The furanics market is moving in different directions with current activity shows a US retrenchment around Origin Materials, continued European commercialization through Avantium and ResiCare, and expanding Chinese activity around furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), polyethylene furanoate (PEF) and other furan-based polymer applications.
Origin Materials has moved toward liquidation after scaling back its biomass-to-chemicals platform and later announcing plans to sell its PET cap technology and remaining assets, followed by a wind-down of its operations. Origin had previously promoted a furanics platform based on converting lignocellulosic feedstock into chloromethyl furfural (CMF), for potential downstream use in PET precursor paraxylene, FDCA and PEF. By 2023-2024, the company shifted Origin 1 in Sarnia, Ontario, to “on demand” operation for customer sample production. After this, the company ceased further investment in furanics, and more recently, recorded impairment charges related to Origin 1 and Origin 2 and a $165.9 million impairment of assets before announcing its wind-down plan on May 1, 2026.
In Europe, Avantium continues to commission its FDCA flagship plant in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, while also expanding FDCA and PEF applications through commercial partnerships. On April 30, 2026, the company said the titanium weld repair program at the Delfzijl plant had been completed, utilities and the Sugar DeHydration unit were operational, and work remained focused on final commissioning and start-up steps for the oxidation and purification units. Avantium expected timelines for plant start-up and sales under its off-take agreements were unchanged, with commercial product sales still expected in the second half of 2026.
Michelin Group’s ResiCare is advancing furanics-related activity in Europe through the CERISEA project at the GIE OSIRIS industrial platform in Péage-de-Roussillon, France. The project was officially launched in April 2025, construction began in spring 2025, with operations targeted in 2029. Europe is also not immune to the difficulties of commercializing furan-based derivatives and polymers. Several European companies that were once active in this space have either shelved their furanics planned projects or declared bankruptcies.
China is a different story. Several Chinese companies are actively marketing FDCA, PEF and other furan-based polymers as product platforms for packaging, fibers and other materials. Green D Market Analytics’ GreenDMA Portal (subscription required) has mapped Chinese plants and projects covering various furan-based intermediates, tracking capacity, location, project stage, and commercialization status.
That type of analysis is an important strategic tool for companies assessing the broader competitive landscape between fossil-based and renewable chemicals, especially in sectors where feedstock economics, policy support, import substitution, and downstream demand can quickly shift the supply picture. In China, a new bio-based platform chemical project can alter the outlook for adjacent fossil-based intermediates, derivatives, and polymer chains, and vice versa.
For this month’s update, here are our latest curated news and analysis, some of which are featured in the GreenDMA Portal:
- AROMATICS: European partnership on circular aromatics.
- BUTADIENE: European partnership on low-carbon butadiene production.
- BUTANOL: Renewed bio-butanol feedstock supply in the UK.
- DIACIDS: GDMA lists new bio-based succinic acid producers in China.
- DIOLS: Primient launches new business unit. Oqema partners with Chinese producer of bio-based 1,3-butylene glycol. Several announcements on bio-based 1,4-BDO downstream partnerships in China.
- EPICHLOROHYDRIN: More Chinese investments in glycerine-based ECH capacity despite industry overcapacity. Indian bio-based ECH plant starts operation.
- ETHYLENE: European bio-based ethyl acetate plant construction in progress. European partnership in low-carbon ethylene oxide.
- FURANICS: FDCA supply agreement with two Chinese companies. Bio-based THF and PTMEG plant in China reaches mechanical completion. ResiCare launches new HMF-based phenolic resins for composites.
- METHANOL: Reality check on China’s biomass-based methanol projects. New US-based bio-methanol projects targeted.
- PHA: European PHA consortia updates
- PLA: Price increase announced for PLA resins. NatureWorks officially opens second PLA facility located in Thailand. New ownership of European PLA facility.
- POLYOLS: Bio-based polyols producers tout stable pricing.
SURFACTANT UPDATES: Several start-up companies launched fermentation-based lipids for cosmetics and personal care. AmphiStar announced the launch of its new biosurfactant platform, AmphiNova. A Chinese company announced its glycolipid platform.
Green D Market Analytics’ new 243-page report, “Detailed Assessment of the Renewable Surfactants Market” is now available for purchase.
Contact us at admin@greendma.com for more information.
The GreenDMA Portal is unique in its ability to provide current data on the renewable chemicals market, including Capacity, Product Profiles, Market Players, Market Share, New Investments, New Plants, Critical Industry News, and analyses. Find out more at greendma.com/portal.
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