Recent developments
Intermediates and supply
BASF is increasing 1,4-butanediol production at Ludwigshafen, reinforcing European supply for THF, PolyTHF, and NMP via its acetylene value chain and adding biomass-balanced options. In China, NEXTCHEM’s CONSER won a licensing and design award enabling the co-production of Dimethyl succinate and 1,4-butanediol to feed PBS and specialty polymer chains, with downstream tenders expected.
Textiles and circularity
Reju chose Lacq for a textile-to-polyester hub, deploying depolymerization to rBHET through its Regeneration Hub in Lacq, France, supporting European circular infrastructure. Upstream elastomer feedstocks advanced as NEXTCHEM introduced NX CONSER PolyFlex technology for PTMEG, with options for bio-based THF, aligning with spandex and protective apparel demand.
Portfolio realignments
Elkem executed the sale of the majority of its Silicones division to Bluestar, reporting lower Q4 earnings amid weak silicon markets. A fatal safety incident at a Lyon R&D pilot workshop is under investigation; capacity reductions in Norway aim to manage inventories under trade uncertainty.
Composites and capital
Jushi's Shanghai main board listing attracted Sinopec Capital as a strategic investor to expand glass fiber output and pursue collaboration in carbon fiber for clean energy and EV applications.
Integration and outlook
Integration across acetylene chains, co-production platforms, and circular textile chemistries indicates regionalized supply security and lower-PCF options. These moves signal feedstock flexibility for PBS, spandex, and composites, with additional catalyst/equipment tenders anticipated and continued scrutiny on safety, pricing, and trade impacts on polymer value chains.