Recent developments
Regional supply chain shifts
Brenntag secured an exclusive distribution agreement with Henan Yongchang for nitric acid in Australia and New Zealand, expanding access to nitrate derivatives and purified grades for electronics, with potential cooperation extending into Southeast Asia.
Wastewater treatment technologies
Leadership changes position HydroThane to accelerate growth in anaerobic digestion of industrial wastewater, extend into sustainable fuels and plastics recycling, and leverage Axens’ global network to develop projects in South America and Southwest Asia.
Acid-resistant membrane advances
Toray introduced a scalable nanofiltration membrane technology that withstands highly acidic battery leachates and recovers lithium at over 95% in laboratory demonstrations, enabling selective separation from black mass and supporting plans for deployment in Japan and overseas.
Energy project water systems
Completion of Train 2 concluded Phase 1 of the LNG Canada plant, which includes a water treatment facility alongside LNG processing units, storage, and marine export infrastructure.
Industrial policy and energy
A Dutch industry coalition, including major chemical clusters, submitted a bid book to the new Dutch cabinet seeking lower electricity costs, faster permitting, and hydrogen infrastructure; Nobian highlighted a 140 MW electrolysis capacity supporting decarbonization of heavy industry and mobility.
Capital allocation signals
Kemira Oyj acquired 51,268 of its own shares, increasing treasury holdings and updating the company’s buyback activity in December.