A breakthrough enzyme discovered in Brazil could transform biofuel production. Named Celoce, the natural protein efficiently breaks down cellulose — one of biomass's toughest components — offering a powerful new tool for producing second-generation ethanol from agricultural waste.

Industry players have come up with innovative new technologies such as chemical recycling to ensure that even hard-to-recycle plastics can be recycled by converting it into raw materials in order to create new virgin plastic products. Not only this, entire value chains can now be sustainably transformed by utilizing not only recycled feedstocks but also renewable feedstocks for the production of plastics.

Lummus and Resynergi have achieved a significant milestone with the commercialization of Resynergi’s Continuous Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis (CMAP) Modules. The technology has the ability to convert plastic waste into circular pyrolysis products significantly faster and more efficiently than traditional pyrolysis methods.

Kemira and IFF have decided to establish a 50:50 joint venture to produce renewable biobased products on a commercial scale. An investment of around 130 million euros will be made towards the joint venture which will begin commercial production in late 2027.

With an aim to strengthen Sumitomo Chemical’s system for meeting new market needs and further expanding its LCP business, the company has acquired the LCP Neat Resin Business Asset from Syensqo.

Sumitomo Chemical has developed a new pilot facility for the chemical recycling of PMMA at its Ehime Works located in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The company now intends to sell its chemically recycled acrylic resin product to leading electronics and automotive companies.

The Global Impact Coalition which includes members from leading industry leaders have recently launched the world’s first Automotive Plastics Circularity pilot. The initiative is expected to revolutionize the automotive plastics recycling segment.

Neste has introduced a co-processed renewable feedstock with an aim to expand its offering for the polymers and chemicals industry. The feedstock boasts of a reduced carbon footprint as compared to conventional fossil feedstocks used in the chemicals industry.

With an investment of around 20 million dollars, Arkema has plans to expand its PVDF production site in Calvert City, Kentucky by 15 %. The project is in line with the company’s goal of increasing its global PVDF footprint.

Price shocks, supply chain risks, and trade conflicts: When the unimaginable becomes everyday reality, can companies react at all? Do tried-and-tested strategies provide answers in uncertain times? And what exactly does VUCA stand for?