Recent developments
Semiconductor supply build-out
BASF announced a new electronic-grade ammonium hydroxide plant in Ludwigshafen, targeting 2027 start-up to localize wet-process chemistries for advanced node wafer cleaning and etching in Europe. Air Liquide reported Q3 growth and a record project backlog, highlighting electronics-focused capacity such as new industrial gas production units in Dresden, Germany. To accelerate display and electronics applications, POLYVANTIS opened its Shanghai Technology Center as a Center of Excellence for optical and electrical films.
Power and e-mobility materials
Borealis is expanding its cross-linked polyethylene production at Stenungsund to add MV cable grades and increase HV/EHV capacity, with commercial availability expected in 2027 to support grid reinforcement and renewable integration. Clariant broadened halogen-free options for electrified transport by launching new Exolit OP flame retardants for PBT in e‑mobility, designed for hydrolysis resistance and CTI 600 V, and completed a CHF 100 million Daya Bay expansion to meet regional demand.
Advanced mobility composites
Hyundai Motor Group and Toray Industries signed a Strategic Joint Development Agreement spanning R&D through commercialization of carbon fiber composite intermediates and molded parts, with participation from Toray’s European and Korean subsidiaries. In engineering plastics, Mitsui Chemicals and Polyplastics agreed to consolidate marketing for ARLEN and AURUM, while Mitsui retains R&D and manufacturing; the contract is slated to transfer to Daicel by April 1, 2026.
Healthcare and wearables
Elkem introduced SILBIONE LSR Select EC 70, a liquid-injection-moldable, conductive silicone (resistivity <10 Ω·cm) with ISO 10993 cytotoxicity and sensitization compliance for flexible electronics, sensors, and diagnostic devices. Mitsubishi Chemical initiated joint research with universities to industrialize the ZELAS AMP antithrombogenic elastomer by 2027, aiming to integrate amphiphilic polymer functionality into device substrates to reduce anticoagulant use and avoid post-processing coatings.
Channels and regional access
To broaden advanced silicone availability in ASEAN CASE markets, Brenntag signed a distribution agreement with Momentive Performance Materials in the Philippines, extending existing collaborations in Indonesia and Vietnam. In labels for durables and electronics, UPM will open a slitting and distribution terminal near Hanoi by mid‑2026, complementing upgrades in Malaysia and a wider APAC terminal network to improve service agility and localized inventory for fast-growing electronics supply chains.