Recent developments
Market and pricing
Feedstock volatility influenced textile chemicals. Toray introduced emergency surcharge pricing on petro‑linked fibers and chemicals amid Middle East disruptions, while WACKER raises silicone prices. Trinseo’s Latex Binders reported weak European demand in paper/board and textiles, compressing margins.
Circularity at scale
Chemical recycling advanced: Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN validated textile‑to‑textile polyester recycling at semi‑industrial scale. Reju secured funding for a Regeneration Hub at Chemelot and later announced a Regeneration Hub in Lacq, targeting rBHET for yarn and fabric production.
Sorting and policy
Collection and sorting capabilities expanded. The Looper joint venture detailed multi‑category sorting and framed EU Extended Producer Responsibility timelines. New tools such as trinamiX’s mobile NIR spectroscopy support on‑site material ID, blend quantification and Digital Product Passport traceability for improved textile recycling yields.
Performance polymers
Sports and apparel polymers saw regionalization and lower‑carbon options. Evonik opened the Asia PAthletic Center in Shanghai and doubled Asian PA12 capacity with a PA12 polymerization reactor in Shanghai. Arkema highlighted bio‑based Rilsan PA11. BASF launched reduced‑PCF BDO, THF, PolyTHF, and NMP, while NEXTCHEM introduced NX CONSER PolyFlex for PTMEG, enabling bio‑based feedstock routes.
Product launches
At Techtextil and Chinaplas, value‑chain materials emphasized sustainability and functionality: BASF showcased recycled PA6 loopamid and mass‑balanced polyamides; Covestro integrated Pontacol thermoplastic adhesive film and advanced PU coatings; Asahi Kasei featured cellulose continuous‑filament nonwoven Bemliese. Upstream, Silox moved to acquire hydrosulfite‑related assets from BASF. Downstream, Toray opened an Ultrasuede showroom in Portugal to reinforce European supply.