CSB’s Bleak Future, Eastman Expands Recycling, DOE Develops Photosynthesis-Inspired Catalyst
The Trump administration has proposed to eliminate the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board by October 2026, citing fiscal responsibility and redundancy. Industry experts oppose this move, warning it would remove crucial disaster prevention oversight despite the agency's modest $14 million budget. Meanwhile, recycling advances continue: Eastman expanded molecular recycling operations to 110,000 metric tons annually in Tennessee, while BASF launched Europe's largest battery recycling plant, processing nearly 40,000 EV batteries yearly. On the innovation front, Department of Energy researchers developed a photosynthesis-inspired catalyst that selectively converts CO2 into formate using light, potentially revolutionizing industrial chemical production by avoiding unwanted byproducts that plague current conversion methods.
Chemical Industry Pushes Back on Trump Plan to Axe Safety Watchdog
June 11, 2025
Industry experts warn that eliminating the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board would remove a crucial tool for preventing plant disasters, despite the agency's modest $14 million budget.
Eastman Scales Advanced Plastics Recycling Amid Texas Plant Setback
June 3, 2025
Eastman's molecular recycling technology processes 110,000 metric tons annually in Tennessee, with global expansion planned despite losing DOE funding for a Texas plant.
BASF Launches One of Europe’s Largest Battery Recycling Plants
June 3, 2025
Plant will process nearly 40,000 EV batteries a year.
Scientists Develop Photosynthesis-Inspired Method to Convert CO2 Into Industrial Chemical
June 17, 2025
Department of Energy researchers created a highly selective catalyst that uses light to transform carbon dioxide into formate, avoiding unwanted byproducts that plague existing conversion methods.
