Recent developments
Offshore wind progress
In Asia-Pacific, Ørsted completed installation of 66 14 MW turbines at the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 offshore wind farms, a 920 MW build using piling-free suction bucket jacket foundations and 115 m blades, with full commercial operation expected by Q3 2026.
Industrial heat decarbonization
Covestro began constructing a 100 MWh Rondo Heat Battery at Brunsbüttel to supply about 10% of site steam and avoid up to 13,000 tCO2 per year, supported by Breakthrough Energy Catalyst and the EIB. thyssenkrupp advanced hard-to-abate abatement via a hydrogen-capable direct reduction plant at the Duisburg steel site and process routes for green ammonia, methanol, SAF, and carbon capture.
Circular polymers scale-up
Borealis committed EUR 49 million in Burghausen to accelerate Borstar Nextension polypropylene for high-performance monomaterial packaging aligned with EU PPWR recyclability targets. Arkema expanded ISCC PLUS certification to over 70% of coating facilities, enabling bio‑attributed grades with at least 20% lower product carbon footprint across multiple resin families.
Bio-based polymers and packaging
Avantium’s FDCA Flagship Plant in Delfzijl achieved ISO 14001, 45001, and 9001, supporting scale-up of PEF feedstock under audited EHSQ systems. A capacity reservation agreement with Packamama targets sustainable wine packaging using plant‑based polymer PEF, branded as releaf, backed by an Australian BRII grant.
Battery materials projects
Axens continued stakeholder engagement for a cathode active material production plant in northern France, outlining 39–43 kt/y capacity, site services, water and cooling choices, and an underground grid connection routing process tied to the Environmental Authorization Application.
Bio-innovation and research
Aspect Biosystems and Novo Nordisk expanded work on cellular medicines for diabetes, with Aspect leading development and manufacturing, integration of select Novo capabilities, and added equity and research funding. UBE and Tohoku University launched the Co-creation Research Institute for Future Driven Technologies to develop materials for life sciences, energy, and electronics while building talent.
ESG and transparency
Nobian received a fourth consecutive EcoVadis Platinum rating (88/100), citing 100% renewable electricity and progress toward 2040 carbon neutrality with improved procurement and ethics performance. Ørsted ranked ninth on the Corporate Knights Global 100 list, reporting 91% sustainable revenue and 99% sustainable investments, with continued focus on scope 3 reduction.