Europe’s chemical industry is sliding into crisis as rising energy costs, weak demand, and dwindling investments force widespread plant shutdowns. Without swift policy intervention, the region risks losing its industrial backbone to competitors in lower cost, faster growing markets.

Zeon Corporation has partnered with Chemify for accelerating the design, discovery, and synthesis of novel molecules for medicines and advanced materials.

Ajax Equipment has supplied a stainless-steel buffer hopper and twin screw feeder to Cargill for handling filter cake. The system allows spent filter cake to be held as required and then emptied at a consistent rate.

Merck has invested 500 million euros to develop its Semiconductor Solutions mega site in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. With this move, the company aims to strengthen its global supply chain resilience.

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.

At the Interpack 2026, Marchesini will present a broad range of filling machines for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. AI and aseptic manufacturing will be the main focus. In the sustainability section, the company plans to showcase a remanufacturing process on-site.

BASF has recently inaugurated its new Verbund site in Zhanjiang, China. The 8.7 billion project sets a new benchmark for sustainable chemical production in China and across the globe.

Asahi Kasei has collaborated with Nippon Steel and Nippon Steel Trading to convert pure titanium scrap generated during the manufacturing of electrolysis cells into a raw material for pure titanium.

Varo Energy has delivered its 2022 One Varo Transformation strategy ahead of schedule by successfully acquiring Preem. This move has led to the establishment of Varopreem which is now one of Europe’s most significant energy companies, combining deep industrial capabilities with global trading reach to serve mobility and industrial customers.

Baker Hughes has entered into a multiyear agreement with Marathon Petroleum to become its preferred provider for hydrocarbon treatment products and services at refineries across the USA. Baker Hughes will provide its portfolio of downstream chemical technologies which will be deployed across 12 oil refineries and two renewable fuel facilities in the USA.