Recent developments
Circularity and recycling
To scale waste-to-chemicals, Lummus and InnoVent agreed to jointly deploy a continuous tire pyrolysis technology, coupling feedstock recovery with downstream upgrading. Catalyst loop efficiency advanced as Axens to acquire Eurecat, consolidating regeneration, rejuvenation, and metals recycling with optional extensions toward battery materials. In lubricants, LANXESS launched an ISCC PLUS-certified version of Additin RC 2515 made via mass balance, with an audited 34% product carbon footprint reduction and applicability across metalworking fluids, EP greases, slideway lubricants, and industrial gear oils.
Bio-based consumer ingredients
Croda expanded home care options with NeutraFresh BD, a biodegradable odor-neutralizing technology delivering 89% malodour reduction across detergents and air care. Symrise’s Hydrolite® 5 green uses renewable byproducts and new EU capacity to support hair and skin formulations with lower resource intensity. Upstream access in ASEAN broadened as Brenntag and Givaudan partnered to supply active cosmetic ingredients in Thailand. Workforce transition into bio-based chemicals accelerated at Celtic Renewables, which is scaling ABE fermentation while retraining talent from oil and gas.
Energy systems and storage
Grid flexibility in Germany will increase with RWE building Germany's largest battery storage (400 MW/700 MWh LFP), leveraging the Gundremmingen grid connection and pairing with planned solar. Offshore wind integration progressed in Poland as Baltic Power installed two offshore substations for a 1.2 GW project. Industrial gases players continued energy-transition capex; Air Liquide advanced the 200 MW ELYgator electrolyzer in the Netherlands and pursued DIG Airgas in Korea to expand electronics and low-carbon supply footprints.
Low-carbon fuels and catalysts
Technology providers emphasized decarbonization economics: Technip Energies reported solid 9M results, acquired Ecovyst's Advanced Materials & Catalysts business, and progressed its SnapLNG approach for Commonwealth LNG. In renewable fuels, Neste highlighted record SAF volumes and a strategic growth project in Rotterdam targeting the world’s largest renewable diesel and SAF capacity. Upstream-integrated strategies included Galp’s capex for low-carbon projects in Sines. In biochemicals, UPM confirmed steady ramp-up as the Leuna biorefinery stabilized its first core process.
Specialty materials and channels
Pharma delivery advanced with EUDRACAP® colon, enabling ileo-colonic targeting for sensitive APIs. In polyolefins, LyondellBasell introduced Pro-fax EP410C polypropylene for high-impact packaging and named Polysaf Ltd. distributor in Israel. Covestro maintained cost discipline while investing to expand HDI derivatives in Thailand and the USA, alongside film assets, despite softer demand and a fire-related impact. These moves reflect ongoing portfolio tuning to align specialty materials, access, and cost structures with sustainability-driven end markets.