- In May 2024, Kydex and Kasiglas formed a collaboration to develop a transparent aviation-grade polymer. Originally created for aircraft interiors, Kydex—now produced by Sekisui Kydex, LLC—is a thermoplastic brand known for durability. The newly developed advanced polymer offers scratch resistance and is designed for use in specialized cabin features such as decorative panels and accent components
- In January 2024, BASF opened a new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plant at the Zhanjiang Verbund site, marking its largest single TPU manufacturing facility globally. This strategic expansion significantly enhances BASF’s production capacity and supply chain resilience in Asia-Pacific, the leading region in the smart polymer market. The facility strengthens the availability of high-performance TPUs, which are widely used in smart applications such as wearable electronics, medical devices, and adaptive automotive components. By reinforcing its regional manufacturing footprint, BASF is well-positioned to meet growing demand from local and international customers, thus accelerating the adoption of smart polymers across emerging end-user sectors
- In February 2022, DuPont entered into an agreement with Celanese Corporation to divest its engineering polymer business, aiming to streamline operations and focus on high-growth segments such as advanced materials and smart healthcare solutions. This move allows DuPont to reallocate resources toward R&D in smart polymers, including shape memory and stimuli-responsive materials used in drug delivery and diagnostics. At the same time, Celanese gains access to a broad engineering materials portfolio, which it can leverage for innovation in automotive and electronics applications, further expanding the smart polymer value chain and competitive intensity in the market
- In March 2022, BASF signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Zhejiang REEF Technology Co., Ltd. to enhance the quality of recycled engineered plastic, highlighting a growing emphasis on sustainability in the smart polymer industry. The partnership focuses on improving the performance and consistency of recycled plastics, making them suitable for smart applications such as self-healing coatings and electronic casings. This initiative supports circular economy goals and aligns with global trends pushing for eco-friendly material solutions, ultimately expanding the scope of smart polymer use while reducing environmental impact
