APR
Association of Plastic Recyclers
MXD6
Barrier Packaging
PET Recycling
Carbonated Soft Drinks
Husky
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical
REPI
Co-Injection
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has extended its recognition for recyclable PET barrier packaging to include up to 5% MXD6 content, marking the latest milestone in a progression that began with 2.5% in 2020 and advanced to 3.3% before reaching the current threshold. The recognition, achieved by long-time Husky partners Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) and REPI, expands the design space for carbonated soft drink (CSD) bottles that can now combine lightweighting, CO₂ retention, and full compatibility with the clear PET recycling stream.
Amcor
AmeriStar Awards
Institute of Packaging Professionals
IoPP
Recyclable Packaging
Refill Pouch
Healthcare Packaging
Flexible Packaging
AmPrima
Amcor, the global packaging leader headquartered in Zurich with dual listings on the NYSE and ASX, has been honored with two AmeriStar awards from the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP). The awards recognize the AmPrima® recycle-ready 150ml refill pouch in the Health and Beauty Aids category, and the Amcor HealthCare™ reclosable pouch in the Drug and Pharmaceutical category — two flexible packaging innovations that address distinct but converging industry imperatives: circularity and patient-centric functionality.
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has crossed a critical threshold. As of August 12, 2026, the regulation generally applies across the European Union, marking the most significant overhaul of packaging legislation in decades. For an industry that has spent years preparing, debating, and lobbying, the date is not a finish line but a starting gun — the moment when harmonized requirements for recyclability, reuse, recycled content, and substance restrictions become legally enforceable for all packaging placed on the EU market.
DuPont
MemCor
MBR
Membrane Bioreactor
Wastewater Treatment
Australia
Water Security
Water Technology
In the arid interior of Australia, where water scarcity is not a hypothetical risk but a daily reality, the country’s largest inland wastewater treatment facility is preparing for a significant expansion — and it has chosen DuPont’s MemCor membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology to do the heavy lifting.
The facility, located in a region where every megalitre of recycled water counts toward agricultural, industrial, and municipal supply resilience, will deploy DuPont’s MemCor submerged MBR modules to increase treatment capacity and elevate effluent quality to standards suitable for direct reuse. The selection, announced by DuPont on August 11, 2026, underscores a broader shift in Australian water infrastructure: from disposal-oriented treatment to fit-for-purpose water recycling at scale.
In the eastern Himalayas, where the kingdom of Bhutan has long measured progress through Gross National Happiness rather than gross domestic product, a new kind of industrial model is taking shape — one that could redefine how the world thinks about carbon, chemistry, and circularity.
Ecopha Biotech, a company already known for its polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics technology, has unveiled the Bhutan Carbon Platform, a conceptual framework presented in a short-form video that stitches together carbon removal, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and bioplastic production into a single, carbon-negative loop. The platform, introduced in a video published on the company’s website, positions Bhutan not merely as a backdrop but as an active participant in a system designed to pull more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits.
P2 Science and Algenesis announce a partnership to develop algae-derived chemicals and 100% biobased biodegradable polyurethanes, combining P2’s specialty chemical platform with Algenesis’s algae-based polymer technology.
Chemical Recycling
Catalyst
Circular Economy
BioBTX
Zeopore
Netherlands
Zeopore and BioBTX have achieved a breakthrough in catalyst and process synergy, significantly increasing the yield of circular aromatics from plastic waste through their combined technologies.
Funding
Series B
Manufacturing
Bio-Based Materials
Ecovia Bio
Pointe Angels
Ecovia Bio has closed a Series B funding round led by Pointe Angels to scale up its manufacturing capacity for bio-based materials, accelerating the commercialization of its sustainable polymer technologies.
Chemical Recycling
Pyrolysis
Circular Economy
Partnership
Netherlands
BioBTX
BlueAlp
BlueAlp and BioBTX have partnered to combine BlueAlp’s pyrolysis technology with BioBTX’s ICCP catalytic process, creating an integrated system to convert mixed plastic waste into circular aromatics at commercial scale in Delfzijl.
Chemical Recycling
Circular Economy
Aromatics
Plastic Waste
Netherlands
Dutch circular chemistry pioneer BioBTX has taken a positive final investment decision for its PETRA plant in Delfzijl, marking the culmination of a 14-year journey from concept to commercial-scale facility that will convert mixed plastic waste into renewable aromatics.
Chemical Recycling
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Graphite
Glycerol
Bio-Based
Circular Economy
BioBTX, together with NC State University, NREL, and BIRLA Carbon, has developed a novel production route converting crude glycerol into sustainable aviation fuel and synthetic graphite via its ICCP technology.
The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) releases a two-part study mapping lead markets for bio-based products across chemicals, plastics, fibres, and textiles, while outlining policy measures needed to unlock Europe’s industrial potential.
Biobased
Materials
Chemical Recycling
Polyester
Polyamide
Research
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University, in collaboration with Osaka Research Institute and University of Shiga Prefecture, have developed chemically recyclable biobased poly(ester amide)s from inedible biorenewables that exceed the mechanical properties of conventional polyethylene and polypropylene.
Barmag, Object Carpet, ITA Augsburg, and NGR have demonstrated that 100% recycled polyester from post-consumer carpet can be processed into new BCF yarn on Neumag systems without virgin polymer addition, proving a closed-loop carpet recycling pathway.
Bio-Based Industries Consortium
BIC
Bio-Based Products
Lead Markets
EU Bioeconomy
Demand-Side Policy
Circular Bioeconomy
Philippe Mengal
The Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) has published a landmark study arguing that Europe possesses the industrial capacity and technical expertise to become a global leader in bio-based products — but only if policymakers implement targeted demand-side measures to unlock that potential. Released in July 2026, the study arrives at a critical moment as European legislators draft the next phase of the EU’s bioeconomy strategy.
The research, produced in two parts, first maps the lead markets for bio-based products across four strategic sectors: chemicals, plastics and polymers, fibre-based packaging, and textiles. Each sector represents a significant share of European industrial output and offers a clear pathway to reduce fossil dependency. The second part translates this evidence base into concrete policy recommendations, including binding bio-based content requirements, stronger green public procurement criteria, and carbon pricing mechanisms that reward the environmental benefits of bio-based materials.
Avantium
Carbeau
Volta Technology
CO2 Conversion
Electrochemical
Spinout
Funding
Avantium N.V. spins out its electrochemical CO₂ conversion platform Volta Technology into independent company Carbeau, backed by €35.2M funding from GKT, Invest-NL, Al Baleed Petrochemical, and NOM. Avantium retains 32.7% stake.
PLA
Polystyrene Alternative
Foam Packaging
Food Packaging
TotalEnergies Corbion commercially launches Luminy FOAM 50F, a high melt strength PLA grade for extrusion foamed packaging that delivers 70% carbon footprint reduction versus XPS.
Advanced Recycling
Digital Watermarks
Flexible Packaging
Food Contact
HolyGrail 2.0
Fost Plus leads large-scale trial using Digimarc and Pellenc ST digital watermark technology to sort flexible food packaging from non-food streams, targeting EU 2030 recycled content mandates.
CCU
Carbon Utilization
Ethylene
Electrolysis
Climate Tech
Toronto-based CERT Systems selected as one of 16 global winners from 660 applicants for Tencent’s CarbonX 2.0 initiative, receiving catalytic funding to scale single-step CO2 electrolysis to ethylene.
Celanese and Siegwerk collaborate to supply biobased ethyl acetate with 50% renewable content as drop-in solvent for printing inks, advancing Siegwerk’s SustainUP program and HorizonNOW 2030 strategy.
Chemical Recycling
PET
Depolymerization
Circular Economy
Switzerland
Swiss circular materials company DePoly opens first industrial-scale depolymerization facility in Monthey, processing 500 tonnes/year as blueprint for 50,000 tonne commercial plant.
Chemical Recycling
Pyrolysis
Policy
Circular Economy
Viridor
Quantafuel
Viridor announces closure of all European chemical recycling operations by end of June 2026, citing weak recycled polymer demand, cheap virgin plastic, and policy uncertainty despite achieving 70-75% dry yields.
Three industry leaders in circular solutions introduce standardized modular plant design that reduces pre-investment, project complexity and timeline uncertainty for chemical recycling deployment worldwide
Chemical Recycling
Polypropylene
Automotive
ELV Directive
PureCycle
PureCycle Technologies and Motherson achieve Class-A surface quality on automotive bumper prototype with 30% PureFive recycled polypropylene, advancing toward EU ELV 2032 mandates.
Avantium N.V. partners with Portuguese bottle manufacturer Gepack and juice producer Frubaça to explore PEF (polyethylene furanoate) ‘releaf®’ in small-format bottles for functional beverage shots, demonstrating value-chain integration for sustainable packaging.
Natur-Tec India and Bayer sign MOU to develop biodegradable seedling cups compatible with crop protection products, eliminating single-use plastic nursery waste across India and globally.
Covestro leads a 10-partner European consortium to develop the world’s first continuous fermentation process for bio-based aniline, a key precursor for MDI and polyurethanes, backed by €7 million in EU funding.
Covestro leads the Bio4PURConti consortium, an EU-funded project aiming to develop the world’s first continuous fermentation process for bio-based aniline, a key precursor for MDI and polyurethanes, with potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a major chemical building block.
Technip Energies, Alterra and Neste commercially launch Nerea, a standardized modular solution for chemical recycling of plastic waste that transitions from bespoke engineering to a productized delivery model for faster, more predictable project deployment.
Avantium collaborates with Portuguese packaging manufacturer Gepack and beverage producer Frubaça to demonstrate PEF ‘releaf’ in small-format bottles for functional beverage shots, validating the plant-based polymer’s superior barrier properties in a demanding application.
French startup Blue&Pastel partners with bioplastics expert NaturePlast to integrate natural woad-derived blue pigments into biobased polymer matrices — reviving a centuries-old crop for modern sustainable materials.
Evonik Industries launches Purocel™, a comprehensive portfolio of catalysts and adsorbents designed to purify pyrolysis oil from mixed plastic waste into steam-cracker-ready feedstock, enabling chemical recycling at industrial scale.
Advanced Recycling
Pyrolysis
Chemical Recycling
EU Project
Pilot Plant
Mixed Plastic Waste
The EU-funded PLASTICE project has assembled a transportable pilot reactor for microwave-assisted pyrolysis, now being shipped to Spain for testing on real-world plastic waste streams at COGERSA’s facility in Asturias.
IMG Group inaugurates the Everbio Innovation Hub at its Portalegre facility in Portugal, backed by EUR 15 million from C2 Capital Partners, integrating Evertis, Selenis, Renascis and Renewis capabilities under one industrial platform for recycled and bio-based polymer development.
PET
Chemical Recycling
Investment
Circular Economy
Portugal
IMG Group launches the Everbio Innovation Hub in Portalegre, Portugal, a EUR 15 million circular polymer R&D platform backed by C2 Capital Partners that integrates the capabilities of Evertis, Selenis, Renascis and Renewis under one industrial ecosystem.
Circular Economy
R&D Investment
PET Recycling
Bio-Based
IMG Group inaugurates the Everbio Innovation Hub in Portalegre, Portugal, combining subsidiaries Evertis, Selenis, Renascis and Renewis in a €15M R&D platform for recycled and bio-based polymer materials.
Chemical Recycling
Mechanical Recycling
Food Grade
HDPE
PP
FDA
Coperion has received a Letter of No Objection from the FDA for its HDPE and PP recycling technology, opening the door to food-grade recyclates made on twin-screw extruders with EcoFresh silo degassing.
CCU
Polyurethane
Polyols
Carbon Capture
Coatings
Adhesives
UK-based Econic Technologies has developed a patented catalyst process that incorporates captured CO2 into polyols for polyurethane dispersions, enabling up to 30% carbon footprint reduction while maintaining or improving product performance.
Covestro coordinates a 10-partner, 7-country EU consortium to develop the world’s first continuous production process for bio-based aniline, targeting semi-industrial scale with pilot plants in Ghent and Leverkusen.
Aduro Clean Technologies has closed a $15.54 million underwritten public offering and filed an amended LIFE offering document, strengthening its financial position to scale its Hydrochemolytic chemical recycling technology.
French bioplastics specialist NaturePlast is transforming marine by-products — oyster shells, mussel shells, seaweed, and starfish — into high-value bioplastic compounds, aligning with France’s 2025 Year of the Sea initiative.
A research team at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, in cooperation with bioplastics start-up BIOVOX, is developing fully biodegradable bioplastics for medical applications including infusion bags, replacing petroleum-based materials.
Bcomp is the leading solutions provider for natural fibre reinforcements in high-performance applications. Their ampliTex™ technical fabrics and powerRibs™ reinforcement grid enable natural fibre parts to match metal performance, decarbonising industries from automotive to aerospace.
Dutch materials innovator Mariva Materials B.V. welcomes Future Tech Ventures and VP Capital as new investors to scale its bio-based performance fibre platform, targeting applications in sportswear, outdoor apparel and technical textiles.
The Biopolymer Innovation Award 2026 has opened submissions, recognizing breakthrough innovations in bio-based and biodegradable polymers across packaging, textiles, agriculture and medical applications.
Chemical Recycling
Pyrolysis Oil
Catalyst
Circular Economy
Evonik launches comprehensive Purocel™ product line including catalysts and adsorbents to improve pyrolysis oil quality for steam cracker feedstock, enabling efficient chemical recycling at industrial scale.
The PLASTICS Industry Association has announced the winners of its 2026 Innovation in Bioplastics Award competition. e-P4HV was recognized for combining high performance with designed biodegradability and a new electricity-driven pathway from biomass.
Four companies partner to supply renewable nylon fiber for The North Face products in Japan, using Neste RE as feedstock for mass-balanced nylon 66 production starting August 2026.
Emirates Biotech is pushing forward on its mega-project — and lining up serious partners to do it, selecting Samsung E&A as contractor and advancing Sulzer partnership.
Braskem announces a new stage with investment fund IG4 and Petrobras, combining restructuring expertise with technical-industrial strength to drive governance renewal and financial reorganization.
BioBTX, a Dutch circular chemistry company from Groningen, has raised over €80 million to build the world’s first commercial-scale renewable aromatics plant — in Delfzijl, right on the North Sea coast.
PA
Textiles
Partnerships
Renewable Feedstocks
Mass Balance
A four-company consortium led by Neste has established a renewable nylon supply chain for The North Face products in Japan, with Goldwin, Idemitsu and Toray converting Neste RE renewable feedstock into high-performance nylon fibre for autumn 2026 collections.
Aduro Clean Technologies from Canada is getting serious about Europe. The company, which has developed its own technology for chemical recycling of waste plastics, has taken three significant steps.
Lindex partners with BASF to introduce loopamid® recycled polyamide into lingerie, advancing textile-to-textile circularity and supporting Lindex’s 2026 target of 100% recycled or sustainably sourced materials.
Avantium’s updated Life Cycle Assessment confirms releaf® PEF reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 88% compared to conventional PET in 500 mL beverage bottles, with industrial data validating recyclability in PET streams.
Avantium partners with Dutch technical textile specialist Heynen Systems to develop releaf® PEF-based comfort foam and textile prototypes for bedding and upholstery, targeting Interzum Forum Italy showcase in June 2026.
BASF expands its certified home-compostable ecovio® biopolymer portfolio with new barrier structures for flexible packaging, enabling both paper and plastic substrates with organic or paper recycling end-of-life.
AMP Polymix and Lignin Industries announce exclusive distribution partnership for lignin-based thermoplastic Renol®, targeting fossil-plastic substitution in injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing.
Copersucar, one of the world’s largest sugar and ethanol traders, has launched BioRota — Brazil’s largest sustainable logistics fleet, powered by biomethane.
TotalEnergies Corbion and Yuhan-Kimberly have commercialized a new generation of washable, biobased kitchen towels made from Luminy® PLA, PHA, and FSC-certified pulp — a reusable alternative to disposable wipes.
Materials science brand PANGAIA has unveiled a new line of high-performance bio-based activewear materials, significantly reducing the apparel industry’s reliance on fossil fuel-derived synthetics.
Blue Ocean Closures reaches price parity: fiber-based screw caps now cost-competitive with fossil plastic. L’Oréal selected BOC for its €100M L’Accelerator program. Live Puri also adopts BOC’s NutraCap fiber closures.
Researchers from Gunma University and JAMSTEC have discovered that incorporating chitin-rich crab shell waste into bioplastics significantly accelerates and controls their degradation rates in marine environments.
Roquette has successfully obtained ISCC PLUS certification for its BIOSUCCINIUM® bio-succinic acid, reinforcing the traceability and verifiable sustainability of its biomaterial supply chain.
NatureWorks has officially inaugurated its fully integrated Ingeo PLA manufacturing facility in Thailand, significantly expanding its global biopolymer production capacity.
Evonik has officially launched its new Asia PAthletic Center in Shanghai to accelerate the development of high-performance, bio-based polyamide solutions for the sports and consumer goods sectors.
The National Institute of Forest Science has developed a low-energy catalytic process to transform discarded wood and forestry waste into high-performance, lignocellulose-derived bioplastics.
At CHINAPLAS 2026 in Shanghai, Kingfa introduced an innovative bio-based and home-compostable PBS extrusion coating material for paper packaging, alongside recycled HDPE solutions — advancing both bio-based and circular economy material strategies.
Chemical Recycling
Pyrolysis
Circular Economy
Partnership
Netherlands
Dutch chemical recycling technology company BlueAlp has been chosen to supply its patented pyrolysis system for BioBTX’s PETRA plant, creating an integrated two-step process that converts mixed plastic waste into renewable aromatics at commercial scale.
Covation Biomaterials has achieved mechanical completion of its first commercial plant producing non-food, second-generation bioTHF and bioPTMEG, unveiling its new Xatryx brand.
Metalchemy has introduced a new line of REearthable bioplastic trays infused with silver nanotechnology to inhibit bacterial growth and significantly reduce food waste.
AgroSpheres, joined by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, has officially opened a state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility to scale its biodegradable, biopolymer-based delivery systems for crop protection.
Global recycling equipment manufacturer CP Group has acquired AI-powered sorting technology company Recycleye to enhance the precise recovery of complex packaging materials, including bioplastics.
EcoCortec is investing €2 million in a new European logistics centre to streamline the distribution of its compostable anti-corrosion bioplastic packaging.
Shellworks has successfully raised $15 million in a Series A funding round to expand the commercial manufacturing of its microbially fermented, PHA-based bioplastic material, Vivomer.
Granulous
Duynie
The Compound Company
Brewery Grains
Circular Economy
Biodegradable Compounds
Injection Moulding
Through close collaboration between Duynie, Granulous, and The Compound Company, three biodegradable compounds have been manufactured from brewery co-products, creating a circular materials loop that turns beer production side streams into sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics.
Dr Bio has launched a versatile new cornstarch-based biopolymer platform designed to offer highly tunable, compostable alternatives for the flexible packaging and consumer goods sectors.
Nant Biorenewables has announced a major expansion of its Gadsden, Alabama manufacturing facility to boost production capacity and introduce advanced multi-material biopolymer capabilities.
After five years and €7.6M in EU funding, the BioSupPack consortium has demonstrated a scalable biorefinery process converting brewery spent grains into high-purity polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), reaching Technology Readiness Level 6 and opening a pathway for commercial licensing.
Ecopha Biotech has unveiled a bilateral strategy leveraging Pongamia tree cultivation in Australia and India to secure sustainable carbon feedstocks for scaling its PHA bioplastic production.
BASF has introduced a new biomass-balanced polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) grade to its Ultrason portfolio, offering manufacturers a drop-in solution with a lower carbon footprint.
Novonesis has acquired a manufacturing facility in Thailand to scale up its regional production of enzymes and biological solutions for the bio-based materials sector.
UK-based Kelpi’s seaweed-derived packaging material approaches first commercial deployment. Cleaning brand Homethings selected for next-generation refill sachets — the world’s first commercial use of Kelpi’s seaweed-coated packaging.
Avantium is in the final stretch of commissioning the world’s first commercial-scale FDCA plant in Delfzijl. After resolving titanium weld issues that pushed the timeline to mid-2026, the Dutch company is on track to begin commercial PEF sales in H2 2026.
Acies Bio is rapidly advancing the construction of its new European fermentation facility, a strategic expansion designed to alleviate biomanufacturing bottlenecks and scale up the production of bio-based polymers.
RWDC Industries
Microplastics
HHS
ARPA-H
Solon PHA
Public Health
Biodegradable
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and ARPA-H announce a $144 million federal initiative focused on detecting, understanding, and addressing microplastics in the human body, signaling recognition of microplastics as a public health challenge. RWDC Industries welcomes the initiative as validation for its Solon® PHA biopolymer solutions.
ZymoChem has published a comprehensive performance white paper detailing its BAYSE™ bio-based superabsorbent polymers, offering a scalable, renewable alternative to fossil-based polyacrylates in hygiene products.
Algenesis Labs has been awarded the 2025 Polyurethane Innovation Award for its Soleic® technology, a biodegradable, bio-based polyurethane derived from algae and non-food plants.
TotalEnergies has officially commenced operations at France’s first advanced recycling facility, utilizing pyrolysis to convert hard-to-recycle plastic waste into feedstock for virgin-quality polymers.
Danimer Scientific has unveiled plans to significantly expand its Kentucky manufacturing facility to meet the surging global demand for its marine-degradable PHA biopolymers.
Global packaging manufacturer ALPLA has inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility in Calamba City to advance sustainable packaging and bioplastic production capabilities within the Southeast Asian market.
Austrian manufacturer Lenzing is urging European policymakers to classify bio-based materials as strategic assets to bolster the region’s industrial competitiveness and achieve circular economy targets.
Amcor has received top honors at the 2026 Flexible Packaging Association Achievement Awards for its innovative Earth Sense Pro bioplastic packaging solution.
Syngenta has unveiled a new £100 million state-of-the-art agricultural bioscience research center dedicated to advancing biologicals and sustainable crop technologies.
Stony Brook University and SWFT Labs have expanded their collaboration to industrialize sustainable cellulose nanomaterials using a novel Nitro-Oxidation Process.
Recupero Etico Sostenibile S.p.A (RES) has acquired a specialized European PLA bioplastics facility to integrate biopolymer production with its existing waste recovery operations.
Recupero Etico Sostenibile S.p.A. (RES) has acquired a unique European polylactic acid (PLA) production facility in Italy to strengthen its vertically integrated circular economy operations.
Avid Organics has launched AviGa Bio HP70, the world’s first commercially available bio-based glycolic acid, offering a renewable drop-in alternative to petroleum-derived chemical precursors.
Mechanical Recycling
Training
India
Skills
Circular Economy
Austrian recycling technology leader EREMA and the All India Plastics Manufacturers Association have launched a new Recycling Skill Centre at AMTEC in Mumbai, creating India’s first hands-on training facility for plastic recycling operators and supervisors.
The nova-Institute has announced six pioneering nominees for the Best CO2 Utilisation 2026 award, highlighting cutting-edge advancements in converting captured carbon into high-performance polymers and chemicals.
Neste has successfully commissioned the world’s largest upgrading facility for liquefied waste plastic at its Porvoo refinery, marking a major milestone in the commercial scale-up of chemical recycling.
Covestro and Fraunhofer UMSICHT have finalized an agreement to construct a pioneering smart pyrolysis pilot plant aimed at advancing the chemical recycling of complex polymer waste streams.
Kingfa Sci. & Tech. has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Beijing University of Chemical Technology for green biomanufacturing, targeting bio-based material development using biochemical technologies and biocatalysis to replace petrochemical feedstocks.
Kaneka Corporation has initiated legal action against Danimer Scientific and Teknor Apex, alleging patent infringement related to proprietary biopolymer technologies.
Emirates Biotech
CIRCLE Consortium
PLA
Food Waste
Horizon Europe
Biorefinery
Sulzer
Volkswagen
Emirates Biotech joins the €27 million CIRCLE consortium funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking under Horizon Europe, aiming to demonstrate an industrial biorefinery that converts food waste into high-value bio-based chemicals including polylactic acid (PLA).
Digital B2B procurement platform Cirplus has officially entered liquidation, marking the end of its operations in the circular and bio-based plastics marketplace.
Kemvera’s pilot reactor commissioning and commercial plant design mark significant progress toward producing bio-based acetic acid and ethyl acetate from corn ethanol, supporting U.S. agricultural markets and national bioeconomy goals.
Biotech packaging startup Shellworks has secured €13 million in new funding to accelerate the commercial scale-up of Vivomer, its microbe-derived, compostable PHA bioplastic.
The USDA has officially rejected the use of compostable bioplastics as acceptable feedstock for certified organic compost due to their synthetic manufacturing processes.
L’Oréal has entered a multi-year partnership with carbon utilization startup Dioxycle to develop sustainable polyethylene packaging sourced directly from captured industrial carbon emissions.
Brazil’s antitrust watchdog has approved IG4 Sol’s acquisition strategy, clearing a major regulatory hurdle for the firm to assume control of biopolymer giant Braskem.
Global packaging leader Amcor has expanded its manufacturing plant in Italy to significantly increase the production capacity of its recyclable, reusable, and compostable flexible films.
Nokian Tyres has introduced an advanced studded winter tire that integrates thermo-adaptive bio-based materials to automatically adjust to fluctuating winter temperatures.
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre publishes a policy brief examining bio-based plastics in a sustainable and circular bioeconomy, finding they account for just 0.5% of global plastics production and face significant technology readiness and cost barriers to wider adoption.
Selenis has announced plans to double its recycled polyester production capacity at its Portuguese facility by the third quarter of 2027 to meet the growing global demand for circular packaging solutions.
Researchers have successfully engineered 3D-printed biomimetic smart materials inspired by the structural architecture of sea urchins, unlocking rapid mechanoelectrical responses for advanced sensor applications.
BASF has officially inaugurated a new production line at its Shanghai facility to manufacture flame-retardant Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethane for the Asia Pacific market.
Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new biodegradable packaging film derived from waste milk proteins designed to replace single-use fossil plastics.
Belgian bioplastics producer Futerro has postponed the operational launch of its vertically integrated PLA biorefinery in Normandy to 2029 amidst broader European industrial headwinds.
Syclus has announced a significant delay to its renewable ethylene production facility, pushing the expected operational start date to 2030 amid broader sector challenges.
Researchers at IBEC have developed a chitosan-based bioplastic derived from crustacean waste that significantly increases its mechanical strength upon exposure to water.
BASF introduces new certified biomass-balanced polyurethane systems designed to reduce product carbon footprints while maintaining identical performance to fossil-based equivalents.
Corbion has officially finalized the divestment of its stake in the TotalEnergies Corbion joint venture, redirecting its focus toward core fermentation and lactic acid capabilities.
The EU-funded UNICO2RN consortium, led by Avantium, has launched a major initiative to scale electrochemical technologies that convert industrial CO2 emissions into sustainable polyester building blocks.
Epoch Biodesign has joined the T2T Alliance to advance circular fashion through its proprietary enzymatic recycling technology and the establishment of Europe’s first nylon biorecycling facility.
EPFL spin-off Bloom successfully scales up its proprietary fractionation technology to produce three tons of biomass-based polyesters, marking a critical step toward industrial commercialization.
Researchers at KAIST have successfully engineered a novel microorganism capable of efficiently converting methanol into high-value bioplastics, decoupling production from agricultural feedstocks.
Researchers have successfully engineered a bacterial strain capable of converting toxic methanol into biopolymers, enabling cost-effective production from C1 gas feedstocks.
The Grolman Group has partnered with Seprify to distribute fully biodegradable, cellulose-based additives across the European market, providing a natural alternative to synthetic pigments.
ETB Global is advancing the sustainable rubber industry by establishing its first commercial-scale facility for producing bio-based butadiene from ethanol.
The TECNALIA-led AHOBAE initiative utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize the bioconversion of urban organic waste into biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have engineered a recyclable, film-like bioplastic derived from agricultural waste to replace petroleum-based shopping bags.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic and EnviroWay successfully demonstrate the use of flax and hemp agricultural residues to create biodegradable bottles for liquid cleaning products.
Welsh biotech firm Plantsea has successfully secured £350,000 via a community funding round to accelerate the production of its marine-safe, seaweed-derived flexible packaging.
Researchers have synthesized a new biodegradable film combining cassava starch with eggshell-derived gelatin to enhance mechanical strength and decomposition rates.
Celanese Corporation has unveiled its newly expanded Auburn Hills technology center, significantly increasing its capacity for developing sustainable polymer formulations and electric vehicle applications.
Balrampur Chini Mills Limited has finalized its first commercial institutional order for its new Polylactic Acid manufacturing division, marking a major milestone in its diversification strategy.
Balrampur Chini Mills achieves a commercial milestone by securing its first institutional order for sugarcane-derived PLA products from the Lucknow Cantonment Board.
Researchers at the RIKEN Center have developed a supramolecular plastic based on carboxymethyl cellulose that remains stable during use but degrades rapidly in seawater.
Röchling Industrial integrates the operating business of Terbrack Kunststoff to scale up production capabilities for its sustainable Röchling BioConnect product family.
Biotechnology pioneer Modern Meadow and German tannery HELLER-LEDER launch Innovera Europe to scale the production of bio-based automotive and luxury materials.
Irish global packaging group Zeus expands its European manufacturing footprint with the strategic acquisition of Spanish extrusion specialist Koex Packaging Solutions.
Symphony Environmental has entered a strategic consultancy agreement to accelerate the commercial adoption of its d2w biodegradable technology within the Dominican Republic.
A collaborative research team has developed a novel chitin-based material that gains structural strength when hydrated, offering a robust alternative to conventional rigid plastics.
NEXTCHEM secures a licensing and process design contract in China utilizing its proprietary NX Conser technologies to produce essential intermediates for biodegradable plastics.
Zeon Corporation and Visolis have entered a strategic partnership to accelerate the commercial development of bio-isoprene, a critical sustainable feedstock for synthetic rubber and elastomers.
Kingfa’s 2025 annual results show net profit up 39.44% YoY, with the biodegradable plastics segment turning from loss to profit for the first time, driven by breakthroughs in industrial-grade 3D printing filaments and food packaging barrier coatings.
Researchers at the Uzbek Academy of Sciences have developed a water-soluble, antimicrobial biodegradable film using plant polysaccharides and copper ions.
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved Balrampur Chini Mills Limited’s proposal to establish India’s first industrial-scale Polylactic Acid manufacturing facility, utilizing sugar-based feedstock for sustainable plastic production.
Inteplast Group expands its sustainable packaging portfolio by acquiring STA to integrate high-performance, eco-friendly over-laminates and coatings into its film production lines.
Cortec Corporation has launched a new high-performance biobased acrylic coating that integrates proprietary corrosion inhibition technology with renewable raw materials.
Nutrition brand Live Puri transitions from metal closures to Blue Ocean Closures’ fiber-based NutraCap to improve packaging recyclability and lower carbon footprint.
Henkel collaborates with Sekab to integrate sustainable, bio-based intermediates into its adhesive formulations to significantly reduce carbon footprints.
DFX Corp has acquired MycoWorks, the pioneer behind Fine Mycelium technology, to accelerate the global scaling of high-performance bio-based materials.
Leaf Bio has secured regulatory approval in China for its Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) material, authorizing its use in direct food contact packaging applications.
New market intelligence indicates that high-strength automotive bioplastics have overcome critical durability and heat-resistance thresholds, signalling readiness for mass commercial adoption.
Mizuno Corporation has completed the installation of artificial turf utilizing Kaneka’s Green Planet PHA biopolymer at Vantelin Dome Nagoya to mitigate microplastic pollution.
Sony Corporation collaborates with Neste to operationalize the world’s first global supply chain integrating renewable hydrocarbons into high-performance electronic device manufacturing.
Swiss lightweighting specialist Bcomp has partnered with Indian EV manufacturer Ather Energy to integrate flax-based ampliTex composites into the body panels of the Ather 450 Apex scooter.
Abundia Global Impact Group has selected Burns & McDonnell to provide front-end engineering design services for its new waste-to-value facility in Texas.
Chugai Pharmaceutical has successfully developed a prototype multilayer press-through package incorporating biomass-derived plastics to reduce the carbon footprint of drug delivery systems.
SABIC debuts new LNP LUBRICOMP compounds at MD&M West, offering a biocompatible, PFAS-free alternative to fluoropolymers for medical tubing applications.
Plastics Recyclers Europe has released comprehensive data mapping the installed capacity and diverse technologies of recycling facilities across the continent to benchmark progress against 2030 targets.
Ecovia Bio secures significant Series B capital to scale industrial production of its proprietary bio-based superabsorbent polymers and functional ingredients.
ExxonMobil expands its Baytown facility to solidify its status as one of the world’s largest advanced recycling hubs, utilizing proprietary technology to convert plastic waste into circular polymers.
SUSMATA launches NOTPLAST, a fully bio-based and biodegradable material alternative designed to eliminate microplastic pollution in packaging and industrial applications.
Precision Plants Ltd secures significant funding to accelerate the development and commercialization of biopolymers derived from industrial hemp biomass.
Novamont and project partners report significant progress in the WOOD4PLASTIC initiative, successfully converting underutilized hardwood residues into biodegradable plastic applications.
Lenzing AG acquires a majority stake in TreeToTextile AB to leverage its operational expertise and accelerate the commercial scale-up of novel cellulosic fiber technology.
The Lego Group initiates operations at its $1 billion carbon-neutral facility in Vietnam, significantly scaling the molding of bio-polyethylene and mass-balance sustainable materials for the Asian market.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have utilized genetically modified algae strains to synthesize biodegradable polymers, offering a scalable, carbon-negative alternative to traditional plastics.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a genetically modified algae strain capable of metabolizing microplastics and converting them into biodegradable biopolymers.
Researchers have engineered a bacterial strain capable of utilizing light energy to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into biodegradable PHB plastics and biofuels.
Låkril Technologies has successfully commissioned its first continuous pilot plant for converting lactic acid into bio-acrylic acid, validating the scalability of its proprietary catalyst technology.
Team ColdForm from the University of Washington secures essential startup funding for a novel additive designed to enhance the biodegradation of packaging materials.
German biotech innovator Twogee Biotech has raised €2.2 million in Seed funding to scale its proprietary technology for converting organic waste into sustainable bio-based building blocks.
Solvay has officially opened its new facility in Italy dedicated to producing bio-circular silica derived from rice husk ash, marking a major step forward in sustainable tire reinforcement.
The Poonawalla Group has strategically invested in Regeno to accelerate the production of biodegradable, non-toxic alternatives to single-use plastics.
The world’s largest international health and beauty retailer has updated its environmental roadmap, targeting a 21% reduction in virgin plastic intensity within its own-brand packaging by 2030.
Tetra Pak allocates €60 million for a new commercial pilot plant to test and scale paper-based barrier technologies, aiming to replace aluminum in aseptic packaging.
Researchers at the University of Tuebingen have successfully engineered cyanobacteria to significantly increase the intracellular accumulation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) for industrial applications.
Indorama Ventures expands its Trevira CS portfolio by incorporating chemically recycled PET into flame-retardant yarns without compromising safety standards.
Octarine Bio raises €5 million to accelerate the industrial scaling of its precision-fermented, non-toxic pigment platform for sustainable material applications.
Researchers at the University of Rochester utilize tungsten carbide to create a cost-effective, platinum-mimicking catalyst for efficient plastic waste dehydrogenation.
Plastipak and Michigan State University have inaugurated a state-of-the-art processing lab designed to accelerate sustainable packaging research and student training.
Lawson integrates Mitsui Chemicals’ mass-balance bio-based polyethylene into its retail packaging to reduce carbon footprint without compromising material performance.
Kemvera has advanced the commercialization of its proprietary photocatalytic platform by securing key engineering and site milestones for a new U.S. facility producing bio-acetic acid and bio-ethyl acetate.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas has successfully manufactured its first line of bioplastic products using industrial hemp grown on tribal lands, marking a significant step in their vertically integrated agricultural strategy.
Eastman and Kolmar Korea have entered a strategic agreement to develop and expand the use of biodegradable cellulose-based materials in the global personal care market.
Covestro expands its Asian footprint with a new manufacturing facility in Zhuhai dedicated to high-performance and sustainable thermoplastic polyurethanes.
The University of Münster initiates the PerPlacsBio project to rigorously assess the in-soil degradation rates and ecological impact of biodegradable agricultural mulch films.
Kemvera has finalized the engineering design for its first commercial-scale facility dedicated to producing low-carbon bio-acetic acid and bio-ethyl acetate.
Fraunhofer IPMS has unveiled a compact hyperspectral camera integrated with AI to enable real-time identification and sorting of various plastics during recycling processes.
Braskem unveils a specialized grade of its sugarcane-derived polyethylene designed to meet the rigorous safety and performance standards of the pharmaceutical packaging industry.
Braskem has introduced a new bio-based polyethylene grade specifically engineered for the healthcare sector, debuting at Pharmapack 2026 to support more sustainable medical packaging and devices.
Beijing Zhongke Kelan New Material Technology has successfully secured Pre-Series A funding and reached a critical construction milestone for its pilot production facility, accelerating the commercialization of high-performance bioplastic solutions.
Colesco Capital has unveiled a new impact credit fund designed to finance European mid-market companies driving the transition to circular industrial models.
Avantium has reached a major operational milestone by securing ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications for its world-first commercial FDCA flagship plant in Delfzijl.
Vioneo has announced the relocation of its flagship 300,000 t/yr bio-based polymer production facility to China, a strategic move aimed at leveraging local infrastructure and the world’s largest plastics market.
Teysha Technologies has been awarded the prestigious $500,000 Hill Prize for its innovative AggiePol® technology, a sustainable, BPA-free alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
Packamama secures a capacity reservation agreement with Avantium to utilize ReLeaf PEF for manufacturing the world’s first 100% plant-based, high-barrier wine bottles.
Idemitsu Kosan has finalized the construction of a commercial chemical recycling facility at its Chiba Complex designed to convert used plastics into raw feedstock.
Borealis has announced a €49 million investment at its Burghausen site in Germany to upgrade facilities for the advanced design and production of circular polymers.
Primient has finalized the acquisition of the remaining stake in the Primient Covation joint venture, solidifying its leadership in the production of high-performance, bio-based materials like Susterra® propanediol.
BEAM Circular has announced the strategic acquisition of a gas fermentation firm to accelerate the production of bio-based materials from industrial and agricultural emissions.
L’Oréal has selected 13 innovative startups for its L’AcceleratOR program to advance circularity, climate resilience, and sustainable bioplastic packaging solutions.
Radicle Growth has unveiled a new global competition designed to accelerate the development of corn-derived bioplastics, offering significant investment to innovators in the sustainable materials space.
A research team at Japan’s RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science has successfully developed a high-performance cellulose-based plastic that fully decomposes in marine environments, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based polymers.
Zeopore and BioBTX have achieved a significant breakthrough in chemical recycling by combining advanced zeolite catalysts with innovative process technology to maximize the yield of circular aromatics from mixed plastic waste.
Hugo Boss has partnered with Jiaren Recycling and NBC LLC to unveil NovaPoly™, a breakthrough degradable yarn featured in high-performance tennis apparel at the 2026 Australian Open.
Solena Materials has moved to a larger pilot facility to accelerate the production of its AI-designed protein fibers in preparation for a 2028 commercial launch.
Aimplas has initiated the Biovalsa project to develop high-performance bioplastics for the packaging industry by upcycling lignocellulosic agricultural residues.
Orinko Advanced Plastics has strengthened its position in the sustainable materials market by acquiring a 70% controlling stake in Omikron to accelerate the development of high-performance polymers.
SABIC has announced a strategic divestment of its traditional European plastics units to accelerate its transition toward a high-growth, bio-based, and circular product portfolio.
Northern Technologies International Corp (NTIC) reported record-breaking first-quarter fiscal 2026 sales, fueled by explosive growth in its Natur-Tec bioplastics division.
Munster Technological University has officially opened a state-of-the-art pilot green biorefinery at its Kerry campus, marking a significant milestone in Ireland’s transition toward a circular bioeconomy.
BASF has officially commissioned its landmark steam cracker at the Zhanjiang Verbund site, representing a massive shift toward low-emission chemical production powered by renewable energy.
Aduro Clean Technologies has raised $20 million in funding to accelerate the construction of a demonstration plant utilizing its patented technology to transform plastic waste into valuable resources.
Scottish biotechnology firm MiAlgae commences construction on a commercial-scale facility in Grangemouth to transform whisky byproducts into sustainable algal biomass and Omega-3.
Ingevity has completed the $110 million sale of its Crude Tall Oil refinery, signaling a major strategic transition toward high-margin specialty chemicals and bioplastic innovations.
The ANIPH Project has launched a pioneering AI-driven predictive tool designed to forecast the biodegradability and safety of new bioplastic formulations, accelerating the shift toward sustainable materials.
Technip Energies has completed the acquisition of Ecovyst’s Advanced Materials division, positioning the firm as a powerhouse in the high-performance catalyst market essential for bioplastic production.
Technip Energies has finalized its acquisition of Ecovyst’s Advanced Materials & Catalysts division, a strategic move designed to bolster its sustainable technology portfolio and accelerate the development of bio-based materials.
AIMPLAS is spearheading the MICROFAGO project, a collaborative effort to accelerate the decomposition of compostable bioplastics in waste treatment facilities using microorganisms and phages, without requiring major infrastructure changes.
Researchers at RIKEN’s Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), led by Takuzo Aida, have developed a robust, flexible, plant-based plastic that rapidly decomposes in natural environments, including saltwater, without forming microplastics. Utilizing inexpensive, FDA-approved ingredients, this material represents a significant advancement towards combating plastic pollution.
UPM has officially launched commercial production at its Leuna biorefinery, marking a transformative step in replacing fossil-based raw materials with renewable, wood-based biochemicals.
Novonor concludes its divestment strategy by agreeing to sell its controlling interest in petrochemical giant Braskem to private equity firm IG4 Capital for BRL 20 billion.
Expert Analysis: FutureBio Inc. Advances Cost-Competitive, Recyclable Bioplastics
FutureBio Inc., a biotech startup headquartered in Berkeley, California, is emerging as a significant player in the sustainable materials sector with its focus on developing completely recyclable and cost-competitive plastics. Founded in 2024, the company’s core mission revolves around combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting a circular economy through innovative biomanufacturing solutions.
The company leverages advanced biotechnology, including strain engineering, metabolic engineering, protein design, and fermentation, to transform renewable biomass or waste feedstocks into high-performance monomers. These monomers are then polymerized to create materials with reprocessable and molecular-level recyclable networks, enabling both in-house scrap reuse and large-scale circularity. FutureBio claims its novel plastic can be completely depolymerized using hydrochloric acid, allowing for the reuse of decomposed biomass as new raw materials, thereby reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. A key differentiator highlighted by FutureBio is its assertion that these biorenewable plastics will make recycling more cost-effective than producing new plastic, creating a crucial economic incentive for businesses to adopt their solutions. The company is deploying AI to accelerate the development of these sustainable materials, optimizing processes from enzyme design to polymer formulation.
UPM Biochemicals has unveiled a novel bio-based, carbon-negative, and NIR-detectable black pigment designed to resolve sorting inefficiencies in premium black plastic packaging.
Concordia University has significantly upgraded its Genome Foundry and Bioprocessing facilities with a $5 million investment, enhancing its position as a leading Canadian hub for synthetic biology and sustainable biomanufacturing.
TotalEnergies Corbion showcased its Luminy® PLA innovations, highlighting its 100% biobased, recyclable, and industrially compostable nature, alongside successful chemical recycling advancements at a major Chinese conference.
Power2Polymers, a German startup, secured the top prize at the ISC3 Innovation Challenge 2025 for its pioneering sustainable and high-performance polymer products, which significantly reduce carbon footprint and offer an alternative to harmful PFAS chemicals.
CARBIOS and Wankai New Materials have finalized a landmark agreement to establish a joint venture for Asia’s first large-scale PET biorecycling plant in China, leveraging CARBIOS’s enzymatic depolymerization technology.
ALPLA and NTCP are piloting a solvent-based process in the Netherlands to produce food-safe recycled HDPE, supported by a Dutch government grant, aiming for industrial scale by 2030.
European Bioplastics’ 2025 Market Data Report projects a doubling of global biobased plastics production capacity by 2030, driven by increased demand and innovation across key sectors.
New landmark report reveals plastic pollution could more than double by 2040, but offers science-based pathway to reduce annual pollution by 83% through systemic transformation.
New landmark report reveals plastic pollution could more than double by 2040, but offers science-based pathway to reduce annual pollution by 83% through systemic transformation.
Rutgers University scientists have engineered novel plastics that naturally degrade under everyday conditions, offering a sustainable solution to plastic pollution without requiring specialized treatments. The breakthrough, led by Yuwei Gu and published in Nature Chemistry, allows for programmable material lifecycles, with potential applications ranging from packaging to timed drug-release capsules.
Ecopha Biotech and design partner Terra Sol Studio secured the 2025 InnovationAus Energy & Renewables Award for their groundbreaking carbon-negative PHA bioplastics, which are fully home-compostable and marine biodegradable, offering a scalable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
Emirates Biotech has launched ‘Embio’, a new series of plant-based PLA biopolymers, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics in the Middle East with local stock and lower minimum order quantities.
The European Commission has adopted a new Bioeconomy Strategy, explicitly integrating bio-based plastics into a coherent regulatory framework and preparing for legally binding targets, signaling a major shift in EU industrial policy.
At COP30, Kingfa’s Academician Li Jianjun presented the company’s full-chain carbon reduction pathway for the plastics industry, covering bio-based feedstock development, recycled content integration, and lifecycle carbon footprint calculation services.
EU Commission Regulation 2025/2269 corrects rules on labeling of recycled plastic, recycling technology development, and authorization transfers for food contact materials.
British company Carbon Cell has developed a carbon-negative, compostable, and plastic-free rigid foam from agricultural waste, offering a sustainable alternative to polystyrene for packaging and insulation.
TotalEnergies Corbion has selected Vichem as the official distributor for its Luminy PLA resins in Vietnam to expand the reach of biobased materials in the region.
Scientists in China have developed a high-performance bamboo bioplastic that surpasses conventional plastics in strength and heat resistance, while being fully biodegradable within 50 days and recyclable. This innovative material offers a compelling sustainable alternative for various industrial applications.
Renaissance BioScience and Biome Bioplastics launched a two-year, $1.06 million R&D initiative to develop renewable plastic alternatives for packaging and personal care.
Erg Bio has successfully secured $6.5 million in a seed funding round to accelerate the scale-up of its Aspire™ Technology, which converts agricultural and forestry wastes into sustainable aviation fuels and vital bio-based chemicals.
Blue Circle Olefins and Ducor Petrochemicals have announced a strategic partnership to establish a fully circular polypropylene value chain, targeting an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by supplying bio-based and carbon-recycled polypropylene.
TIPA Compostable Packaging has acquired Sealpap, a specialist in recyclable paper-based packaging, significantly broadening TIPA’s sustainable packaging portfolio to offer both compostable and recyclable solutions. This strategic move aims to help global brands meet environmental goals and comply with evolving EU regulations, reinforcing TIPA’s growth in circular packaging across Europe and North America.
CJ Biomaterials was recognized with the 2025 Innovation in Bioplastics Award for its advancements in biopolymer technology and sustainable materials, highlighting its leadership in the bioplastics industry.
FORVIA is supplying the instrument panel and center console for the all-new Renault Clio 6, incorporating 40% recycled plastics and advanced finishing techniques to enhance sustainability and user experience.
Braskem’s Sustainable Development Director called for stronger public policies to support biopolymer demand and R&D at COP30, emphasizing the company’s leadership in renewable polyethylene.
P2 Science and Algenesis Corporation have formed a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize 100% biobased and biodegradable polyurethanes derived from algae, aiming to replace petroleum-based plastics across various industries.
NaturePlast announced new-generation bioplastic formulations for technical filaments in fishing and construction nets, leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize performance characteristics for demanding applications.
Braskem America has announced expanded production capacity for its ‘I’m green’ bio-based polyethylene (PE), reinforcing its commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. This move significantly boosts the availability of a plant-based biopolymer for diverse applications.
Avantium and Logoplaste have solidified their partnership with a capacity reservation agreement for Avantium’s plant-based, recyclable polymer PEF, branded as ReLeaf®. This deal secures future volumes of ReLeaf for Logoplaste to accelerate sustainable, high-performance packaging innovation across diverse applications.
Teknor Apex completed the acquisition of Danimer Scientific, consolidating its position in the biodegradable biopolymer market and strengthening its production scalability and competitive dynamics.
SABIC introduced the first certified renewable-grade ULTEM resin, a bio-based engineering plastic with high heat resistance and mechanical strength for electronics and aerospace applications.
Corbion partnered with Nestlé to co-develop PHA-based barrier materials for shelf-stable, compostable food packaging, advancing circular packaging systems and sustainability commitments.
Braskem continues expansion of its $20 million Renewable Innovation Center in Massachusetts, targeting 1 million tons of annual bioproduct capacity by 2030 and advancing biopolymer R&D.
BASF enhanced its ecovio biodegradable mulch film portfolio, targeting diverse climate zones in Asia and Latin America, supporting sustainable agriculture and high-growth markets.
TripleW, supported by Sulzer Chemtech, launched the world’s first polylactic acid bioplastic made from food waste, marking significant innovation in sustainable bioplastics production from circular economy feedstocks.
Novamont obtained certificate of conformity with EU Fertilizer Regulation 2019/1009 for its Mater-Bi bioplastic, enabling new applications in the agricultural sector and expanding market opportunities.
Blue Ocean Closures (BOC) has announced a significant breakthrough, positioning its latest fibre screw caps to match or outperform fossil plastic in material cost while drastically reducing production energy requirements. This advancement marks a pivotal moment for sustainable and cost-efficient packaging alternatives.
CJ Biomaterials has partnered with Swedish company BIQ Materials to commercialize artificial turf infill made from PHACT™ PHA, a certified biodegradable biopolymer, targeting the European market in anticipation of the 2031 EU ban on petroleum-based infill.
CJ Biomaterials signed a partnership with BIQ Materials to produce artificial turf infill made with PHACT™ PHA, a certified biodegradable biopolymer, targeting the European market and supporting EU microplastic ban compliance.
Lenzing Group and OceanSafe have collaborated to introduce a next-generation yarn, combining TENCEL™ Lyocell - A100 fibers with biodegradable naNea co-polyester, offering a sustainable and high-performance alternative for various textile applications.
Honeywell successfully completed the spin-off of its Advanced Materials business, now operating as Solstice Advanced Materials, on October 30, 2025. This strategic move is part of Honeywell’s broader plan to establish three independent, focused market-leading companies, with further separations for its Automation and Aerospace businesses slated for the second half of 2026. Solstice Advanced Materials officially began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol “SOLS”.
Solstice Advanced Materials emerges as a leading global specialty materials company, building on a heritage spanning over 130 years in advanced materials science. The company is dedicated to delivering high-performance solutions across diverse critical industries. Its business is structured into two main segments: Refrigerants & Applied Solutions, which accounts for approximately 72% of its net sales, and Electronic & Specialty Materials, making up the remaining 28%. Solstice’s product portfolio includes essential items such as refrigerants, advanced materials for semiconductor manufacturing, protective fibers, and healthcare packaging. In 2024, the assets now comprising Solstice generated approximately $3.8 billion in net sales and employed nearly 4,000 individuals worldwide. The spin-off aims to allow Solstice to pursue its own growth strategies and allocate capital more efficiently as an independent, publicly traded entity.
Agilyx has completed the acquisition of a 44% stake in GreenDot Global, a significant move to strengthen its European market presence and establish a global platform for supplying feedstock to the advanced recycling industry.
Granulous
Agricultural Materials
Bio-Based
EU Funding
Sustainable Farming
Compostable
Granulous launches a development project co-funded by the EU to create nutrient-containing bio-based materials for agricultural applications and a proprietary cost-effective polymer solution, aiming to expand into international markets with innovative material technologies.
Polykar has announced a $20 million investment to double the production capacity of its Edmonton facility, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable packaging and the circular economy in Western Canada.
Researchers at Empa have developed a revolutionary biodegradable circuit board that allows electronic waste to decompose naturally, tackling the global e-waste crisis through bioplastic innovation.
CJ Biomaterials launches PHA extrusion coating platform for paper/board, introduces PHACT masterbatch, partners with BIQ Materials for artificial turf infill, and appoints Allan Chung as CEO to lead next growth phase.
Asahi Kasei will introduce its innovative PFAS-free polyamide compounds and an advanced carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) recycling technology at the upcoming K 2025 trade fair.
Westlake Corporation has strategically expanded its materials portfolio by acquiring ACI Compounding Solutions, a move aimed at bolstering its presence in sustainable and high-performance plastic compounding.
Asahi Kasei has successfully achieved high-yield, high-purity biomethane production from organic waste biogas, advancing sustainable feedstock availability for chemical and polymer manufacturing.
TotalEnergies’ Grandpuits platform in France is undergoing a major €500 million conversion to become a zero-crude facility by mid-2025, focusing on sustainable aviation fuel, plastic recycling, and renewable energy production.
PTTMCC
Compostify
BioPBS
PLA
Home Compostable
New Zealand
Drop-in Bioplastic
PTTMCC announces collaboration with Compostify, a New Zealand clean-tech innovator offering a patent-pending home-compostable bioplastic made from BioPBS, PLA, and biowaste that decomposes in soil within a year without industrial composting.
Lubrizol has launched new readily biodegradable polymers, Carbopol® BioSense Polymer and Sensomer™ Cassia 115 Polymer, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable chemistry in personal care and other industries.
Department of Defense
DoD
DBIMP
Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing
Bioindustrial Manufacturing
Biomanufacturing
Defense Industrial Base
Erg Bio
Bioeconomy
Supply Chain Resilience
When the U.S. Department of Defense talks about supply chain resilience, it does not reach for metaphors. It writes contracts, sets milestones, and measures progress in tonnes of domestic production capacity. On September 13, 2024, the DoD announced 12 additional awards under its Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP), bringing the programme’s cumulative investment to $42 million across 25 projects — a deliberate, phased effort to build a distributed, domestic bioindustrial base capable of producing critical materials at scale, on demand, and without reliance on fragile global logistics.
PTT MCC Biochem
Nordic Bioproducts Group
BioPBS
AaltoCell
Coffee Capsules
Home Compostable
Cellulosic Fibers
PTT MCC Biochem and Nordic Bioproducts Group sign an MOU to combine BioPBS™ with AaltoCell™ cellulosic fibers, targeting home-compostable coffee capsules, cutlery, and containers with superior heat resistance and bio-based content.
Lummus Technology and RWDC Industries progress from an MOU to a binding Joint Development and Commercial Cooperation Agreement to rapidly expand manufacturing and global licensing of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), combining Lummus’s process technology expertise with RWDC’s PHA production capabilities.
Bluepha
TotalEnergies Corbion
PHA
PLA
China
Biopolymer
MOU
Bluepha and TotalEnergies Corbion have signed a memorandum of understanding to combine Bluepha® PHA with Luminy® PLA technology, aiming to accelerate market adoption of high-performance biopolymer solutions in China.
Trinseo and RWDC Industries announce an exclusive partnership to develop PHA dispersion technology for water-based barrier coatings in paper and paperboard packaging, targeting recyclable and compostable alternatives to polyethylene laminates and fluorochemicals.
Green Dot Bioplastics
Terratek BD
Compostable
Living Hinge
Injection Molding
Green Dot Bioplastics announces a breakthrough in compostable packaging with new Terratek® BD injection molding grades that enable fully compostable living hinges — a component that has long stymied sustainable packaging development.
PTT MCC Biochem
International Fibres Group
BioPBS
Staple Fibres
Nonwoven
Compostable
PTT MCC Biochem and International Fibres Group announce a strategic marketing partnership to promote novel BioPBS™-based staple fibres, combining PTTMCC’s bio-based polybutylene succinate technology with IFG’s staple fibre manufacturing expertise.
