Specialties

Recent developments

Energy transition technologies

Low‑carbon fuels and gases advanced. Axens’ ERA (Ethanol to Refuel Aviation) project will deploy JETANOL for SAF, while Velocys launched the AlphaCore 400 microchannel Fischer–Tropsch reactor. Sinopec completed the reorganisation of China Aviation Oil to integrate kerosene supply and accelerate SAF. Lhyfe and Messer signed a 10-year renewable hydrogen supply deal; Air Liquide will build a Partial Oxidation (POX) unit at Oxea’s Bay City; and thyssenkrupp inaugurated the Catch4Climate Pure Oxyfuel plant.

Critical materials strategies

Battery‑materials integration accelerated. DuPont launched an end-to-end Direct Lithium Extraction portfolio spanning sorbents, membranes and resins. POSCO HOLDINGS outlined a ‘Triple-core’ business framework expanding lithium and strategic resources. In copper, Anglo Asian engaged Worley for feasibility studies for the Xarxar and Garadag copper deposits using SX‑EW.

Coatings and additives

Specialty coatings saw portfolio and market moves. BASF raised its 2026 EBITDA outlook and booked a coatings‑related disposal gain, while adding biomass‑balanced additives for architectural coatings. AkzoNobel confirmed Nippon Paint €7.5bn offer for Decorative Paints but continues to pursue Axalta merger terms. Olin and Huntsman obtained SEC declared effective the Form S‑4 for their planned merger.

Bioprocess and CDMO

Life‑science specialties expanded. Brenntag assumed exclusive GMP amino acids distribution across most of Europe for Evonik REXIM. Evonik and evitria introduced the eviCHO Expression Kit, and Evonik will invest US$100 million to upgrade Tippecanoe Labs. Takeda and Indonesia plan to build national plasma ecosystem for PDMPs. Mitsui Chemicals formed MC Dental Holdings America as oral‑care global HQ.

Market and finance signals

Guidance and restructuring reflected mixed markets. PCC SE expects group revenue to rise 5%–10% with EBITDA up >20%. Elkem reported Q2 2026 results with cost reductions and refinancing, while BASF flagged macro and shipping risks. Healthcare catalysts for demand included Elecsys IGRA TB gains CE mark and FDA approved KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX with Padcev in MIBC.