Mitsui Chemicals Expands Into Africa! Five Major Projects by Wanhua Chemical Announced! Sabic's PC Recycling Project Lands in Zhangjiagang

This week's major news: Mitsui Chemicals signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria's Dangote to expand into the African market; Wanhua Chemical announced five major projects covering polyurethane, petrochemicals, and new materials; Shengxiao's PC dissolution and regeneration project officially settled in Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone.

In terms of production capacity, Nippon Shokubai has built a new 50,000-ton SAP plant in Indonesia; Xuyang Chemical plans to construct a 230,000-ton nylon new materials project; Pujienenghua has successfully started up a 40,000-ton ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene project; Fuchun Dyeing and Weaving is expanding into the PEEK new materials sector.

In terms of material innovation, SABIC launched a non-halogenated flame-retardant modified material to enhance electric vehicle safety; Henkel released a hot melt adhesive specifically for PET bottle labeling; Enhulai jointly developed an engineering plastic robotic gearbox solution; Enco Optical's PC automotive front windshield received EU certification.

For more industry news, please read this week's [Weekly New Material Plastic Delivery].

Company News

Mitsui Chemicals, expanding into Africa

On August 21, Mitsui Chemicals announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria's Dangote and consulting firm AAIC Holdings to explore the possibility of cooperation in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. Dangote Industries Limited, established in 1981, is a diversified manufacturing enterprise and owns the largest oil refinery in Africa. The refinery is designed to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with an annual processing capacity of approximately 32.5 million tons. Once operational, it can fully meet Nigeria's demand for all refined products, with surpluses of each product available for export. It is reported that this refinery, which took 11 years to prepare and involved a massive investment of up to $23 billion, began operations early last year. The refinery will produce gasoline and diesel that meet European standards, as well as aviation fuel and polypropylene.

Junhua Co., Ltd. has initiated its IPO counseling, with Guotai Haitong as the counseling institution.

On August 21, according to the website of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, Jiangsu Junhua Special Polymer Materials Co., Ltd. has initiated its IPO counseling, with Guotai Haitong as the counseling institution. The counseling filing report shows that the controlling shareholder is Shanghai Junhua Qicheng Consulting Management Co., Ltd., holding a 49.4747% stake.

Nippon Shokubai builds new SAP facility in Indonesia.

Recently, Nippon Shokubai announced that its subsidiary, PT. Nippon Shokubai Indonesia (NSI), is constructing a new superabsorbent polymer (SAP) plant in Cilegon, Indonesia. The total investment in the project is USD 110 million, and upon completion, the plant will have an annual SAP production capacity of 50,000 tons. The new factory is expected to be completed in January 2027, and after it is put into operation, Nippon Shokubai Group’s total annual production capacity will reach 760,000 tons.

Wanhua Chemical acquires Connell's specialty isocyanate business.

On August 14, Wanhua Chemical submitted a proposal to acquire Vencorex's specialty isocyanate business in France through its Hungarian subsidiary, Borsodchem. The transaction is valued at approximately 1.2 million euros, with a commitment to invest 19 million euros by 2027. It involves Vencorex's production facility near Grenoble, France, as well as its only HDI monomer production base.

Wanhua Chemical Announces Five Major Projects! Covering Polyurethanes, Petrochemicals, Fine Chemicals, and New Materials.

Recently, Wanhua Chemical announced five major projects, aiming to consolidate its core business advantages through capacity expansion and technological upgrades, while accelerating a full-chain layout in the new energy battery materials sector. Its business covers three major segments: polyurethane, petrochemicals, fine chemicals, and new materials. The five projects are as follows: Phase I capacity expansion and technological upgrade of the polyurethane curing agent project; construction of a new 400,000 tons/year QH project by Wanhua Chemical (Penglai); 20,000 tons/year PTBP capacity expansion and renovation project by Wanhua Chemical (Yantai); construction of a new 960,000 tons/year PVC project by Wanrong New Materials (Fujian); and 120,000 tons/year iron phosphate capacity expansion project by Wanhua Chemical (Sichuan). In terms of performance, Wanhua achieved a revenue of 90.901 billion RMB in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 6.35%.

Hengli Chemical was merged.

Recently, Hengli Petrochemical announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Hengli Refining & Chemical will absorb and merge Hengli Chemical to optimize the management structure and improve operational efficiency. The merger reference date is July 31, 2025. After completion, Hengli Refining & Chemical will continue to operate, and Hengli Chemical will be legally deregistered. Both companies are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Hengli Petrochemical, and their financial statements have been consolidated into the company's combined financial reports. This absorption and merger will not have a significant impact on the company and is intended to reduce management costs and promote enterprise quality improvement and efficiency enhancement.

Shengxiao PCThe dissolution and regeneration project has officially settled in Zhangjiagang.

On August 19th, the signing ceremony for Trinseo's polycarbonate (PC) dissolution recycling project was held in the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone. Han Wei, Secretary of the Zhangjiagang Municipal Committee, Frank Bozich, CEO of Trinseo, Han Hendriks, Senior Vice President of Trinseo, and Arthas Yang, Senior Vice President and President of Trinseo Asia Pacific, attended the event together.

As early as 2023, Trinseo launched a pilot plant for polycarbonate (PC) dissolution at its site in Terneuzen, Netherlands. After a comprehensive technical and commercial evaluation in 2024, it was decided to implement the PC dissolution and regeneration project at the Zhangjiagang site.

"Dissolution recycling" is a physical recycling method that uses solvents to extract the desired polymer. The extracted polymer is used to manufacture new recycled polymers. Shengxiao possesses advanced dissolution technology, and the PC extracted after dissolution is 100% recycled PC, which can be blended into new materials for various applications.

Including TPUOptical thin films! Changxin New Materials with an annual production of 13,000.Groundbreaking Ceremony for the High-Performance Multilayer Optical Film Project

On August 18, Changxin New Material Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Ningbo Qianwan production base. The project has a total investment of approximately 1 billion RMB, with a planned land area of 80 mu and a total construction area of 115,337.92 square meters. The project will be constructed in two phases to build a modern intelligent factory. The first phase will cover 89,833.14 square meters, and the second phase will cover 25,504.78 square meters, aiming to create a specialized base integrating production, research and development, and supporting facilities.

Another major company crosses into PEEK.Industry! Domestic production capacity may reach 10,000.

Recently, Fuchun Dyeing and Weaving completed the election and re-election of its board of directors and announced its high-profile entry into the new materials sector. The company plans to build a large-scale intelligent industrial base on its headquarters' development zone, investing in the establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary to focus on the research, innovation, and industrialization of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK). The total investment for this initiative amounts to 50 million yuan, with plans for additional capital injection based on the progress of the industry development in the future.

Capacity Dynamics

4ten thousand tons/Year! The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene project has been successfully commissioned.

Recently, the 40,000-ton/year ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) project at PuJie Energy & Chemical was successfully commissioned in a single attempt, achieving smooth operation throughout the entire process. The project uses surplus ethylene from the company’s MTO and olefin separation units, as well as hydrogen-rich gas from the methanol center, with hexane as a solvent, to produce high molecular weight polyethylene products. These products are used in the manufacture of sheets, bulletproof vests, ropes and cables, pipes, and special-shaped parts. The project is expected to generate an annual profit of 87 million yuan.

Xuyang Chemical’s Deployment 2310,000 tons/Nylon new material of the year

On August 14, the first public announcement of the environmental impact assessment for the Cangzhou Xuyang Chemical Co., Ltd. project with an annual production capacity of 230,000 tons of nylon new materials was released. The project mainly involves the construction of the main plant, warehouses, a natural gas thermal station, and other supporting auxiliary facilities. It will establish four production lines for nylon new materials and purchase 22 sets of major equipment, including reactors, extraction towers, drying towers, and storage tanks. Upon completion, Xuyang Chemical will have an annual production capacity of 230,000 tons of nylon new materials, including 70,000 tons of fully matte high-speed cut chips, 70,000 tons of semi-matte high-speed cut chips, 70,000 tons of film-grade chips, and 20,000 tons of differentiated nylon chips.

Innovative materials

SABICLaunch non-halogen flame-retardant modified materialsEnhancing the safety performance of electric vehicle control units

According to foreign media reports, chemical company Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has launched an LNP™ THERMOCOMP™ WFC061I modified material, which features excellent non-brominated/non-chlorinated flame retardancy (FR) designed to enhance the safety and functionality of critical components such as electric vehicle control units (EVCU). This new specialty material has been awarded the 2025 Edison Award and is especially suitable for manufacturing enclosures for various applications. With its outstanding structural performance, it effectively protects internal sensitive electronic parts from fire/smoke, impact, moisture, and other potential threats.

Henkel launches products for PETHot melt adhesive for bottle labeling!

Henkel has launched a new hot melt adhesive, Technomelt EM 335 RE, designed to address the issues associated with traditional hot melt adhesives and enable clean separation of PET bottle labels. Technomelt EM 335 RE features alkali dispersibility, achieving a removal rate of up to 98%. The adhesive residues are separated from the material stream together with the label residues. This new adhesive offers excellent performance and is an ideal choice for both paper and plastic labels.

According to Henkel, this adhesive can reliably apply up to 40,000 bottle labels per hour, with a processing temperature as low as 110-140°C, which protects equipment, saves energy, and enhances operational stability. In addition, its formulation is free of mineral oils and complies with food-related regulations, making it suitable for sensitive applications.

Sinochem Quanzhou Mass Production of Metal-Polyethylene Pipes

Recently, Sinochem Quanzhou Petrochemical Co., Ltd. has achieved large-scale production of a new generation of heat-resistant polyethylene pipe material developed using metallocene catalysts. It is reported that this material possesses excellent heat resistance and temperature stability, allowing for long-term use under harsh working conditions of 70°C and 0.8 MPa. Additionally, the material exhibits outstanding resistance to temperature fluctuations, maintaining stability in environments with alternating hot and cold temperatures, and is not prone to cracking or deformation due to thermal stress. Furthermore, the material also demonstrates good flexibility, chemical resistance, and low-temperature impact resistance.

Material Application

Amcor and FlüggerDevelop an attractive 50% PCRPlastic paint container

Amcor has partnered with Flügger to launch a new type of paint container that is more energy-efficient and visually striking, made from 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, featuring a custom blue closely associated with the Flügger brand identity.

The new container is part of Flügger's strategic goal to reduce the use of virgin plastic by increasing the proportion of recycled materials in the packaging, without affecting product quality or user experience. It also meets the requirements of various voluntary labeling programs, such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, which is widely used in Scandinavia.

Wanhua Chemical ×Xingyu Co., Ltd. Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreement to Build a New Future for the Automotive Lighting Industry Together

Facing the transformation of the automotive industry towards intelligence, lightweight, and electrification, especially the higher requirements that new energy vehicles impose on headlamp materials in terms of weather resistance, optical performance, lightweight, and environmental friendliness, both parties will focus on the innovative research, development, and application of key materials such as high-performance PC and PMMA. Through joint technological efforts and resource sharing, they will collaboratively develop next-generation headlamp solutions that meet cutting-edge demands.

Enhua Power and SENTImotionFugen Group collaborates to achieve breakthroughs, empowering the mass production of high-cost-performance robots.

Enhuali, SENTImotion, and Fugen Group have collaborated to develop a new robotic arm gearbox solution based on advanced engineering materials. Unlike traditional metal or ordinary plastic designs, this innovative solution helps achieve cost-effective mass production of lightweight, high-efficiency robots.

The gearbox solution named SMFdrives uses Stanyl from Envalior as its core component.^®The gearbox is made of PA46 material. Thanks to the properties of polyamide 46 and its low-density design, the weight of this gearbox is only about half that of similar metal products. Since the gear components can be mass-produced economically through precision injection molding, the production cost can be significantly reduced by about 50%. This gearbox design better meets the requirements for long-term durability, ensuring that various mechanical indicators satisfy the safe and reliable operation of robots throughout their entire lifecycle.

Nikko Optical and Asahi Kasei jointly develop PC.The car windshield has passed the EU E-MARK certification.

In the global trend of automotive lightweighting, the 6mm polycarbonate (PC) automotive windshield jointly developed by Jiangsu Anko Optical Materials Co., Ltd. (ANKO) and Asahi Kasei Corporation of Japan has obtained the EMARK certification issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (certificate number: E8*43R01/11*17083*00). This means that domestically produced PC windshields have, for the first time, qualified for entry into the high-end automotive market in the European Union.

The product utilizes silicone coating technology and is manufactured through an extrusion molding process, featuring a standard thickness of 6mm and a curved dimension of 900mm×900mm. Notably, its outer surface meets the EU's highest standard L-level abrasion class (Light abrasion class), with a haze increase of no more than 2% after 1000 cycles of abrasion testing, outperforming the performance of ordinary PC materials.

Recycled TPEApplication Case of Automotive Pedal Exterior Parts: Empowering Recycled Plastics to Enter the Green and High-end Market

The Thermolast® R RC/UV/AP series, launched by global TPE manufacturer Kraiburg TPE, offers an eco-friendly upgrade solution for automotive exterior parts such as pedals. Featuring a recycled content of 15%–40%, this series ensures mechanical performance and service life while helping OEMs achieve carbon reduction goals and regulatory compliance.

ProAmpac, a packaging company in the United StatesLaunch of recyclable polyolefin-based block cheese packaging

American packaging company ProAmpac has announced the official commercial launch of its ProActive recyclable polyolefin-based packaging platform, specifically designed for high-speed block cheese packaging applications. This launch marks a significant advancement in the field of recyclable dairy packaging. "These specialized films offer excellent abrasion resistance and have successfully passed rigorous transportation tests, ensuring reliable protection for products throughout the entire process from production to distribution," said Ebrahim Jalali Dil, ProAmpac's Global Senior Innovation Leader. "The platform provides a range of barrier options tailored to different cheese forms and moisture contents, offering dairy brands the versatility and performance needed to maintain product freshness and shelf appeal."

CortecLaunch 100%Bio-based packaging film

Cortec® has launched its latest bioplastic product, achieving great success in the bio-based component sector. Eco Works® 100 is a certified industrial compostable packaging film (TÜV Austria, #TA8012509046) containing 100% USDA certified bio-based components, serving as an alternative to petroleum-based products. In a world where many are seeking environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, Eco Works® 100 offers a diverse market bioplastic option for those looking to maximize bio-based content and reduce dependence on petroleum.

Editor: Lily