Recent developments
Portfolio realignments
To improve competitiveness, Asahi Kasei and Teijin will merge Asahi Kasei Advance and Teijin Frontier in 2026. BASF will consolidate Asian PolyTHF operations at Caojing and maintain 250 kt capacity across China, Germany, and the U.S., while it exits the hydrosulfites business. Functional films expand with Covestro’s acquisition of Pontacol.
Textile circularity scaling
Chemical recycling advanced via Indorama Ventures and Jiaren Chemical Recycling targeting up to 100,000 t/y textile‑recycled PET spinning. Upstream capacity grew with the Repsol Foundation’s 14% stake in Coleo’s recycling division and matterr and BESTSELLER partnering to scale polyester recycling. Alternatives advanced as Trinseo and RWDC demonstrated PHA dispersions with textile potential, while PureFive resin gained EU REACH compliance.
Bio-based fiber advances
Low‑carbon PET progressed via Indorama’s deja Bio portfolio using mass balance. Skin‑contact safety featured in deja Care PET fibers. Building blocks matured with the bio‑based building block 3MPD scaling in Europe. Cellulosics localize as Eastman and Huafon plan Naia cellulose acetate yarn production in China.
Regional investments, Brazil
In Brazil, Rhodia will invest R$100 million in its Santo André unit to modernize, improve energy efficiency, and expand polyamide 6.6 and PA6 spinning. At the same site, Solvay’s Santo André plant achieved a 94% water reuse rate using Veolia membrane bioreactors, improving drought resilience.
Capacity and applications
Additive and nonwoven capacity grew as Gabriel‑Chemie expanded its Hungarian production site, and Mistra‑Autex ordered a needlepunch line from ANDRITZ to boost productivity fivefold. Access to high‑tenacity fibers improved through Teijin Aramid’s partnership with ICF Mercantile for Technora yarns in medical devices.