Spanish energy giant Cepsa has decided to retain its Chemicals division, Cepsa Química, after completing a strategic review of options. Following an announcement in November 2021 that Cepsa Química would have greater operational autonomy, the division is now “delivering strong operational and financial performance”, the company said.

Cepsa Química has introduced the first products in its new line of sustainable chemicals. Both are derived from biomass and contain at least 68% sustainable or alternative carbon sources using the mass balance approach, with equivalent performance to existing products based on fossil sources.

These are NextLAB, which is a fossil-free linear alkylbenzene (LAB) for use in the production of biodegradable household laundry and cleaning products; and NextPhenol, which will replace phenol in automotive, construction and pharmaceutical applications.