Recent developments
Asia capacity build
BASF commissioned the steam cracker at its Zhanjiang Verbund site, supplying ethylene and propylene with compressors powered entirely by renewables. Fluor achieved mechanical completion of BASF's Zhanjiang Verbund project after 75 million LTI-free hours, enabling staged start-up of downstream assets.
Regional market moves
To address fast-growing CASE and construction demand, Brenntag and Westlake Epoxy expanded distribution in South and West India across epoxy resins and solutions. In Eastern Australia, Heidelberg Materials agreed to acquire the construction materials business of Maas Group, adding 40 quarries, 22 ready-mix plants, and asphalt operations pending approvals.
Pricing and margins
WACKER will increase prices for various silicone products by up to 25% from February 1, citing a more than doubling of platinum costs. Dow reported a 9% year-over-year decline in net sales for Q4 2025 and a GAAP net loss, reflecting lower prices and reduced operating rates.
Sustainability and tools
Covestro launched the CQ-Configurator for sustainable polyurethane foam design, using third-party verified LCA data to quantify CO₂ impact and mass-balanced options. Dangote and XCMG formed a strategic cooperation agreement to enhance infrastructure and green project development across Africa, including equipment electrification.
Policy and signals
The EU Critical Chemicals Alliance held its first General Assembly at the Chemelot Chemical Park, addressing closures, trade practices, and criteria for essential sites and molecules. PPG was recognized on Fortune magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies List, ranking No. 2 within chemicals.