Recent developments
Advances in circularity
Polymer circularity advanced through supply-chain and process moves. Trinseo began using chemically recycled styrene monomer from Indaver in mass-balanced PS, ABS, and SAN. Eni initiated approvals for the Priolo biorefinery and chemical recycling plant. Schneider Electric and Evonik will digitize mechanical recycling to improve recyclate quality.
Bio-based materials expand
Bio-based polymers progressed. Siemens and Envalior launched coupling relays using mass-balanced Akulon from used cooking oil. BLOOM and Borealis combined algae-derived concentrates with Bornewables EVA. Braskem published updated Life Cycle Assessments for I'm green bio-based products, including HDPE, EVA, and PE WAX, indicating lower cradle‑to‑gate footprints.
Catalysts and additives
Additives and catalysts evolved. Arkema introduced Luperox NeatCure organic peroxide granules for faster, safer crosslinking in continuous elastomer and polymer curing. Clariant unveiled titanium-based catalyst solutions to replace antimony systems in polyester polymerization, lowering temperatures and energy use. For e‑mobility, Clariant added Exolit OP flame retardants for PBT with enhanced hydrolysis stability.
Capacity and equipment
Capacity and equipment shifts. Borealis will expand XLPE production in Stenungsund for MV–EHV cable insulation, with projects completing by 2026–2027. Processing technology consolidated as ENGEL agreed to acquire Trexel to integrate MuCell microcellular foaming technology. Strategically, OMV highlighted the pending Borouge Group International transaction toward a larger global polyolefin platform.
Restructuring and healthcare
Restructuring and healthcare. Trinseo's European strategy includes closures of MMA and ACH units in Italy, possible PS consolidation in Germany, and dividend suspension amid market headwinds. In medical elastomers, Mitsubishi Chemical advanced ZELAS AMP to impart antithrombogenicity to PVC and PU devices, targeting commercialization in 2027.