Recent developments
Cement decarbonisation advances
Four Heidelberg Materials CCUS projects won EU Innovation Fund backing, while the company began delivering evoZero near-zero cement in Europe. Romania’s first CCS cement project gained EU support, and India saw the first commercial RotoDynamic Heater for electrified calcination. TITAN will pilot meca clay technology, and Heidelberg Materials agreed to acquire Walan Specialty to expand slag cement capacity.
Circularity and recycling
Holcim expanded circularity via acquisitions focused on recycling construction demolition materials in Europe, scaling ECOCycle and adding capacity in the UK, Germany, and France. Financially, it reported continued profitable growth and a binding agreement to acquire Xella to broaden building solutions.
Low-carbon materials and insulation
Low‑carbon materials broadened. INEOS Inovyn’s NEOVYN PVC cut footprint 37% and saw demand growth in construction uses. BASF introduced Cavipor clay foam for cavity and roof insulation, and launched Basotect Dark EcoBalanced for acoustic design. A long-term power deal between Statkraft and Hunton Fiber will secure renewable electricity for wood fiber insulation production.
Bio-based and safety chemistry
Materials innovation targeted regulatory shifts. Trinseo and RWDC advanced PHA dispersion technology with barrier performance and compostability, evaluating construction and adhesive uses. Clariant and FUHUA formed a JV for non-halogenated flame retardants to meet tightening standards in building and other sectors.
Coatings and ESG performance
Coatings suppliers showed resilient performance. PPG reiterated its AAA MSCI sustainability rating and posted solid Q3 2025 financial results. AkzoNobel Q3 profitability improved on efficiency actions, with proceeds from a planned divestment to support financial flexibility.