Todays Global Intelligence: 14 October 2026

Biobased chemicals: Germany. Verbio is starting large-scale production of bio-based chemicals with an investment of nearly EUR 100 million. Today the Company is officially commissioning the world’s first large-scale ethenolysis plant based on rapeseed methyl ester at its Bitterfeld site. The new plant is capable of producing up to 60,000 tonnes of bio-based chemicals annually – high-quality renewable carbon compounds that can replace fossil-based raw materials in lubricants, detergents and cleaning products, as well as plastics. The technological basis of the new production process is ethenolysis, a specific form of olefin metathesis. Special catalysts from Verbio’s Hungarian subsidiary, XiMo, play a key role in this process. They enable a targeted conversion of the carbon compounds in rapeseed methyl ester into new molecules for chemical applications. Link 14/10/2026.

Bioeconomy: Russia. Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said the bioeconomy development strategy through 2036 has been approved. The document sets out the sector's priorities for the years ahead. The national project "Technological Support for the Bioeconomy" was approved in late 2025. It includes three basic federal projects: "Organising Production and Stimulating Sales of Bioeconomy Products," "Scientific and Technological Support for Bioeconomy Development," and "Analytical, Methodological and Personnel Support for the Bioeconomy. Link 14/10/2026.

Marine fuels: Denmark. A new technical report by the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center examines ethanol’s potential as a low-carbon fuel for global maritime shipping. The report concludes that ethanol is a promising drop-in option for methanol-fuelled vessels. Ethanol is emerging as a technically viable complementary fuel within the methanol pathway, supported by growing evidence that methanol dual-fuel engines can operate on ethanol with only limited adjustments,” the report states. “Ethanol’s combustion behaviour, emissions profile, and material compatibility closely mirror those of methanol, while ethanol’s higher energy density reduces onboard storage needs. Link 14/10/2026.

Marine fuels: France. CMA CGM and DSV have signed an agreement under which DSV will use CMA CGM’s ACT+ low-carbon shipping solution to support a targeted reduction of 12,000 tons of CO2 emissions over two years. These emissions reductions will be achieved through the use of low-carbon fuels, namely second-generation UCOME-based biofuels. CMA CGM has developed ACT+, its range of low-carbon transport solutions designed to help customers reduce their CO₂ emissions. Through this agreement, DSV will benefit from ACT +, which can help reduce CO₂ emissions by 83% compared to conventional shipping fuel, through the use of low-carbon fuels. Link 14/10/2026.