Polymers

Recent developments

Reshaping capacity and portfolios

Westlake’s acquisition of the Wilhelmshaven PVC and VCM plant reinforces European chlorovinyls capacity and logistics. The proposed merger creating OlinHuntsman aligns upstream chlor‑alkali with downstream polyurethanes and advanced materials. Packaging coatings broaden in LATAM with Stahl acquiring the Weilburger Graphics packaging coatings business in Brazil, while Mitsui Chemicals to acquire Ultradent strengthens specialty dental materials exposure.

Bio‑based feedstocks advance

Covestro’s Bio4PURConti targets continuous bio‑aniline for drop‑in MDI chains. Kemira and IFF are moving Alpha Bio manufacturing to Hanko, leveraging the DEB technology platform for biobased materials. Automotive interiors adopt bio‑content with DURABIO in Audi Q3 door switch inserts.

Circularity and recycling

PureFive resin qualifies as PCR in New Jersey, supporting brand compliance with 2027 food‑contact PP targets. A €1.5M JTF grant backs FEED for a Rotterdam chemical recycling plant by BlueAlp and LBC Tank Terminals. Circular fillers progress with ISCC Plus‑certified ULTRASIL eCO production in Turkey, while value‑chain data and liner‑waste programs expand under the UPM Adhesive Materials 2025 Climate Review.

Specialty materials growth

WACKER started its Karlovy Vary specialty silicones site, reorganizing European supply across grades. In pharma polymers, Evonik won recognition for EUDRAGIT functional film coating polymers and advanced colon‑targeting capsules. EV platforms see lightweighting via Trinseo’s thermoplastic battery enclosure, and hydrogen value chains accelerate with an AEM application technology center in Shanghai for DURAION membranes.

China industrial signals

Sinopec selected for 2026 low‑carbon case spotlights efficiency and new‑energy assets, while a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with Inner Mongolia covers ethylene, aromatics and hydrogen projects relevant to polymer chains.