Polymers

Recent developments

Polyolefin circularity

Polyolefin circularity advanced through a dedicated diaper stream: Woosh, Borouge and BlueAlp demonstrated an industrial loop converting recovered fractions into ISCC PLUS pyrolysis oil for new polymers. Regional scale expanded via Thailand’s Rayong polypropylene recycling facility under BOI FastPass. Brand-facing uptake broadened as Reliable Caps and PureCycle launched bright‑white closures with up to 75% PCR meeting EPR and PPWR requirements.

Bio-based and mass-balance

Bio-based and mass‑balance routes progressed. Toshiba adopted Mitsui’s mass‑balance biomass plastics for molded transformers aligned with Japan’s latest efficiency standards. Cromology will use BASF’s Acronal Ccycled styrene‑acrylate binder made from tire‑derived pyrolysis oil. Apparel moved to circular nylons as Lindex introduced BASF’s textile‑to‑textile recycled polyamide 6, while interiors testing began for Avantium and Heynen Systems releaf PEF cushions.

Processing and performance

Processing and performance innovations targeted demanding uses. BASF patented a hot‑gas welding process for PPA enabling stronger seams at lower gas temperatures. Covestro opened a TPU Application Development Center in Guangzhou to accelerate application scaling in APAC. Asahi Kasei introduced a photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) film for panel‑level packaging with fine patterning and multilayer insulation for AI/data‑center chips.

Epoxy portfolio shifts

Portfolio realignment continued in epoxies. Mitsubishi Chemical will discontinue production and sales of certain epoxy resin grades at Tokai by late 2027, citing aging assets and market conditions, while maintaining supply of specialty grades for semiconductor encapsulation and electronics. Elsewhere, mass‑balance and recycled feedstocks preserved performance equivalency, supporting drop‑in use without changing specifications.