Recent developments
Capital and policy moves
Regulatory and investment actions shaped circularity strategies. Germany cleared the strategic partnership between Covestro and XRG, enabling a €1.17bn raise to scale circular economy programs across mobility, construction, and electronics. Veolia’s agreement to acquire Clean Earth for $3bn expands hazardous-waste processing in the US, reinforcing recovery and treatment capacity. Eastman urged regional recycling approaches in the EU to meet recycled-content targets with locally collected waste. The Sinopec Industry High-quality Development Forum framed transformation priorities under energy transition and smart manufacturing.
Bio-based materials advance
Bio-based and compostable materials advanced in packaging and beyond. Trinseo and RWDC Industries reported pilot-scale, shelf-stable PHA dispersions delivering oil and moisture barriers for paper coatings. TE Connectivity’s BIOFUSE Tubing portfolio, developed with Braskem, applies plant-based polymers to electrical components. BASF expanded APG production in Thailand to serve regional demand for bio-based surfactants. Sinopec trialed PBST biodegradable mulch film in Xinjiang to address agricultural residue while leveraging new industrial-scale PBST capacity.
CCU and low-carbon feedstocks
Low-carbon feedstocks gained traction. Norsk e-Fuel and Braskem are developing integration of e-Naphtha into the plastics value chain, enabling CCU-based polymers alongside existing bio-based routes. BASF broadened its biomass-balanced methanol offerings with ISCC EU certification to meet RED III criteria. In Kazakhstan, the Tengiz Gas Separation Complex aims to recover 98% ethane for downstream PE, signaling efficiency gains in feedstock preparation.
Waste-to-resources operations
Waste-to-resources operations and markets expanded. Veolia’s Lapouyade Industrial Ecology Hub joined France’s secondary reserve with a flexibility solution that modulates power from waste-derived biogas. The Run It Back line from PureCycle and Churchill introduced up to 100% PCR cups for food-contact use, recognized by the U.S. Plastics Pact. The Repsol Foundation’s 14% stake in Coleo’s recycling division supports textile recovery capacity across Spain and France.
Standards and tracking
Standards, tracking, and recognition. DOMO Chemicals earned an EcoVadis Platinum Medal, citing expanded circular economy initiatives and supplier engagement. Sinopec’s Green Technology Innovation Cases highlighted catalysts for ethylene valorization and dual-membrane water reuse aligned with dual-carbon goals. Symrise launched the Houston platform at COP30 to measure product- and corporate-level footprints, supporting decarbonization transparency across biobased value chains.