The integration of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) into pharmaceutical manufacturing has faced major challenges for many years. In an interview with the organizing committee of the PAT Connect Conference 2026, PROCESS explores where exactly the obstacles lie and which potential solutions exist. One thing became clear: a successful trilogue between manufacturers, operators, and academia is essential to integrate PAT into processes, use it effectively, and fully leverage its benefits.

Bilfinger has secured another 5-year extension to its framework agreement with Covestro. The collaboration includes routine maintenance as well as turnarounds of electric equipment and systems at several Covestro sites in Germany with an aim to ensure the highest standards of plant availability and efficiency.

A throwback to a trade show that made one thing clear: the future of aseptic technology is contactless, data-driven, and within reach. At CPHI 2025 in Frankfurt, it became obvious where pharmaceutical production is headed. Where gloves used to be mandatory in isolators, robots, AI, and contactless systems are now taking over – more precise, safer, and more sustainable than ever before.

The French Government has awarded Ineos with a 300 million euro grant to decarbonize the Lavera site in France as well as to reduce carbon dioxide emission by 331,000 tonnes annually.

Zeon recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new cyclo-olefin polymers plant in Japan. The project is expected to meet the growing demand for cyclo-olefin polymers in the region.

Under a MOU signed between Invista and Epoch Biodesign, both the companies will work together to advance the development of post-consumer recycled nylon 6,6. The partnership will combine Epoch’s AI-engineered recycling enzymes with Invista’s polymerization expertise and global footprint.

Carbon Neutral Fuels’ has chosen Johnson Matthey and BP’s FT Cans technology and Honeywell UOP’s Fischer-Tropsch Unicracking process technology for its flagship Power-to-Liquid e-fuels facility in the U.K. Called ‘Project Starling,’ it is the first project in the country to evaluate the use of waste water as feedstock for SAF production.

Energy X has recently commissioned the largest direct lithium extraction (DLE) production plant in the USA which is expected to produce approximately 250 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate equivalent.

Sidara, the Dubai-based engineering firm has successfully completed the acquisition of the multinational engineering and consulting company Wood Group. The move is in line with Sidara’s long-term strategic ambition of expanding and elevating its energy offering to clients worldwide.

PROCESS Worldwide brings to you the ‘Top 10 plant engineering projects of February 2026’ from all over the world. Right from Bilfinger winning a contract for BP’s new green hydrogen project to Ineos securing a 300 million euro grant to decarbonize the Lavera site in France, find out all the projects making headlines here.