Recent developments
Circular packaging shifts
UPM and BASF paired barrier papers with waterborne resins to replace mixed plastic laminates and meet EU design‑for‑recycling rules. Stahl introduced Repura barrier coatings for paper and flexible formats, designed for repulpability and food contact. Plastic Ingenuity is adopting PureFive recycled polypropylene in thermoformed coffee lids at 25–100% content, while Brenntag will distribute Nouryon Bermocoll cellulose ethers in Brazil for water‑borne coatings. REMONDIS outlined Closing the Textile Loop, highlighting EPR timelines and sorting needs to scale fibre‑to‑fibre recycling.
Bio- and low‑carbon chemicals
Perpetual Next selected JPB Logistics for the Delfzijl biomethanol facility targeting 220 kt/y and multimodal outbound options. INEOS Acetyls and Sandpiper Chemicals plan a 1.1 MTPA blue methanol unit with 97% process CO2 capture in Texas City, FID 2027. Avantium completed weld repairs at the FDCA Flagship Plant, and UPM’s Leuna biochemicals refinery is ramping industrial sugars and lignin.
Decarbonizing production
Worley will deliver FEED for Dow Path2Zero cogeneration with post‑combustion carbon capture in Alberta, for a net‑zero ethylene complex. Elkem secured funding to scale biocarbon use in silicon production, and ROSI raised capital to scale PV recycling in Europe with an automated Teruel plant. LKAB advanced the Malmberget sorting plant, preparing for critical‑minerals recovery options and more stable ore throughput.
Mobility and performance materials
BASF’s Ultramid and Ultradur grades achieved the EN 45545 railway fire‑safety standard for E&E applications using halogen‑free systems. Evonik opened a PEEK magnet‑wire lab in China and launched Ancamine 2868 and 2844 for ultra‑fast, cold‑cure protective coatings. Evonik’s Asia PAthletic Center in Shanghai supports polyamide innovation for sports and consumer goods, while Nextchem’s NX CONSER C5+ TMA technology was licensed in China for energy‑efficient TMA production.
Portfolio and projects
Lone Star agreed to acquire DOMO’s Engineered Materials, including the TECHNYL brand and global assets. LyondellBasell sold select European olefins and polyolefins assets to AEQUITA, now operating as Velogy. UPM approved a partial demerger to create WISA Group, a listed plywood business. MAIRE Q1 2026 reported higher revenues, EBITDA and a €15.7bn backlog, with awards across SAF and specialties.
Earnings and credit signals
BASF reported resilient Q1 2026 performance with volume growth and maintained guidance. Umicore expects adjusted EBITDA to approach €1 billion in 2026, supported by metals prices and CAM compensations. Trinseo Q1 2026 results showed lower sales but improved Engineered Materials margins; battery binders were 19% of Latex Binders sales. Moody’s affirmed ORLEN’s A3 rating with a stable outlook, citing strong liquidity and 2026 wind, CCGT and HVO start‑ups.