Global Chemicals, Materials & Energy News and Trends (Aug 4–10, 2025)

1. Policy & International Negotiations

Global Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks

• What happened: Sixth round of UN negotiations in Geneva on a global plastic treaty.

• Key divide: Many countries support mandatory production caps and unified regulations. Major petrochemical nations – US, China, India, Saudi Arabia – push for voluntary recycling instead.

• Latest stance: The US formally opposed production caps, aligning with Saudi Arabia and Russia, risking a weaker, recycling-focused agreement.

• Why it matters: Based on The Lancet report on microplastic health risks, environmental groups are calling for a “Paris Agreement”-style legally binding treaty.

New Proposals for Global Mineral Governance

• Global Mineral Trust: Proposed by the UN to share and recycle critical minerals like lithium and cobalt to ensure stable clean energy supply.

• Challenges: Resistance from major resource holders over control concerns.

• Think Tank Suggestion: Create an International Materials Organization to coordinate policies, stabilize prices, and reduce geopolitical risks.

  
  

2. Corporate & Market Developments

DuPont Reaches Record $2 B PFAS Settlement

• Parties: DuPont, Chemours, Corteva with the State of New Jersey.

• Settlement details:

  • $ 2 B total – largest environmental settlement in NJ history.

  • 25-year payment plan, dedicated cleanup fund, and risk reserve.

• Impact: Signals tightening environmental liability enforcement across the chemical industry.

EU Launches “Critical Chemicals Alliance”

• Objective: Strengthen domestic chemical production and reduce import dependency.

• Measures:

  • “EU content” standards in procurement.

  • Simplified labeling rules.

  • Launch of “Critical Molecules Act”.

• Benefit: Estimated €363M annual savings for industry.

Metlen Energy & Metals Shifts to London Main Market

• Valuation: Over € 6 B.

• Listing: London Stock Exchange main market (Aug 4, 2025) + secondary listing in Athens.

• Business scope: Gas-fired power, renewables, bauxite and gallium.

Mitsubishi Materials Cuts Copper Smelting, Boosts Recycling

• Reason: Deteriorating treatment charges.

• Strategy: Reduce smelting output and increase recycled feedstock use to avoid exposure to volatile fees.

MP Materials Sees 120% Surge in Nd Pr Output

• Drivers: Strong defense & electronics demand, US government support for strategic minerals autonomy.

• Growth: Nd Pr output +120% YoY in Q2 2025.

Australia Backs Trafigura Smelter with $ 87 M

• Goal: Extract defense- and tech-critical metals from by-products.

• Context: Reduce reliance on China-dominated supply chains for lead and zinc processing.

  
  

3. Industry Trends & Energy Market

Oil Prices Hit 2025 Highs

• Brent: ~$79.66/bbl

• WTI: ~$76.84/bbl

• Drivers: Output cut expectations + global demand recovery.

Green & Circular Economy Initiatives

• Focus areas:

  • Recycling & circular feedstocks.

  • Bio-based raw materials.

  • Green hydrogen.

  • Sustainable materials for mobility, energy, and packaging.