Recent developments
Battery supply chain
Europe’s lithium supply chain advanced as the European Investment Bank committed €250 million to Vulcan Energy’s Phase One Lionheart Project and the company began construction of a combined geothermal and lithium extraction plant in Landau (targeting 24,000 tpa LHM). Toray Industries introduced a scalable nanofiltration membrane technology achieving >95% lithium recovery from acidic leachate, while Arkema and Semcorp agreed to co‑develop next‑generation battery separator technologies.
Polymer circularity
Borealis and Borouge launched the Recleo recycled polyolefins portfolio, aligning with EU ELV and PPWR compliance and RecyClass certification. AGC obtained the first UL2809 verification for Fluon PTFE G grade resin manufactured using recycled fluorite, enabling higher‑quality recycled fluorine use. In healthcare, Covestro and Allmed are piloting the recycling of used artificial kidney filters to recover polycarbonate and reduce incineration.
Emissions, data, stewardship
BASF introduced Lupragen N 208, a reactive amine catalyst that binds into PU foams to minimize VOC emissions across flexible and rigid applications. Evonik published Environmental Product Declarations for PROTECTOSIL BHN and CIT, supporting upcoming EU construction product rules and project LCAs. ChemScore 2025 ranked Indorama Ventures first globally for chemical management and environmental performance.
Bio-based and biopharma
Nouryon began building a customer experience and innovation center in Itupeva, Brazil to develop fully bio‑based chelates and biopolymer personal care solutions. UPM Biorefining’s new biorefinery in Leuna targets renewable, bio‑based chemicals and advanced fuels with initial deliveries in Q4 2025. Croda and Amino formed a strategic supply partnership to supply high‑purity amino acids, with BioXPro histidine and arginine slated for launch in January 2026.
Portfolio and capital shifts
Asahi Kasei will discontinue hexamethylene diamine production by April 2027, reallocating resources while maintaining PA66 and HDI operations. To refocus on growth platforms, UPM plans a joint venture with Sappi for its graphic paper business and is reviewing plywood. Regional investment activity was noted as Synthos was named the top investor in the Golden Hundred of Lesser Poland.
Renewable infrastructure
Iberdrola Deutschland completed 21 monopiles at the Windanker offshore wind farm, targeting operation by end‑2026 and contributing to a >1,100 MW Baltic portfolio. The build‑out underscores demand for corrosion protection, composites, and specialty polymers in offshore installations.