Recent developments
Packaging redesign
EU recycling targets continued to shape polymer packaging. The Borealis investment in Burghausen for Borstar Nextension polypropylene aims at monomaterial ssPP grades that replace multilayer structures and support PPWR compliance. In parallel, Colruyt’s recycled polystyrene meat trays sourced via Indaver’s Plastics2Chemicals demonstrate food‑contact chemical recycling at scale, with a 26,000‑tonne Antwerp facility and plans to add film recycling in 2026.
Bio-based advances
Commercialization of PEF progressed via a capacity reservation agreement for plant‑based PEF with Packamama, targeting lower‑carbon, high‑barrier wine bottles and backed by an Australian BRII grant. Operational readiness advanced as Avantium’s FDCA flagship plant in Delfzijl earned triple ISO 14001, 45001 and 9001 certifications, covering environmental, safety, and quality management systems.
Operations and solvency
Financial stress surfaced in Germany as DOMO Chemicals’ Leuna facilities were ordered to operate minimally for safety while three subsidiaries entered insolvency, with wage coverage through March and exploration of stabilization and potential takeovers.
Downstream engagement
To tighten regional supply and application development, Toray opened an Ultrasuede showroom in Sintra, Portugal to serve interiors, fashion, consumer electronics, and automotive customers, leveraging existing European sewing capacity and collaborations.