Polymers

Recent developments

Circular polymer advances

In circular polymers, PureCycle, Mitsui and RM TOHCELLO advanced trials to incorporate recycled PP into high‑clarity BOPP films in Japan, aiming for a 2027 commercial agreement. INEOS and Recuro agreed to develop a 33,000 t/yr advanced pyrolysis facility at Bamble to supply recycled feed to the Rafnes cracker for virgin‑quality PE. The Phaenix pilot installed at Delfzijl Chemport Innovation Center will produce PHA‑rich biomass for Caleyda extraction and application development.

Biobased, high‑performance

Avantium with Casa da Malha and Lacatoni showcased PEF‑based textile prototypes for performance apparel. Sinopec’s liquid‑holding particle fluidized bed ethylene polymerization reaction won a national award and is applied across 11 PE units, targeting specialty grades. REDcert² biomass‑balanced additives for architectural coatings were added by BASF, enabling lower‑carbon formulations without reformulation.

Petrochemicals expansion

Dangote selected Lamu, Kenya for a 700,000 bpd refinery integrated with an 800‑km pipeline and a slate including petrochemical‑grade polypropylene. Rompetrol Rafinare Petromidia marked 50 years as an integrated refining‑petrochemical complex producing polyethylene and polypropylene. SOCAR and Technip Energies Italy signed an MoU to explore flexible feedstocks, efficiency and decarbonisation under the Petkim Master Plan.

Corporate shifts, outlooks

The SEC declared effective the S‑4 for the proposed all‑stock merger of equals to form OlinHuntsman, targeting more than $400 million in cost synergies. Nippon Paint €7.5bn offer for Decorative Paints was confirmed by AkzoNobel, which remains bound by its Axalta agreement. BASF raised its 2026 EBITDA outlook. PCC SE guided to higher 2026 revenue and EBITDA on stronger chemical demand. Elkem reported lower Q2 earnings and accelerated cost reductions.