Recent developments
Critical materials cooperation
Supply diversification advanced as the EIB and Canada signed a non-binding Letter of Intent at PDAC to deepen collaboration on critical minerals and explore EIB operations in Canada. The EIB also backed aluminium resilience via AMAG’s €75 million R&D and sustainability programme, its first Austrian operation under the TechEU programme, targeting digitalisation and lower-impact production that supports critical raw materials supply.
Portfolio realignments
CABB exited US fine chemicals by selling Jayhawk Fine Chemicals Corporation to Anupam Rasayan India for $150 million, refocusing on pharma and life-science specialties while enabling Anupam’s US expansion. Amid weak EU demand and tariff-driven Asian inflows, Ercros advanced its cost reduction and revenue increase plan and 3D Plan (digitalisation, decarbonisation, diversification) and rejected Bondalti’s takeover bid, while industry forecasts indicated possible H2 2026 demand recovery subject to policy outcomes.
Energy route security
MOL and Janaf agreed to capacity tests on the Adria pipeline with independent monitoring to validate throughput, alongside disputes over sanctions interpretation and tariffs for seaborne crude; MOL argued for two competitive crude routes and supported Black Sea connectivity. Separately, MOL Group set its 2026 profit guidance at about $1.5 billion, with downstream strength offsetting lower crude runs, highlighting exposure to logistics constraints.
Decarbonisation and circularity
INEOS will invest €300 million at Lavera, backed by the France 2030 investment plan, to cut CO2, prepare for electrification and carbon capture, and increase recycled/bio feedstock processing at the cracker. Veolia advanced its GreenUp plan and resilience strategy, accelerating portfolio transformation through two major acquisitions in the US (Water Technologies and Hazardous Waste), reinforcing technology depth and multilocal execution.
On-site gases resilience
To secure industrial gases and reduce transport dependence, Messer and Aurubis commissioned a new air separation unit at the Lünen recycling site, supplying high-purity oxygen and nitrogen for copper metallurgical processes. A parallel Aurubis initiative, investing around €40 million, is expected to avoid up to 3,000 truck deliveries annually and cut approximately 8,500 t CO2, strengthening multimetal recycling supply in Europe.
Advanced materials localization
UBE invested in South Korea’s CheomdanLab to scale sintered-after-reaction-bonded silicon nitride (SRBSN) technology, upcycling semiconductor silicon waste into silicon nitride powders and ceramic balls. Target applications in EVs, energy, and machine tools address high-speed, high-temperature reliability, while collaboration focuses on mass production and a more sustainable, regionalized supply chain for advanced components.
Integrated players’ performance
Repsol reported adjusted net income of €2.568 billion in a volatile market, with its integrated model supporting asset discipline and liquidity. Across Europe, high energy costs and non‑EU competition continued to pressure chemical producers, with recovery expectations for H2 2026 tied to tariff-resolution progress and implementation of EU support measures noted in sector commentary.