Recent developments
Semiconductor supply chain
Europe moved to localize critical inputs as BASF advanced a new Electronic Grade Ammonium Hydroxide plant in Ludwigshafen to serve wafer cleaning and etching at advanced nodes. Air Liquide’s investment initiatives included the 200 MW ELYgator electrolyzer and new electronics gas units in Dresden. Upstream magnet materials were addressed by Solvay’s strategic agreement with Permag and Less Common Metals to secure Samarium for high-performance magnets. Portfolio focus continued as DuPont completed the Qnity Electronics spin-off.
Mobility materials advances
Automotive lightweighting progressed via the Hyundai Motor Group and Toray Industries collaboration on carbon-fiber composites across R&D to commercialization. Supply localization was signaled by Aramco’s MoU with Syensqo to localize carbon fiber and advanced composites for industrial uses. Vehicle displays evolved with AGC’s Reflective Blade for HUD applications. High-power electrification gained with Asahi Kasei’s acetonitrile-containing electrolyte technology licensed to EAS Batteries for an ultra-high-power LFP cell.
Electronics materials innovation
Electronics insulation adopted renewables as Braskem and TE Connectivity introduced bio-based heat shrink tubing compliant with UL224 and comparable performance to fossil materials. Optical and protective coatings capacity expanded with SDC Technologies expansion in the US to enhance R&D and manufacturing. Process and performance additives broadened as Brenntag Specialties will distribute Calyxia microencapsulation platforms across CASE and composites. Thermal management for data centers advanced through Perstorp’s synthetic ester cooling fluids demonstrated in immersion and cold-plate systems.
Regional manufacturing shifts
Feedstock self-sufficiency improved with LOTTE Chemical’s Indonesian petrochemical complex enabling integrated ethylene and propylene supply to regional converters. Localization continued as Sinopec’s pipe materials entered the nuclear power pipeline sector after technical alignment with customers. Engineering plastics routes were consolidated via the Mitsui Chemicals and Polyplastics marketing partnership for ARLEN and AURUM brands.
Market context and R&D
Demand remained mixed: Arkema’s Q3 2025 results showed lower sales and EBITDA on weak U.S./Europe volumes and pricing pressure in acrylics and legacy refrigerants, with cost-saving plans and reduced capex signaled. AI-enabled discovery expanded beyond materials, with FRONTEO and UBE joint research to out-license drug discovery seeds using AI-driven target identification and UBE compound optimization.