The petrochemical sector faces a prolonged downturn and a shift toward sustainability

The global petrochemical industry is bracing for a significant transformation, as a deep and extended downturn is expected to close many outdated plants, leading to more sustainable operations powered by low-carbon solutions and recycling technologies.

Alexander H. Tullo reports for Chemical & Engineering News.

In short:

Overcapacity and rising production costs are pushing many older petrochemical plants, especially in Europe, to shut down by the end of the decade.
Companies are investing in low-carbon hydrogen and recycled plastics technologies to meet environmental goals, with several projects launching by 2028.
China's economic slowdown is reducing demand growth, further exacerbating the petrochemical market’s recovery challenges.

Key quote:

“We are in a trough; it’s wide, relatively deep, and the recovery is in 2028 onward.”

— Dewey Johnson, senior vice president at CMA

Why this matters:

The petrochemical industry, historically reliant on fossil fuels, is undergoing a major shift. Decarbonization and recycling innovations will help reduce its environmental impact, but the process could mean job losses and economic shifts in regions dependent on older plants.

cen.acs.org

The petrochemical sector faces a prolonged downturn and a shift toward sustainability

Chemical giant, climate skeptics vie for seats on EPA science panel

Nutritionist Marion Nestle weighs in on 'What to Eat Now'

With Trump absent from COP30 talks, the world moves on without U.S.

Podcast: Will we artificially cool the planet?

Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all COP30 delegations except Brazil, report says

European Parliament backs diluted 2040 climate targets

Opponents say bill bolstering Ohio's orphan well program is too generous to the oil and gas industry

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.