Robert Kaiser promoted at SI Group
SI Group has announced the promotion of Robert Kaiser to the position of senior vice president, strategic marketing. He will also join the company’s Executive Leadership Team.
Chemical industry
News Plastech
Neste to invest over EUR 400 million in Porvoo refinery maintenance turnaround
Neste will carry out an approximately nine-week maintenance turnaround at its Porvoo refinery in 2026. The project, valued at more than EUR 400 million, is intended to ensure the plant's safety, availability and competitiveness, without affecting fuel deliveries to customers.
SI Group and Shengxiao form a joint venture in China
SI Group and Shengxiao Group have established Shengnova Advanced Materials to accelerate the expansion of biphenol production capacity in China. The project is intended to increase regional supply of the material for customers across Asia-Pacific.
SI Group celebrates 100 years of the Pratteln plant
SI Group is celebrating the 100th anniversary of manufacturing operations at its Pratteln facility in Switzerland. The jubilee highlights the site’s role in producing specialty chemical intermediates and in maintaining long-term relationships with customers and the local community.
PCC plans to integrate PCC MCAA into the PCC Rokita Group
PCC Rokita has signed a letter of intent with PCC SE regarding the planned contribution in kind of PCC MCAA and MCAA SE. The estimated value of the entities is approximately PLN 289 million, and the transaction is intended to be non-cash.
13th Polska Chemia Congress on industrial resilience
At the 13th Polska Chemia Congress, the main themes were the competitiveness of the European chemical industry, energy costs, EU ETS, CBAM and transformation financing. Participants pointed to the need for a coherent industrial policy and greater regulatory predictability.
Europe needs chemicals for economic security
The European chemical industry is grappling with declining competitiveness, high energy costs and regulatory pressure. In the interview, the PIPC president indicates that without a strong chemical base, Europe will not maintain its economic security or investment capacity.
Evonik realigns innovation toward market needs and growth
Evonik is reorganizing its innovation activities to accelerate commercialization and increase business resilience. A key element is the Innovation Factory, which, according to the company, could support revenue growth by up to EUR 300 million by 2032.
Grupa Azoty agrees debt restructuring terms
Grupa Azoty has signed a term sheet with financing institutions setting out the preliminary terms of its long-term debt restructuring. The document provides the framework for the target financing agreement and includes, among other things, a new repayment schedule and a planned share issue.
Grupa Azoty improved EBITDA in the first quarter of 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, Grupa Azoty reported sales revenue of PLN 3.70 billion and EBITDA of PLN 317 million. Operating performance improved year on year, supported by the Agro segment and a positive result in the Chemicals segment.
Clariant receives FDA approval for Licocare RBW additives
Clariant has obtained FDA approval for the use of bio-based Licocare RBW additives in rigid PVC for food-contact applications. The authorization covers the full product range and extends the company’s previous approval beyond polyester materials.
Clariant catalysts continue to shrink customer footprints
Clariant reported that in 2025 its catalysts enabled the avoidance of 45 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. This was 5 million tonnes more than in 2024, with reductions achieved in areas including DRI production, nitric acid and green methanol.
