Recent developments
Circular polymers progress
Across polymers, circularity advanced. Trinseo started using chemically recycled styrene monomer from Indaver via mass balance, while Sonopress introduced EcoRecord, a PET-based LP supplied by Indorama Ventures. Siemens and Envalior brought UCO-based engineering plastic into electrical components, and the BASF Dilovası facility expanded low‑VOC dispersions with mass-balance and green electricity.
Battery and e-mobility
EV and ESS supply chains saw safer chemistries and regulation-ready surfaces. Chemetall launched Gardolene D, a chromium- and fluoride-free passivation for copper foils aligned with EU Battery Regulation, improving adhesion and lowering resistivity. Clariant expanded halogen‑free Exolit OP flame retardants for PBT with CTI 600 V, providing alternatives to antimony trioxide for e‑mobility applications.
Bio-based feedstocks scale
Novel feedstocks entered formulations. Sasol introduced LIVINEX IO 7, an insect‑oil–based nonionic surfactant as a drop‑in for C1214 chemistry. Celtic Renewables pursued Japan via an Innovation Mission to Japan to scale bio‑acetone/ethanol/butanol from whisky by‑products. BLOOM and Borealis combined algae concentrate with Bornewables EVA for bio‑based footwear compounds. Braskem issued updated Life Cycle Assessment studies for its I’m green bio‑PE portfolio.
Catalysts and curing
Process innovations targeted safety and energy. Arkema unveiled Luperox NeatCure, dust‑free organic peroxide granules enabling faster continuous curing under tightening regulations. Clariant introduced titanium‑based polyester catalysts slated for 2026 launch, lowering temperatures and eliminating antimony dependence across PET, PBT, PBAT and emerging resins, with potential OPEX/CAPEX benefits and improved recyclability profiles.
Capital and infrastructure
Capital deployment targeted decarbonization and localized supply. OMV set 2026–2030 investments with 30% for sustainable projects, including SAF/HVO, green hydrogen, chemical recycling and geothermal. €40 million EIB loan for The Navigator Company supports low‑carbon upgrades and molded fiber packaging. Peróxidos do Brasil will build a myH2O2 unit at Arauco’s Sucuriú pulp mill.
Biodiversity and resources
Industrial sustainability expanded beyond carbon. Solvay is piloting the IUCN RHINO approach at its Dombasle site, integrating the STAR metric with ongoing process and energy transitions. TotalEnergies and Veolia agreed to deploy AUSEA methane measurement at landfills, co‑develop water‑reuse and low‑carbon desalination, and research recovery of strategic elements from waste streams.
Healthcare and innovation
Healthcare and innovation progressed. Asahi Kasei advanced its Sonanos portfolio (PG, DS) for sustained‑release and solubility in injectables toward GMP supply by 2027. Mitsubishi Chemical progressed ZELAS AMP, an antithrombogenic elastomer for blood‑contact devices. The Inovyn Awards recognized AI‑assisted PVC design and pyrolysis of PVC‑containing waste. CEFI joined the IPA to align prebiotic standards.