Recent developments
Chemical recycling advances
Depolymerization and pyrolysis moved into industrial practice. Trinseo began using chemically recycled styrene monomer from Indaver’s Antwerp facility across PS, ABS and SAN grades via mass balance. Eni filed to convert Priolo, including the Versalis Hoop® plant to pyrolyze mixed plastic packaging at 40 kt/y. Plastic Energy has commercialized TACFILLER, a low-emission carbon black alternative from post-consumer plastics. The 2025 Inovyn Awards highlighted ARCUS Pyrolysis Technology for PVC-containing waste. Digitalization to raise recyclate quality progressed through Schneider Electric and Evonik’s automation program.
Bio-based feedstocks expand
Use of renewable and waste-based inputs broadened. Siemens introduced coupling relays featuring housing made from 70% bio-based plastic based on used cooking oil with Envalior. BLOOM and Borealis scaled algae content using Bornewables™ EVA for footwear compounds. Sonopress launched EcoRecord®, PET LPs replacing PVC with lower process energy. Sasol debuted LIVINEX IO 7, a nonionic surfactant from insect oils for home and I&I care. Braskem published updated Life Cycle Assessment studies for its I’m green bio-based PE portfolio.
Process and catalyst shifts
Process innovation targeted lower energy and safer chemistries. Clariant unveiled titanium-based catalyst solutions for polyester polymerization to replace antimony and lower temperatures while improving quality. ENGEL’s acquisition of Trexel aims to integrate MuCell® microcellular foaming technology for lightweighting and material savings. Celtic Renewables’ Innovation Mission to Japan targets market access for bio-acetone, ethanol, and butanol from residual feedstocks. OMV outlined 2026–2030 capex plans, including chemical recycling and geothermal energy innovations aligned with net‑zero commitments.
Water and resource recovery
Circular water and waste streams advanced. Solvay’s Santo André site achieved a 94% water reuse rate with Veolia’s MBR technology. Toray introduced the TLF‑400ULD reverse osmosis membrane to raise permeability and durability and cut energy in reuse systems. TotalEnergies and Veolia are collaborating to reduce methane emissions from landfills and to recover strategic elements from waste. Peróxidos do Brasil will deploy a myH₂O₂® satellite hydrogen peroxide plant at Arauco’s pulp site to shorten supply chains.
Market and finance signals
Decarbonization financing and restructuring continued. The EIB agreed a €40 million loan agreement with Navigator to upgrade mills and build moulded fibre packaging capacity in Portugal. Uniper and Five Bioenergy signed a seven‑year agreement for the purchase of biomethane from Murcia plants for transport sectors. Trinseo will permanently close its MMA and ACH production facilities in Italy and may consolidate PS in Germany, citing weak demand and energy costs.