Recent developments
Portfolio realignments
BASF is consolidating its Asian PolyTHF operations at Caojing, closing Ulsan by 2026. BASF will exit hydrosulfites, shutting the Ludwigshafen facility and phasing out dye-reduction grades. Asahi Kasei and Teijin Frontier will merge Advance and Frontier under an 80/20 joint venture.
Circularity advances
Technip Energies’ Reju demonstration hub in Germany will expand, supported by EIB-funded decarbonisation R&D. Indorama Ventures and Jiaren Chemical Recycling plan up to 100,000 tonnes per year of textile-recycled PET spinning. Coleo’s textile recycling division will add plants after a 14% equity investment. PureCycle Technologies gained EU REACH compliance, enabling PureFive resin sales and an Antwerp plant plan.
Material innovations
Indorama launched deja Care skin-friendly PET fibers and yarns with multiple safety certifications. PHA dispersion technology progressed with Trinseo and RWDC, delivering pilot-scale, shelf-stable barrier coatings. Teijin Aramid partnered with ICF Mercantile to extend Technora yarns into non-implantable medical devices.
Regional investments
Rhodia’s Santo André textile platform will modernize polyamide technology and capacity through 2028. At the same site, Veolia’s ZeeWeed MBR technology enabled 94% industrial water reuse at scale. Gabriel-Chemie expanded its Hungarian production site, nearly doubling lines and adding energy-efficient utilities. Nouryon and IMCD broadened EMEA distribution for textile surfactants and fatty amine derivatives.