Recent developments
Certified low-carbon feedstocks
BASF’s ten European Performance Materials sites achieved REDcert² certification and switched to renewable electricity, scaling certified mass-balance engineering plastics and polyurethanes. Continental became the first tire maker to use LANXESS’s Vulkanox HS Scopeblue, cutting additive CO2 >30% via bio-circular acetone without process changes. Meanwhile, BASF, AkzoNobel, and Arkema partnered to cut the carbon footprint of architectural powder coatings by up to 40% using zero‑PCF NPG and bio‑attributed feedstocks with supplier‑specific PCFs.
Recycled polymers adoption
Braskem will participate in K 2025 showcasing I’m green bio-PE, Wenew recycled grades, and new MDO and medical LDPE offers. Automotive interiors advanced with Toray’s Ultrasuede™ nu material in CUPRA’s Tindaya Showcar, using plant-based polyester and castor‑oil polyurethane. Consumer electronics leveraged TORAYCON™, a chemically recycled PBT resin, in Google Pixel 10. And a recycled PMMA material for the door visors of the N‑ONE e: was developed by Mitsubishi Chemical and Honda, solving ELV acrylic quality issues via microwave depolymerization and cleaner dismantling.
Battery and hydrogen materials
BASF launched GLYSANTIN® ELECTRIFIED® low electrical conductivity coolants aligned with China’s GB 29743.2‑2025, reducing decomposition and gas formation to improve EV safety and life. Borealis has developed a three‑layer cast polypropylene concept for polymer‑aluminum laminates in lithium‑ion pouch cells, combining deep‑drawability, hermetic seals, and robust adhesion for regional supply. On green hydrogen, Stargate Hydrogen adopted BASF’s Ultrason S for lightweight, chemically resistant frames in pressurized alkaline stacks, enabling higher uptime and lower maintenance.
Recycling and processing upgrades
Feedstock circularity progressed as PureCycle completed larger‑scale trials of PureFive™ resin in BOPP film on Brückner’s line at near‑virgin performance with 50% PCR content. Beyond recycling, BASF introduced Ultramid® H33 L, the first high‑permeability thermoplastic polyamide, unlocking thinner, smoke‑permeable sausage casings with standard PA processing. To accelerate development cycles in Asia, LyondellBasell enhanced its Suzhou Technical Center with advanced extrusion and testing for complex PP compounds and engineered plastics.
Bio-based and agri solutions
Bio‑routes diversified as Mevaldi advanced its bio‑thermocatalytic platform for the bio‑based building block 3MPD, funded by HTGF and ICIG to scale Pentonext polyesters and polyurethanes in Europe. In proteins, BENEO’s faba bean protein concentrate replaced animal blood plasma functionality in wet pet food, with patent filing and local German sourcing. Evonik introduced BoruCare® Capsin, a plant‑based, solvent‑free capsaicinoid formulation to improve nutrient efficiency and milk yield in dairy cows under heat stress. At the water‑food‑energy nexus, RWE’s agrivoltaics demonstration plant in Bedburg showed PV‑crop coexistence with maintained yields and quality gains, informing dual‑use land strategies.
Biotech in personal care
Biotech moved deeper into personal care: Croda launched Zenakine, a neuroactive, biodegradable ingredient aligned with COSMOS/RSPO to counter stress‑induced skin aging. BASF scientists will present their latest research at the 35th IFSCC Congress, spanning microbiome‑aware formulation, Corynebacteria targets, taurine‑mediated longevity, bio‑based polysaccharides, and solid‑lipid retinol delivery. Evonik and Ethris formed a strategic collaboration to develop a novel lipid nanoparticle platform, leveraging SNaP LNPs with improved thermostability and targeting for nucleic acid therapies, including inhaled formats.
Corporate strategy and ESG
Consolidation continued: Mitsui Chemicals, Idemitsu Kosan, and Sumitomo Chemical signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate polypropylene and linear low‑density polyethylene businesses into Prime Polymer, targeting cost synergies, import competitiveness, and greener PO technologies. Technip Energies entered a definitive agreement to acquire Ecovyst’s Advanced Materials & Catalysts business, expanding silica and zeolite catalysts and recurring revenues for circular chemistry, carbon capture, and sustainable fuels. ESG and market reach featured as Momentive released its 2024 Sustainability Report with significant Scope 1–3 reductions and expanded its partnership with Safic‑Alcan across Europe, while Mitsui Chemicals was selected as a constituent of all six GPIF ESG indices for a ninth year.