Recent developments
ESG and disclosure
ORLEN adopted the TNFD recommendations, embedding nature-related impacts into planning and reporting, with disclosures expected in 2025. In ratings, PPG has been awarded the highest “AAA” rating by MSCI for the second year, while DOMO Chemicals earned an EcoVadis Platinum rating with a 90/100 score, reflecting strengthened programs in CO2 management, circularity, labor and human rights, ethics, and supplier engagement.
Low-carbon processes
BASF and ExxonMobil have partnered to advance methane pyrolysis technology, planning a Baytown demonstration plant (2,000 t/y H2; 6,000 t/y solid carbon) that targets lower emissions and reduced power needs versus electrolysis. Clariant’s HySat catalyst platform eliminates Cr VI in hydrogenations and EDHOX enables ethane-to-ethylene/acetic acid at sub‑400°C with lower Scope 1 CO2. To safeguard key inputs, Nobian’s salt mining in Heiligerlee was extended to 2035, supporting chlorine and caustic supply for downstream materials, with added subsidence and cavern-closure studies.
Bio-based materials
PHA dispersion technology developed by Trinseo and RWDC reached pilot-scale viability for paper and board barrier coatings, certified compostable and biodegradable. To meet surfactant demand, BASF expanded its Alkyl Polyglucosides production in Thailand for bio-based, readily biodegradable APGs. In electronics protection, Braskem and TE Connectivity collaborated on bio-based heat shrink tubing using sugarcane-derived polymers. In agriculture, Sinopec’s PBST biodegradable mulch film advanced field trials following start-up of a 60 kt/y plant.
Energy infrastructure
ORLEN Group reported record Q3 2025 profit and investment, progressing Baltic Power offshore wind foundations, commissioning an HVO unit for biocomponents, and adding a 44 MW PV system. Heating decarbonization scaled as Sinopec’s geothermal heating expansion reached 126 million m², serving 1.2 million homes. Solar deployment continued with the 100 MW Lafitte Solar project in Louisiana under a PPA with Meta. LNG logistics materials advanced with WISA-LNG Spruce plywood developed by UPM and GTT.
Batteries and supply chains
Battery R&D intensified as ASPİLSAN Enerji ranked 13th in Türkiye’s OSB R&D expenditures, expanding lithium‑ion cell and systems capabilities. Formulation tools broadened with Brenntag Specialties partnered with Calyxia to distribute latency-enabled epoxy microcapsules and PFAS‑free lubricant replacements. Industrial collaboration widened as Aramco announced $30bn in new US agreements, including exploration of composites localization with Syensqo. Bioprocess inputs shifted to animal‑free as Evonik formed a strategic partnership with InVitria for recombinant HSA supply.