Recent developments
Food-contact packaging
Packaging materials developments included Clariant’s PFAS-free polymer processing aids for film extrusion meeting food-contact compliance and recyclability. The company’s Licocare RBW Vita products have EU, FDA, and Japanese approvals for limited use in PET, PLA, and rigid PVC for non‑fatty foods. Antimony-free titanium catalysts target polyester processing at lower temperatures. Capacity and a JV in China support regional supply security ahead of Chinaplas.
Recycled film approvals
Recycling progressed as UBE secured EU food-contact approval for specific UBECycle recycled PE/PA films under defined use conditions, following migration and compliance testing. The UBECycle process is RecyClass certified for controlled mechanical recycling and traceability, aligned with EN 15343:2007 and ISO 22095, supporting consistent material quality. UBE continues portfolio scale-up following integration of Paulowsky’s mechanical-recycling capabilities.
Gases for F&B
Industrial gases activity included Messer’s 2025 results, with European demand from food & beverage and investments in CO2 production and cylinder filling plants in Europe, alongside new air separation and on‑site assets in Asia and the US. R&D targets process decarbonization and digitalization, and the 2026 outlook indicates continued investment and currency‑adjusted growth.