Polyamide: BASF Launches First Commercial Plant for Recycled Polyamide 6 in Shanghai

March 27, 2025

BASF inaugurated its first commercial plant for loopamid, a recycled polyamide 6, at Shanghai site, China. The facility has an annual production capacity of 500 metric tons and is certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

Loopamid is produced from textile waste, including post-industrial and post-consumer materials, and supports textile-to-textile recycling for various fabric blends. The plant's launch aligns with BASF's strategy to promote sustainability in the textile industry.

Early adopters include Zara and major yarn manufacturers. BASF is collaborating with partners to enhance waste collection systems to increase use of post-consumer waste in future production.

Sources: www.basf.com, www.loopamide.com

Adipic Acid: EU Launches Anti-Dumping Investigation into Chinese Adipic Acid Imports

March 21, 2025

The European Commission has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into adipic acid imports from China, announced on March 14, 2025. The probe follows a complaint lodged on January 28, 2025, by European chemical firms Lanxess Deutschland GmbH (Germany) and Radici Chimica S.p.A. (Italy), who allege that China’s market distortions are enabling the dumping of adipic acid in the EU, harming local producers.

Interested parties have until late March to request a hearing and until mid-April to submit comments on the investigation. The Commission is examining dumping from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, and injury to the EU industry from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2024. A preliminary ruling is expected within seven to eight months.

China’s adipic acid exports to the EU reached 402,000 tons in 2024, a significant surge, with the country now holding nearly 70% of global production capacity at 4.1 million tons, driven by major players like Huafon Chongqing and Shenma Group. Key EU markets include the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy.

Meanwhile, BASF, a leading German chemical producer, plans to halt adipic acid production at its Ludwigshafen facility by the end of 2025, citing an oversupplied market and shifting dynamics, a decision announced earlier this year.

Sources: Bloominglobal, Futubull, EU Law Live

Polyamide: Toray Industries Unveils Breakthrough PA66 Recycling Technology

Feb 20, 2025

On February 20, Toray Industries announced an innovative chemical recycling breakthrough for nylon 66 (PA66) using subcritical water technology. The novel process rapidly depolymerizes PA66, efficiently recovering the two key monomers—hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid (ADA)—from used automotive components such as airbags. By operating under controlled high-temperature, high-pressure conditions just below water’s critical point, the process ensures uniform depolymerization while minimizing side reactions.

This development marks a significant step toward a circular economy by enabling the recycling of end-of-life PA66 back into its raw materials for repolymerization. Toray Industries plans to scale up the technology for mass production, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact. “Our breakthrough offers a viable recycling pathway, turning plastic waste into valuable resources while contributing to sustainability,” said a company spokesperson.

Source: www.toray.com

ABS: ELIX Polymers Launches 100% Recycled ABS E-LOOP CR Products

March 14, 2025

ELIX Polymers (Tarragona, Spain), in collaboration with Repsol and AnQore, has introduced 100% recycled ABS E-LOOP CR products made from ISCC-plus certified circular and bio-circular feedstocks, including post-consumer waste and biobased sources. The E-LOOP M220 CR100 grade for toys features AnQore’s Econitrile-MB™ and Repsol’s recycled styrene and butadiene. This initiative reduces CO2 emissions without compromising quality, backed by long-term partnerships for a sustainable, circular supply chain.

Source: www.elix-polymers.com

LCP: Sumitomo Chemical Acquires Syensqo's LCP Business

February 10, 2025

On February 10, 2025, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. announced the acquisition of Syensqo SA/NV's liquid crystal polymer neat resin business. This strategic move is intended to strengthen Sumitomo's position in the LCP market, particularly in the information and communications technology (ICT) and mobility sectors. The company aims to double the current sales revenue of the acquired business by the early 2030s. LCPs are increasingly utilized in applications such as power devices, next-generation millimeter-wave radar for autonomous driving, and high-capacity connectors for data centers.

Source: www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp

Polycarbonate: Covestro Expands U.S. Production Capacity

January 10, 2025

Covestro, the global leader in polycarbonate(PC), has announced plans to expand its production site in Hebron, Ohio, to meet growing demand in the American market. The project includes the construction of new production lines and infrastructure to manufacture customized polycarbonate compounds and blends, significantly increasing capacity in its Solutions & Specialties business.

The expansion will support the automotive, electronics, and healthcare industries with high-quality materials and strengthen Covestro's position in North America. It aligns with the company's strategy to enhance regional manufacturing and supply reliability. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with operations expected by late 2026.

www.covestro.com

ABS plastic: RCEP Region Fuels 67% of China’s ABS Exports

January 9, 2025

From January to November 2024, China’s ABS exports surged 55.4% to 196.1kts, driven by zero-tariff benefits under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. RCEP and ASEAN countries accounted for 67% of exports, with Vietnam (41.5%), Thailand (12.6%), and Indonesia (6.8%) as top destinations. In contrast, demand from the EU and US remained subdued. Zero-tariff access has strengthened China’s export competitiveness, with 78% of exports to the top 20 partners enjoying zero tariffs. Looking ahead, ABS exports are projected to grow at a 15.4% CAGR, with Southeast Asia remaining a key market for China’s global trade expansion.

Source: Customs data and trade reports (January-November 2024).