Global Chemicals and Materials Industry News (June 16–22, 2025)
- zhang Claire
- Jun 23, 2025
- 1 min read
Chemical Recycling & Circular Economy
Eni launches demo plant for chemical recycling of mixed plastics
Italy’s energy giant Eni, via its subsidiary Versalis, unveiled a demonstration plant in Mantua designed to chemically recycle mixed plastic waste. The “Hoop” technology enables conversion of plastic waste into raw materials suitable for food-grade and pharmaceutical use. A full-scale industrial plant is planned in Priolo, Sicily by 2029, as part of a broader €2 billion investment to transform Eni’s chemical business into a circular model.
Decarbonization Challenges in the Chemical Industry
Chemical sector struggles to shift from fossil fuels despite pilot progress
Although pilot projects like Denmark’s first commercial e-methanol plant and efforts in green hydrogen, plasma cracking, and electrification are underway, the chemical industry remains highly reliant on fossil resources.
The sector accounts for 5–6% of global emissions and could double by 2050 without intervention.
Over 70% of major chemical firms have set carbon neutrality targets for 2050, but only a few—like Air Liquide and Incitec Pivot—have credible implementation plans.
Projects like BASF and SABIC’s electrified steam crackers are in progress but face scale-up and power cost challenges.
https://www.chemwi.com/category/environmental-protection-and-carbon-reduction
Breakthroughs in Materials and Photocatalysis
Photon-driven reactions show promise for low-temperature industrial chemistry
Scientists at the Center for Sustainable Light-Driven Chemistry in California demonstrated multi-photon LED-powered reactions that mimic photosynthesis, potentially reducing industrial reliance on high temperature and pressure. In South Korea, researchers developed a boron-phosphorus doped cobalt-phosphide catalyst that may significantly lower the cost of hydrogen production.Other notable materials developments include:
“Invisible wave”-driven metamaterials with adaptive deformation;
Stretchable silicone gels with light-emitting and conductive properties;
Pt–Ni heterostructures for enhanced oxygen evolution in alkaline conditions.
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