Recent developments
Textile and polymer circularity
Reju selected Lacq, France, for a new Regeneration Hub converting post-consumer textiles to rBHET for recycled polyester via proprietary depolymerization. NEXTCHEM introduced NX CONSER PolyFlex technology enabling PTMEG production from conventional or bio-based THF for spandex supply chains. In bio-based building blocks, Avantium and Will & Co partnered to accelerate FDCA adoption in CASE via YXY technology and a first commercial plant in the Netherlands.
Renewable materials uptake
Sony and partners established a global supply chain for renewable plastics using mass balance to meet stringent AV product specifications. Ingredient innovation advanced as Nouryon received Henkel's 2025 sustainability award for fully biodegradable, hard-water-robust detergent components meeting leading ecolabels. In Asia, DOMO began building an Asia Application Development Center in Haiyan to support TECHNYL engineering polymers across e-mobility and electronics.
Waste-to-resources projects
Borealis and local partners launched a circular waste management ecosystem in Indonesia to convert mixed polyolefin-rich waste into quality recycled polyolefins. Upstream of recycling, Eni and CDP Venture Capital invested in EXE Engineering to scale landfill biogas capture and waste valorisation technologies. Platform scale-up continued as Enerkem appointed Sylvain Charbonneau as Chief Financial Officer to support financing and deployment of waste-to-chemicals projects.
Lower-carbon fuels and logistics
Japan executed its first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering in Yokohama using domestically produced biomethanol and new MLIT standards. Gas transition dynamics evolved as Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project entered commercial service at 3 MTPA via offshore FLNG assets.
ESG disclosures and standards
Stora Enso has introduced a climate resilience plan integrating governance with decarbonization metrics, reporting 61% Scope 1–2 and 38% Scope 3 cuts from 2019 and targeting 2030 reductions. WuXi Biologics earned an EcoVadis Platinum Medal for the third year, citing SBTi-approved targets and ISO 20400 sustainable procurement certification.
Sourcing and restructuring
In bio-feedstocks, Arkema reported Year 9 outcomes from the Pragati sustainable castor program, including certified acreage, higher yields, and social metrics across farmer training and safety. Industry restructuring continued as Salzgitter AG to become sole shareholder of HKM from June 2026, with slab supply to thyssenkrupp secured until 2028.