Recent developments
Electrification-ready polymers
Grid build-outs are lifting demand for advanced cable compounds; Borouge International is adding semicon capacity in Cheonan and XLPE units in Sweden and the UAE to supply medium- and high-voltage applications. In mobility and thermal management, VESTAMID PA12 is specified for EV battery cooling lines and energy-storage systems, while Evonik doubles PA12 capacity in Shanghai. For energy efficiency and emissions control, Levasil colloidal silica output in Guangzhou is expanding to support catalysts and electrical‑steel coatings across Asia.
Battery circularity, supply
TSR Group and BASF will coordinate dismantling, discharging, black‑mass processing and CAM reintegration in Europe to close battery‑metal loops. On raw‑material security, Nouveau Monde Graphite secured a US$70 million investment from Eni tied to offtake for graphite and active anode material. Applied development capacity in Asia increased as ARLANXEO inaugurated the Innovation Center Asia in Changzhou, adding labs, compounding and battery prototyping adjacent to EPDM and HNBR production.
Circular feedstocks scale-up
In chemical recycling, WPU (Vitol) plans an 80,000 t/yr batch‑pyrolysis unit in Rotterdam to supply pyrolysis oil integrated with existing logistics. In sustainable fuels, Petrobras selected Honeywell’s Ethanol‑to‑Jet (ETJ) technology for a proposed 10,000 bbl/d SAF unit at REPLAN. In infrastructure materials, Caleyda PHA will serve as a functional asphalt binder to enhance durability, replace fossil components and sequester CO2 within a local‑to‑local circular model.
Packaging, paper efficiency
Expancel 081 microspheres increase paperboard bulk 15–25% at up to 1% addition, supporting higher recycled‑fiber content, lower fiber and energy use, and more stable sheet properties. In PET, thyssenkrupp Uhde’s Melt‑To‑Resin (MTR®) continuous polycondensation will underpin a 324 ktpa plant for KÖKSAN in Turkey, eliminating SSP steps and targeting lower energy‑related emissions with broader grade flexibility for packaging and textile filament.
Biotech in personal care
Biotechnology and renewables shaped multiple personal‑care launches: BASF introduced NeoHelix Regenerate and bio‑identical Collagen III, and earned two BSB Innovation Awards. WACKER and Amyris will co‑develop fermentative actives and silicone alternatives. Clariant broadened mild cleansers with Hostapon CT solid. Lucas Meyer Cosmetics unveiled microalgae‑derived and multifunctional actives, and WACKER highlighted BELNEXT bio‑based products and a mobile Beauty Lab. Themes include renewable content, biodegradability and performance for sensitive‑skin formulations.
Leadership and governance
Dow announced a leadership change: Karen S. Carter will become CEO on July 1, 2026, with Jim Fitterling moving to Executive Chair and Richard Davis remaining Independent Lead Director. The company cited multi‑year succession planning to sustain strategic continuity.