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Latest News from IAL and the Global Chemicals Industry
Stay informed regarding IAL's latest publications and industry news covering the markets for Polyurethanes, Flavours & Fragrances and Thermal Insulation.


BASF Partnered with Air Liquide and Shenergy
BASF has signed a multi-year cooperation agreement with Air Liquide’s subsidiary SCIPIG and Shenergy Group’s subsidiary Shenji to advance the production of low-carbon methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI).
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4 days ago2 min read


Dow Launches Personal Care Ingredients
DOW, a global leader in specialty materials, has launched four new personal care ingredients and debuting “Beauty in Harmony” concept collection during in-cosmetics Asia 2025. These launches reflect Dow’s commitment to advancing science-driven solutions for beauty brands and consumers across Asia Pacific.
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5 days ago1 min read


L’Oréal Strengthens Its China Investment With a Second Investment in C-Beauty
L’Oréal has acquired a minority equity interest in the Chinese mass-market skincare brand Lan, representing the company's second investment in a Chinese beauty enterprise.
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5 days ago1 min read


Monument Launches the First US Production of Renewable-Carbon Polyols
Monument has commenced the first US-based production of polyols derived from renewable carbon at its Brandenburg, Kentucky facility, marking a significant milestone for the polyurethane industry.
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5 days ago1 min read


BASF and Hyundai Transys Collaborate to Develop Modular Concept Seat Using Recyclable TPU
Hyundai Transys and BASF have collaborated on a modular concept seat for purpose-built vehicles (PBV), demonstrating how the advanced material solution of Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), processed with Supercritical Fluid (SCF) injection foaming technology, can facilitate customizable and sustainable seating solutions for automotive interiors. The modular concept seat incorporates a headrest and armrest constructed with advanced material solutions for the first
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6 days ago1 min read


Nouryon Inaugurates Innovation Centre in China for Cosmetic Innovations
Nouryon has opened an innovation centre in Shanghai, China, as part of its commitment to improving collaborative development and promoting sustainable growth throughout the Asia Pacific region.
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6 days ago1 min read


P2 Science and Algenesis Collaborate on Algae-Derived Chemicals and 100% Biobased, Biodegradable Polyurethanes
P2 Science and Algenesis Collaborate on Algae-Derived Chemicals and 100% Biobased, Biodegradable Polyurethanes
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6 days ago2 min read


INEOS Styrolution to Close Polystyrene Production in Wingles, France
INEOS Styrolution has announced its decision to permanently close its polystyrene (PS) production operations in Wingles, France, as part of a wider strategy to align its European footprint with evolving market conditions and strengthen long-term competitiveness. The company will consolidate polystyrene production for its European customer base at its advanced Antwerp site in Belgium, which offers a strong strategic location near major suppliers and customers, as well as enhan
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6 days ago1 min read


Global Shift to Eco-Friendly Polyurethane: Market Trends in Polyols and Isocyanates Across EMEA, APAC, and Americas
Polyurethane (PU) foam is widely employed in furniture, mattresses, automotive interiors, building insulation, appliances, footwear, and several other industries. The industry is subtly shifting towards sustainable methods of production, driven by regulatory pressure and increasing expectations from downstream manufacturers and consumers. Across, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, producers are progressively adopting more environmentally responsible practices to reduce carbon em
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7 days ago3 min read


GEA builds a large-scale mixing plant for taste creation at the Symrise location in Holzminden
GEA builds a large-scale mixing plant for taste creation at the Symrise location
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7 days ago2 min read


Estée Lauder Makes First Latin American Investment in XINÚ
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has announced a minority investment in XINÚ, a Mexican luxury fragrance house inspired by the biodiversity, creativity and cultural richness of the American continent, marking the company’s first-ever investment in a Latin American brand and reinforcing its commitment to supporting regional entrepreneurship and innovation. Founded in 2017, XINÚ has rapidly gained recognition for its fusion of fragrance, art and storytelling, expressed through s
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Nov 172 min read


Vranjes Firenze completes acquisition of 51% share in Integra Fragrances
Vranjes Firenze completes acquisition of 51% share in Integra Fragrances
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Nov 162 min read


Payan Bertrand Invests €12 Million in New Grasse Industrial Site
PAYAN BERTRAND, specialist in aromatic products and fragrances since 1854, is entering a new stage of growth with the construction of a cutting-edge fragrance compounding site in Le Plan-de-Grasse.
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Nov 141 min read


BASF Restructures Asian PolyTHF Business
BASF announced that it will address structural changes in the global chemical fiber market, marked by significant overcapacity, by consolidating its Asian polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF®) business at its Caojing site in China.
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Nov 141 min read


Dow’s Freeport Isocyanates Facility Achieves ISCC PLUS Certification
Dow has announced that its isocyanates manufacturing facility in Freeport, Texas has earned ISCC PLUS certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable production and transparent supply chains across North America.
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Nov 141 min read


BEWI Expands GreenLine EPS Range to Cut CO₂ Footprint in Construction
BEWI, a leading supplier of packaging, components, and insulation solutions, has broadened its sustainable GreenLine product portfolio with the launch of GreenLine Super EPS, a grey expanded polystyrene insulation board featuring up to a 52% lower CO₂ footprint.
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Nov 141 min read


Holcim Polska Acquires Wykroty Stone Wool Plant Following Sanctions-Linked Sale of Boerner Insulation Asset
Holcim Polska has acquired the Wykroty stone wool insulation plant from Boerner Insulation in a government-ordered sale earlier in 2025, following allegations that Boerner had circumvented Polish sanctions on Russia. The Polish authorities placed the plant under compulsory administration in July 2024, triggering a competitive bidding process that attracted offers from 20 companies. The facility, originally established in 2021 by Russia-based TechnoNICOL, was among the country
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Nov 131 min read


Overview of the Global Polyurethane CASE Markets
Summary The PU CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) segment, though often overshadowed by polyurethane foams, represents a vital and versatile part of polyurethane chemistry. These materials are integral to industries ranging from automotive and furniture to footwear, packaging, wind energy, and textiles. Their adaptability and superior performance make them essential for delivering tailored solutions that enhance durability, flexibility, adhesion, and sealing
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Nov 135 min read


CPL Aromas Expands Asian Presence with New Creative Centre in Thailand
CPL Aromas has strengthened its global footprint with the official launch of its new Creative Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, on 4 November 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion across Asia and the Far East. Situated in the rapidly developing Sukhumvit Hills district, the centre embodies CPL Aromas’ dedication to innovation, creativity, and closer collaboration with customers in one of the world’s most dynamic fragrance markets. The purpose-built facil
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Nov 131 min read


SINOYQX Unveils Aerogel-Melamine Foam Insulation Roll
SINOYQX, a leading innovator in melamine-based polymeric materials, has announced the launch of its new Aerogel–Melamine Foam Thermal Insulation Roll. This advanced composite combines ultra-low thermal conductivity, inherent flame resistance, and exceptional flexibility in a lightweight design. The new material establishes a new standard for high-performance flexible insulation solutions across the energy, mobility, and aerospace sectors. Developed using proprietary aerogel-i
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Nov 131 min read


IFF Pioneers Green Hydrogen Production for Sustainable Fragrance Manufacturing in Spain
IFF has inaugurated a pioneering nature-based hydrogen production facility at its Scent R&D and fragrance ingredients manufacturing site in Benicarló, Spain, marking a major milestone in sustainable fragrance production. In partnership with Iberdrola, one of the world’s leading renewable energy producers, IFF has become the first company in the fragrance industry to utilise renewable electricity for hydrogenation reactions essential to the creation of key fragrance ingredient
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Nov 131 min read


PAYAN BERTRAND Advances Growth with New Fragrance Production Site in Grasse
PAYAN BERTRAND, the family-owned aromatic products and fragrance specialist founded in 1854, is embarking on a major new chapter with the construction of a dedicated industrial site for fragrance compounding in Le Plan-de-Grasse, scheduled to open at the end of 2026. Representing a €12 million investment, this state-of-the-art and sustainably designed facility reflects the company’s long-term ambitions and follows over fifteen years of land research in the Grasse region. The
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Nov 131 min read


India’s PU and Foam Industry Calls for Policy Reform and Stronger Standards to Drive Global Competitiveness
Industry leaders have called upon the Indian government to strengthen policy support and modernise Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms to enhance the global competitiveness of the country’s polyurethane (PU) and foam sector. The appeal was made during the Leadership Dialogue held ahead of the 2nd edition of UTECH INDIA – Sustainable Polyurethane & Foam (ISPUF) Expo, scheduled from 13–15 November at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. Organised by Crain Communications and
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Nov 132 min read


Revlon and Authentic Brands Group announce a global fragrance licence for sportswear brand Champion
Revlon and Authentic Brands Group announce a global fragrance licence for sportswear brand Champion
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Nov 121 min read
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