18 February 2026
This issue highlights key advances in sustainable feedstocks and circularity—from Blue Circle Olefins and Chane’s renewable methanol project to Reju’s textile-to-rBHET initiative and Kemira’s spent activated carbon reactivation—alongside decarbonization efforts (Horse Powertrain & Repsol, SkyNRG’s SAF plant), Europe’s regulatory and competitiveness pressures, AI integration (Aramco-Microsoft, Siemens), energy transition investments (ElevenEs LFP factory, Neste SAF expansion), and geopolitical shifts (Druzhba pipeline disruption, Aramco iktva progress). Continue reading for insights into last weeks' developments.
Industry Trends
Sustainable Feedstocks & Circularity
Blue Circle Olefins and Chane advanced circular olefins with a Rotterdam co-siting to convert renewable methanol into biobased ethylene and propylene. Reju’s selection of Lacq, France adds textile depolymerization capacity to turn post-consumer fibers into rBHET for new polyester. Kemira is constructing a plant dedicated to reactivating spent activated carbon, addressing PFAS-driven water treatment needs. NEXTCHEM’s NX CONSER PolyFlex technology enables PTMEG from bio-based THF, extending circular inputs into spandex chains. Expect procurement to increasingly favor certified recycled and bio streams as PFAS and waste mandates tighten.
Decarbonization & Low-Carbon Technologies
Horse Powertrain and Repsol’s HORSE H12 Concept pairs high-efficiency hybridization with 100% renewable gasoline for immediate fleet CO₂ cuts. OMV Petrom’s photovoltaic park at the Petrobrazi refinery supports on-site power and future green hydrogen for SAF/HVO. UBE’s investment in Immaterial targets lower-cost CO₂ capture via monolithic MOFs. SkyNRG’s financial close for its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plant, DSL-01 signals HEFA-SAF scale-up in Europe; watch offtake and policy to anchor adoption.
Regulatory Reforms & Compliance Challenges
At the European Industry Summit 2026, leaders flagged deteriorating competitiveness and urged action on energy, carbon costs, and trade defense. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges echoed calls for a Clean Industrial Deal with faster permitting and carbon-leakage safeguards. Europe's chemical industry has faced significant challenges, with 100+ site closures and proposals for faster anti-dumping and a carbon-tax pause. On product compliance, Stahl has achieved full compliance with the German Printing Ink Ordinance, illustrating rising reformulation and documentation loads ahead of 2027; regulatory clarity will shape capex and portfolios.
Digital Transformation & AI Integration
Aramco and Microsoft will co-develop Azure-based industrial AI with sovereign controls and skills programs in Saudi Arabia. SPIE’s entry into the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence bolsters use cases from predictive maintenance to energy optimization. Moeve’s quantum computing alliance with the Andalusian Digital Agency targets energy-park efficiency, adding advanced computation to the toolbox. Siemens has revised its earnings per share (EPS) forecast for fiscal 2026 while citing AI as a core profitability driver; expect pilot-to-plant scaling of digital twins and analytics to accelerate.
Energy Transition Investments
ElevenEs will build a 1GWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Battery Cell Mega Factory in Serbia, targeting industrial and mobility applications. Worley was tapped for New Zealand’s LNG import terminal, underscoring gas security planning. Eni, YPF, and XRG signed a Joint Development Agreement to advance the Argentina LNG project toward 12 mtpa via two FLNGs. On SAF distribution, Neste and World Fuel will expand the availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at over 100 airports; execution will hinge on permitting timelines and long-term offtakes.
Geopolitics & Regional Competitiveness
No crude oil has been delivered to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline since 27 January 2026, prompting MOL to pivot to seaborne imports and consider reserve releases. Local-content drives continue as Aramco's iktva program reaches 70% and aims for 75% by 2030. In Kazakhstan, TCO achieved a record 71% Kazakhstani content in its spending alongside emissions-intensity gains. New Lease Agreements with the Hellenic Republic for exploration of four offshore blocks in Greece broaden Mediterranean upstream options; expect localization, diversified routes, and selective exploration to anchor resilience.
In Brief
New Projects and Expansions
- NEXTCHEM Secures Licensing Deal in China for NX CONSER™ Technologies
- Worley Advises on New Zealand LNG Terminal
- Kemira to Build Activated Carbon Reactivation Plant in Spain
- ElevenEs Secures Series B Funding with Caterpillar Venture Capital
- Perstorp Expands Liquid Cooling Solutions for Data Centers
- OMV Petrom Modernizes Waste-Water Systems at Petrobrazi Refinery
- ORLEN's Largest Investment Program
Project Updates and Milestones
- VolagHy Releases EIA Program for Kuopio Site
- Novo Nordisk: EU Approves Higher Wegovy® Dose for Obesity, 21% Average Weight Loss
- FDA Approves Johnson & Johnson's Monthly EGFR Therapy RYBREVANT FASPRO
- Neste and World Fuel Services Expand SAF Availability at 100+ European Airports
- Lilly's Retevmo Shows Event-Free Survival Benefit in Early-Stage RET Fusion-Positive Lung Cancer
- Chevron Secures Four Offshore Leases for Greek Exploration
- Roche Reports Positive Phase III Results for Gazyva in Membranous Nephropathy
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
- Asahi Kasei Pharma Begins Phase I Study of AK1960
- Alchemedicine and Asahi Kasei Pharma License Agreement for HiSAP Compounds
- Genmab Releases 2025 Annual Report
- Horse Powertrain and Repsol Develop Efficient Hybrid Powertrain with Renewable Gasoline
- Moeve and ADA Form Quantum Computing Alliance
- UBE Invests in Immaterial Ltd
- Geoinform Ltd. and Baker Hughes Form Strategic Partnership
Innovation and Product Development
- Stahl Wins 2025 adiFORMULATOR Award from adidas
- SPIE Joins IPAI to Boost AI Expertise
- Genentech's Gazyva Shows Positive Phase III Results in Primary Membranous Nephropathy
- ASPİLSAN Enerji Hosts SAFELOOP Project Meeting in Kayseri
- Sinopec's Natural Gas Power Project Connects to Grid
- SkyNRG Begins Construction of First SAF Plant in the Netherlands
- Merck Presents New Data on Bladder and Kidney Cancer Treatments at 2026 ASCO GU Symposium
Operational Changes and Investments
- MOL Requests Release of Strategic Oil Reserves to Ensure Supply
- MOL Requests Release of Strategic Oil Reserves to Ensure Supply
- BASF Boosts BDO Production in Ludwigshafen for European Supply Security
- OMV Petrom Launches Photovoltaic Project at Petrobrazi Refinery
- Reju Selects Lacq for French Textile Regeneration Hub
- Sinopec Phenol Debuts in International Market
- thyssenkrupp Q1 2025/2026: Sales Down, EBIT Up, Forecast Confirmed
Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
- Elkem Q4 2025: Market Challenges Offset by Cost Improvements; Silicones Division Sale
- Blue Circle Olefins and Chane Partner for Rotterdam Facility
- Stora Enso's Climate Resilience Strategy
- Tengizchevroil 2025 Performance Highlights
- SkyNRG Begins Construction of Delfzijl SAF Plant
- European Industry Leaders Urge Action for Competitiveness and Sustainability
- DSM-Firmenich 2025 Financial Results
Financial Performance and Strategy
- Fluor Sells 71M NuScale Shares for $1.35B, Plans to Trade Remaining 40M
- Fluor 2025 Financial Results Summary
- Huntsman Q4 2025 Earnings Report
- Elkem to Sell Majority of Silicones Division to Bluestar
- Boliden Secures EUR 1 Billion Credit Agreement
- Kemira 2025 Financial Results: Strong Profitability Amid Weak Market
- Siemens Raises Fiscal 2026 Outlook After Strong Q1
Executive Appointments and Governance Changes
- Roche Appoints Mark Dawson to Executive Committee
- QatarEnergy Bids Farewell to Executive VP Abdulaziz Al-Muftah
- Siemens AG Announces Managing Board Succession Plans
Regulatory and Compliance Updates
- EMA Recommends Withdrawal of Levamisole Medicines
- Stahl Achieves Early GIO Compliance for Food-Packaging Coatings
- Merck's KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX Approved for PD-L1+ Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Workforce and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Aramco and Microsoft Partner on Industrial AI and Digital Talent
- BASF Enhances Global Business Services with New Hubs
- Aramco's iktva Program Reaches 70% Local Content Target
- Terumo Europe's Heverlee Site Named Factory of the Future Again
Crisis and Risk Management
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