Recent developments
Polyolefin consolidation in Japan
Japan’s polyolefin producers moved to consolidate capacity as Mitsui Chemicals, Idemitsu Kosan, and Sumitomo Chemical agreed on the integration of PP and LLDPE businesses with Prime Polymer, targeting more than ¥8 billion in annual cost savings and stronger import competition. The two-phase structure gives PRM ownership of PP/LLDPE assets and a new shareholder split (Mitsui 52%, Idemitsu 28%, Sumitomo 20%) amid domestic oversupply and declining demand in automotive, electronics, and packaging.
PFAS-free packaging barriers
In packaging, Mitsubishi Chemical introduced a PFAS-free oil-resistant paper coating technology based on SoarnoL (EVOH), reporting oil resistance exceeding PFAS materials under heat and folding while retaining gas barrier and transparency. The company plans customer assessments and aims for adoption in FY2026, with public showcasing at a materials expo. The development targets tightening PFAS regulation in food-contact applications and potential substitution in multilayer paper structures.
Energy-efficient bioreactor technology
Process decarbonization progressed as Toray unveiled an immobilized-microorganism bioreactor technology expected to cut energy use by 80-90% versus thermocatalytic routes. A sealed reactor with wood-based carriers achieved over 99.5% conversion of acrylonitrile to organic acids, with downstream biodegradation potential. The platform can be tuned via a roughly 500-species microbial library. Toray plans technical verification and operational design toward commercialization at internal and external sites.
Additives portfolio realignment
Portfolio realignment continued, with Arkema agreeing to divest plastic additives to Praana, covering global MBS and European/Asian AIMPA, while retaining U.S. AIMPA and its Mobile plant. The transaction includes the Vlissingen site (50 employees) and is slated for completion in Q1 2026, subject to Dutch consultation processes. The move narrows Coating Solutions exposure to non-core additives and shifts resources toward strategic chemistries.
Biomethanol scale and finance
On bio-based fuels and intermediates, Perpetual Next completed early redemption of remaining bonds (about €35 million outstanding in 2022) as it prepares for institutional growth capital in 2026, while implementing its Biomethanol Blueprint at four production sites across Europe and the United States to meet rising demand. The blueprint targets rapid, modular scale-up to commercial biomethanol production with reduced dependence on external financing.