PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
As of February 3, 2026, the UK has launched its first official PFAS Plan to coordinate exposure reduction. Meanwhile, France's ban on PFAS in consumer textiles and cosmetics took full effect this month, marking a major regulatory shift for manufacturers.
REGULATORY ALERT →
Cobalt & Critical Minerals
Cobalt is high on the business analytics list this month as the EU just approved its use in specific toy applications (Feb 2026). Simultaneously, the US Defense Logistics Agency is targeting a massive tender for alloy-grade cobalt to secure critical stockpiles.
SUPPLY CHAIN →
Aromatics (Benzene & Styrene)
Petrochemical shipments of benzene and toluene from South Korea saw a significant decline in late January 2026. Analytics show a global oversupply and declining prices, prompting industry analysts to monitor production cuts in major Asian refineries.
MARKET INSIGHT →
Advanced Circular Polymers
Chemical recycling of mixed plastics has emerged as the top investment trend in early 2026. New facilities from players like Veolia are reaching full capacity, converting hard-to-recycle feedstock into high-purity recycled chemical building blocks.
SUSTAINABILITY →
Lithium & Dry Battery Materials
Q1 2026 financial reports highlight a surge in interest for dry battery electrode chemicals. With major EV manufacturers shifting away from wet processing, specialized lithium compounds are seeing increased demand for domestic battery manufacturing lines.
TECH TRACKER →