Maximilian Peter has been appointed as head of Wacker’s Polymers division. He succeeds Peter Summo, who headed the Polymers division for ten years and will take over the role from May 1, 2026.

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.

A new report titled ‘Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers – Global Capacities, Production and Trends 2025–2030’ has been compiled by nova-Institute. The report forecasts that the expansion of the global bio-based polymer market will be led by Europe and North America while Asia remains a major growth region.

Tosoh Corporation has recently announced that it has developed a hydrocarbon‑based polymer electrolyte for polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis systems. The new electrolyte offers superior proton conductivity, higher gas barrier properties and lower hydrated state swelling as compared to conventional fluorinated polymer electrolyte materials.

Nextchem has launched NX Conser Polyflex, a sustainable technology solution which is used for the production of polytetramethylene ether glycol, an advanced polymer comprising the spandex fiber.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has been awarded an EPC contract for a Cyclo Olefin Polymer production plant by Zeon Corporation in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

Aequita has acquired select European olefins and polyolefins assets, and the associated business and corporate functions from Lyondell Basell. The move is in line with Lyondell Basell’s strategy to grow and upgrade the core by further concentrating on assets and businesses with durable competitive advantages and stronger long-term returns.

With an intent to streamline its polymers operations in Berre, France, Kraton has plans to solely focus on producing unhydrogenated styrenic block copolymers products at the site and cease production of hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers products.

Dow has teamed up with RDM Group and developed an innovative fibre-based food packaging—Multiboard Circularr—made exclusively with recycled fibres and recycled plastic. The unique food packaging is backed by industry-leading certifications to help brands prepare for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

Goldwin, Neste, Idemitsu Kosan, and Toray Industries have developed a supply chain for nylon fiber made from renewable raw materials. The nylon fiber produced through this project will be used by Goldwin for a part of The North Face products in August 2026.