chemXplore Weekly 4 February 2026 - Solvay Opens Bio-Circular Silica Plant in Livorno | Eastman Exceeds Kingsport Methanolysis Targets

Industry Trends

Sustainable Feedstocks & Circularity

Momentum in bio-based and circular inputs accelerated as Solvay opened a bio-circular silica facility in Livorno using rice husk ash, and Nouryon launched FinnFix® PB MAX, the first CMC with a 100% renewable carbon index for detergents. In beauty care, Elkem’s ecodesigned MIRASIL™ N‑DML 15 won recognition for high bio-content carriers. Circular polymers are scaling too, with Eastman’s Kingsport methanolysis facility beating production targets. These moves signal faster commercialization of waste-to-value and bio-based ingredients, lowering scope 3 footprints across tires, home care, and cosmetics; expect more certified feedstock conversions and supplier qualification in 2026.

Decarbonization & Low-Carbon Technologies

Hydrogen infrastructure advanced as Gasunie filled the first major section of the Dutch hydrogen network in Rotterdam and Worley backed the AquaDuctus offshore hydrogen pipeline to link North Sea producers to EU demand. Downstream adoption followed with ORLEN’s new hydrogen refuelling station in Piła. Grid balancing capacity is also rising via RWE’s 400 MW battery storage in Lingen. Together these projects point to a more integrated hydrogen-power ecosystem; near term, expect permitting, interconnection, and standards to determine deployment pace.

Regulatory Reforms & Compliance Challenges

Tightening PFAS rules are accelerating material shifts: Asahi Kasei introduced a PFAS-free low-friction PA66, while SABIC is offering fluoropolymer alternatives for medical tubing and device housings. Compliance-by-design is visible in FPV, where BASF’s Tinuvin® 2730 ED meets EU drinking water directives in Xfloat’s floats. Certification pressure remains high, with Arkema earning an EcoVadis Gold Medal. Expect procurement specs to continue hardwiring PFAS restrictions and sustainability ratings into market access requirements.

Digital Transformation & AI Integration

Producers are formalizing AI at scale: Dow’s Transform to Outperform targets EBITDA via automation, and BASF will consolidate services at a global Digital Hub in Hyderabad. On the integrator side, SPIE rolled out an AI Hub across its subsidiaries with model-agnostic agents and governance. In subsurface analytics, Geolinks raised capital for the industrialization of FlowTerra toward real-time digital twins for mining, CCS, and natural H₂. With demand still soft, digital OPEX levers and decision automation are becoming core to competitiveness.

Energy Transition Investments

Long-duration LNG offtake and electrification both advanced: QatarEnergy signed a 27-year Sales and Purchase Agreement with JERA and a 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement with Petronas, underscoring Asia’s supply security priorities. In mobility, TotalEnergies and Tikehau formed a joint investment platform to scale public EV charging in Benelux. Capital rotation continued as Ørsted moved to divest its European onshore business to CIP to refocus on offshore wind. Expect portfolios to keep tilting toward resilient cash flows and assets aligned with policy incentives and grid needs.

Innovation to Commercialization in Bio & Specialties

Pathways from pilot to market are firming: Praj demonstrated its Ethanol-to-Jet process using Axens technology, validating another feedstock route to ASTM-compliant SAF. In electrification, Arkema and Senior deepened strategic cooperation in battery materials across adhesion, coatings, and semi-solid manufacturing. Healthcare-focused polymers advanced as SABIC presented medical-grade thermoplastics at MD&M West 2026, including UL746G-certified and non‑PFAS options. As validation builds, procurement in aviation, EVs, and medtech could accelerate scale-up for compliant specialty platforms.

Industry Trends

Sustainable Feedstocks & Circularity

Decarbonization & Low-Carbon Technologies

Regulatory Reforms & Compliance Challenges

Digital Transformation & AI Integration

Energy Transition Investments

Innovation to Commercialization in Bio & Specialties

In Brief

New Projects and Expansions

Project Updates and Milestones

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships

Innovation and Product Development

Operational Changes and Investments

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

Financial Performance and Strategy

Executive Appointments and Governance Changes

Regulatory and Compliance Updates

Workforce and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)