.
Bio-based and low‑carbon
Avantium completed titanium weld repairs at its FDCA Flagship Plant, maintaining H2 2026 sales timing, while Perpetual Next selected JPB Logistics for planned 220 kt/y biomethanol storage and outbound logistics in Delfzijl, subject to FID. BASF and Nutrien launched digital CI tracking for low‑carbon biofuel markets, and Neste reported Q1 results with strong Renewable Products margins.
Recycling technologies scale
PureCycle and Plastic Ingenuity introduced thermoformed coffee lids using 25–100% recycled PP via dissolution‑based resin with FDA NOL. ROSI secured funding to install a 10 kt/y PV recycling line in Spain. trinamiX added handheld NIR for footwear and textiles to improve sorting traceability. REMONDIS detailed EPR timelines and current limits in fibre‑to‑fibre recycling.
Industrial decarbonization
Elkem won Enova support to scale biocarbon in silicon smelting, and Air Liquide agreed to supply gases to a low‑carbon steel plant and develop CO2 capture for Holcim Obourg. Worley will deliver FEED for Dow’s Path2Zero cogeneration with carbon capture. MAIRE’s Nextchem and Technip Energies reported new SAF‑related awards.
Portfolio and strategy shifts
LyondellBasell closed the sale of select European olefins and polyolefins assets to AEQUITA. UPM approved a partial demerger to list WISA Group and reported biochemicals and biofuels progress in Q1. Commentary on BASF’s Verbund emphasized efficiency and energy exposure shaping European chemicals decisions.