Recent developments
Chips supply localization
To support advanced nodes, Air Liquide will invest €200 million in Japan to build ultra‑high‑purity gas units under a long‑term semiconductor agreement. The company also opened its first Advanced Materials manufacturing plant in Taiwan for ALD and etch chemistries near chip fabs. Cleanroom infrastructure broadened as SPIE agreed to acquire the BLOCK group. Upstream, Asahi Kasei shifted Crystal IS toward aluminum nitride (AlN) single‑crystal substrates. Regionally, LOTTE is expanding high‑end copper foil and AI circuit foil.
Electrification materials ramp
Power‑grid materials capacity increased as Borouge International expands cable materials capacity in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Dow launched a fully qualified 525 kV HVDC insulation system pairing XLPE insulation with a semicon compound for 90°C operation. Demand for electrical‑steel coatings and catalyst aids drove Nouryon’s increase for Levasil colloidal silica in Guangzhou. Meanwhile, thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel extended production cuts in Isbergues amid low‑priced imports. For PV and NEVs, Sinopec’s 100 kt/y solution‑method POE unit began trial operation using domestic IP.
Battery ecosystem moves
Recycling infrastructure consolidated as TSR and BASF cooperate on recycling end‑of‑life lithium‑ion EV batteries in Europe, linking dismantling, black mass and CAM reintegration. Upstream anode materials financing continued with Eni to invest US$70 million in Nouveau Monde Graphite for mine and refining build‑out. Localization progressed via ASPİLSAN Enerji’s agreement for an LFP cell production line and electrode exports, targeting 2027. On e‑motor components, Evonik’s PEEK Rectangular Magnet Wire Lab advanced high‑temperature insulation solutions for EV motors.
Polymer and additives advances
Evonik introduced VESTAKEEP Easy Slide 2, a PEEK‑based tribological material for high‑temperature, high‑pressure slide bearings without intentionally added fluoropolymers. Clariant highlighted PFAS‑free processing aids and Exolit OP 1266 for 800V+ PBT, plus titanium‑based polyester catalysts. BASF launched Ultrason P 3010 BMB PPSU as a biomass‑balanced, drop‑in grade. Covestro demonstrated TPU films and flexible‑electronics substrates at Techtextil 2026. WACKER expanded silicone emulsion production in India with GMP‑compliant output.
Capacity, policy, feedstocks
BASF’s Zhanjiang Verbund site was inaugurated, adding a 1.0 Mt/y flex‑feed cracker and renewable power sourcing for specialties. EU instruments advanced decarbonisation via €2.7 billion in Innovation Fund grants. The 2026–2027 Euratom research and training programme allocated €330 million for fusion and fission, including SMR and fuel R&D. Supply risk rose as QatarEnergy reported missile damage cutting LNG and helium output. Producers reacted as Toray introduced temporary surcharge pricing to offset feedstock spikes.
Corporate and R&D shifts
OMV and ADNOC’s XRG formed Borouge International, combining Borouge, Borealis and NOVA Chemicals into a 13.6 Mtpa polyolefins platform with identified synergies. ARLANXEO opened Innovation Center Asia beside EPDM and HNBR lines in Changzhou to accelerate battery and e‑mobility rubber solutions. Saltigo showcased custom‑manufacturing technology spanning fluorination, metathesis and flow chemistry for electronics and battery materials. In aerospace composites, Toray and Syensqo signed a five‑year carbon‑fiber supply agreement for aircraft, space and defense.