Recent developments
Portfolio shifts
Structural adjustments continued. BASF is consolidating its Asian PolyTHF business at Caojing and retaining global capacity for spandex precursors while exiting the hydrosulfites business used in textile dyeing. Covestro closed the acquisition of Pontacol to broaden functional films for textiles, and Gabriel-Chemie expanded its Hungarian site, adding lines and energy‑efficient utilities.
Circular PET progress
Polyester circularity advanced. CARBIOS and Indorama agreed on biorecycled monomer supply to produce r‑PET filaments for tire textiles. matterr secured a €30 million EU grant to build a 10,000 t/yr chemical recycling plant in Germany, alongside a brand partnership to scale feedstock. PureCycle gained EU REACH for PureFive resin and plans an Antwerp facility. Indorama detailed a certified mass‑balance bio‑PET supply chain.
Bio-based and cellulosics
Bio-based and cellulosics expanded. Eastman and Huafon will localize production of Naia cellulose acetate yarn in China. Indorama launched deja Care PET fibers with multiple safety certifications and cleaner effluent. Mevaldi raised funding to scale bio‑based 3MPD for high‑performance polymers, targeting sustainable polyesters and polyurethanes.
Process efficiency and inputs
Solvay’s Santo André site reached 94% water reuse using Veolia’s ZeeWeed MBR, supporting textile polymer production resilience. Arkema achieved global ISCC PLUS certification for acrylic monomers via mass balance, relevant to textile coatings and adhesives. ANDRITZ will supply a needlepunch line enabling over fivefold productivity gains at Mistra‑Autex for automotive nonwovens.