Food and auto packaging advanced chemical recycling adoption. LyondellBasell and Mondelez launched Marabou wrappers using CirculenRevive polymers with ISCC PLUS mass balance, with future supply from the Wesseling MoReTec‑1 catalytic recycling unit and Source One Plastics feedstock. In automotive, Motherson and PureCycle produced a Class‑A bumper with 30% PureFive recycled polypropylene, anticipating EU End‑of‑Life Vehicles recycled‑plastic quotas and validating dissolution recycling for exterior parts and traceable, certified content.
Polymer depolymerization moved toward scale. Reju opened a U.S. R&D center to industrialize Volcat polyester depolymerization, colocated with Technip Energies to accelerate catalysis and process integration across planned Regeneration Hubs. Trinseo reported progress on chemical recycling via PMMA depolymerization in Rho and ABS dissolution in Terneuzen, adding certified recycled grades supported by collaborations such as Indaver.
Carbon utilization and CCU moved closer to market. Avantium spun out its Volta technology into Carbeau to electrochemically convert captured CO₂ into glycolic acid and PLGA, with a pilot planned in Delfzijl. In Oman, Al Baleed Petrochemical joined Carbeau to evaluate first commercial deployment in Salalah. Process integration also progressed as Symrise’s Closing the Hydrogen Loop reduced fresh hydrogen use and Scope 1 emissions.
SAF and e‑fuels pathways broadened. Topsoe and Sasol signed a single‑point license to deliver G2L technology for SUSTAERO’s Canadian SAF project using wood waste (3,200 b/d initial, 2031 start). To extend MTJ options, Axens acquired Lurgi MTP technology and integrated it into Jetanol. Demand signals included green methanol offtake from ACME’s Odisha project (~100 kt/y from 2030).
Battery and metals circularity advanced. Nobian led the LiSA pilot to refine LiCl into LiOH and Li₂CO₃ via electrochemistry plus crystallization, targeting ~50% lower energy and CO₂ with recycled feeds. Eni took a 25% stake in EnergyX’s Black Giant DLE project, while Eni Storage Systems broke ground on LFP cells and BESS in Brindisi. Aurubis opened the Complex Recycling Hamburg plant for high‑value multimetal recovery.
Biomethane and low‑carbon molecules progressed. VIDA bioenergy’s Bernheze plant started injecting biomethane to the Dutch grid, closing nutrient loops with digestate return. EnviTec Biogas pivoted toward biomethane, redirecting capital under EEG follow‑ups and RED III context. Low‑carbon methanol design advanced as Heurtey will supply its Electrical Tubular Furnace to Pacífico Mexinol, and platform molecules gained optionality when Yara acquired the Texas City ammonia plant.
