Recent developments
Battery supply shifts
Upstream-to-cell integration progressed. Eni secured graphite and active anode access via Nouveau Monde Graphite to support its Brindisi stationary battery plant. Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials selected Worley to support development of a LiPF6 production facility in Louisiana, targeting domestic electrolyte salts. In Europe, Siemens and Vulcan Energy moved to scale Germany’s Lionheart lithium project with automation, digitalization and financing support.
Electrochemistry advances
Trinseo launched VOLTABOND 211 SBR binder to cut migration and DCIR in graphite/silicon anodes. CATL and HyperStrong signed a 60 GWh sodium‑ion storage supply pact, and CATL presented six battery innovations and an integrated charge–swap network. The European Battery Alliance Annual Event emphasized coordinated levers—materials, manufacturing, recycling and market tools—to move Europe from projects to industrial execution.
Critical minerals, recycling
Worley became feasibility advisor for St George’s Araxá niobium and rare earths project in Brazil. Luleå critical‑minerals demonstration plant advanced toward commissioning to recover phosphorus and REEs from iron‑ore residues. Aurubis reported stronger Q2 and raised full‑year forecast as complex‑recycling units in Hamburg and Richmond ramped. In Asia, an investment in Hiroshima for ultra‑pure gases for semiconductor production and Evonik and Fuhua complete Leshan specialty H2O2 plant targeted PV and semiconductor uses.
Polymers and fibers
First XLPE from Borouge 4 will support high‑voltage cables in the UAE. ULTEM SU3102P broadened thermoset composite toughness for aerospace. Evonik opened a PEEK magnet‑wire lab in China for NEV motors. At Chinaplas 2026, Arkema highlighted Kynar PVDF for semiconductor equipment and new regional capacity. BASF Engineering Plastics Certified to EN 45545 for railway E&E, and Shanghai Petrochemical commissions phase‑one large‑tow carbon fiber with localized equipment and high green‑power use.
Water and infrastructure
LANXESS at IFAT 2026 detailed ion‑exchange solutions for phosphorus removal, PFAS, micropollutants, UPW and PEM electrolysis. PPG launches end‑to‑end data center protective coatings and application services covering EMI shielding, antistatic systems, fire protection and corrosion control. Sinopec Debuts New Materials at China Plastics & Rubber Expo and signed a packaging collaboration with Amcor. SANPLATEC selects Mitsubishi Chemical ZELAS TPS for iP‑TEC cell culture tubing supporting closed‑loop regenerative‑medicine handling.
Corporate and metals
DOMO Engineered Materials joins RadiciGroup to create global tier‑1 compounder following DOMO Engineered Materials acquired by Lone Star Funds; TECHNYL® included. Elkem completes sale of Silicones division to Bluestar and redeems Bluestar shares. Other updates: Momentive names Bob Waitt CCO, Dow Q1 2026 results, Umicore Q1 momentum, and Linde sustainability recognition. Johnson Matthey 2026 PGM Market Report signaled platinum, ruthenium and iridium deficits with policy shifts affecting autocatalyst demand.