Food

Recent developments

Portfolio moves

Ecovyst’s acquisition of the Calabrian sulfur dioxide and derivatives business broadens sulfur chemistries beyond sulfuric acid, adding exposure to mining, water treatment, and adjacent food processing uses and pharmaceuticals. Stahl’s purchase of Weilburger Graphics’ packaging coatings business in Brazil expands regional offerings for food and beverage packaging, with insourcing at its Brazilian site scheduled during 2026, subject to approvals.

Food packaging materials

Avantium’s PEF shot‑size bottle trial with Gepack and Frubaça evaluates plant‑based barrier packaging for functional beverages. New Jersey confirmation that PureFive resin qualifies as post‑consumer recycled content clarifies 2027 food‑contact rigid mandates; Amcor has containers at at least 20% PCR. PureCycle and Innovia produced white, cavitated BOPP film using PureFive Choice for snacks and labels. Caleyda’s food‑grade approval process targets PHA from organic side streams.

Decarbonized processing

Nobian’s fully electrified MVR salt plant in Mariager increases high‑purity vacuum salt capacity while lowering CO2 via steam recompression. Indaver’s Rivenhall Integrated Waste Management Facility adds EfW capacity with potential heat, power and CO2 for nearby greenhouses. The EIB’s €50m loan to Lact’Union supports capacity, food‑safety and process decarbonisation through 2029 at Abbeville and Braine. thyssenkrupp Uhde’s ammonia revamp at İGSAŞ improved throughput and energy use, restoring 1,200 mtpd at lower loop pressure.

Agrifood innovation

BASF’s InVigor Gold L322 canola hybrid targets earlier maturity and arid‑zone production, potentially expanding domestic oilseed supply from 2027, pending approvals. The EIF’s anchor commitment to Yield Lab Europe Fund 2 will finance early‑stage agrifood technologies spanning alternative proteins, soil and crop health, aquaculture and circular economy under Article 9 SFDR, aligned with EU climate objectives.