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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.


Carpenter Strengthens Its Sustainability Efforts Through Solar Power
For decades, Carpenter has been a sustainability leader in the flexible polyurethane foam industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. The company's initiatives have focused on reducing waste, improving circularity to help keep products out of landfill at the end of their useful life, and developing innovative approaches to recycling materials. The company evaluates its operations to identify new ways to support the communities in which it operate
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2 days ago2 min read


BASF Completes €7.7 Billion Coatings Transaction with Carlyle, Launches Surventis as Independent Company
BASF has successfully completed its previously announced coatings transaction with global investment firm Carlyle
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3 days ago1 min read


Novoloop Launches TPU for Premium Outsoles
Novoloop has introduced a thermoplastic polyurethane that is part of the "next generation" and is specifically engineered for the outsoles of high-performance footwear in California, U.S. The company stated that the new grade was created to integrate recycled content with the abrasion resistance and grip necessary for high-performance footwear. The material is an outsole-grade TPU with 42% post-consumer circular content. It has a dry coefficient of friction of 1.4 and a wet c
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5 days ago1 min read


Austria’s pioneering mattress recycler achieves an 87% reduction in CO₂ emissions
BRANTNER Green Solutions, a leader in the circular economy sector, and foam manufacturer NEVEON established the joint venture LOOP-it to create a sustainable recycling solution for end-of-life mattresses. The initiative was launched to address the challenge of recycling used foam materials that had traditionally been sent for incineration.
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5 days ago1 min read


Biesterfeld SE acquires 100 percent of the shares in the joint venture in Italy
Biesterfeld, one of the international leading distribution and service companies in the field of polymers, rubber, specialty chemicals and ingredients, has acquired 100 percent of the shares of its Italian Joint Ventures Biesterfeld Polybass and Biesterfeld Polychem.
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Jul 91 min read


KPX Chemical & Chinyang Polyurethane Co., Ltd. Enter Flexible Polyurethane Recycling Business
KPX Chemical Co., Ltd., a leading polyurethane specialist, is entering the flexible polyurethane recycling business. The company has secured exclusive rights to use patented recycling technology from Germany-based H&S Anlagentechnik (H&S) in Korea and is establishing a recycled polyol production system to take a leading position in the sustainable materials market.
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Jul 82 min read


Allnex Expands APAC Manufacturing with New SCA Production Facility in Thailand
allnex Expands APAC Manufacturing with New SCA Production Facility in Thailand
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Jul 72 min read


Covestro Acquires Former Vencorex Sites in Thailand and the U.S.
Covestro has completed the acquisition of two former Vencorex production sites for HDI derivatives in Rayong, Thailand, and Freeport, Texas, USA.
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Jul 71 min read


Biesterfeld Expands Medical Adhesives Portfolio with Bostik, Strengthening Polyurethane Solutions for Healthcare Applications
Biesterfeld has expanded its medical adhesives portfolio through an enhanced partnership with Bostik, reinforcing its position in the healthcare materials market with a broader range of advanced adhesive technologies.
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Jul 71 min read


Indian Government Extends Full Customs Duty Exemption on Critical Petrochemical Products in View of Ongoing Conflict in West Asia till 15th July 2026
Indian Government extends full customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical products in view of ongoing conflict in West Asia till 15th July 2026
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Jul 51 min read


India's Consumption Boom vs Middle East's Feedstock Advantage: The Future of Polyurethane Markets
As global polyurethane production shifts towards emerging economies, India and the Middle East have emerged as two of the fastest-growing markets, although their growth is underpinned by some different market dynamics. Both regions are benefiting from the growing domestic demand; although India's growth is largely consumption led, the Middle East combines expanding regional demand with integrated petrochemical production and downstream manufacturing investments.
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Jul 55 min read


Covestro has announced plans to expand its MDI production capacity in China and also undertaking a feasibility assessment for a potential project in the UAE.
Covestro plans to invest in new world-scale MDI train in China and starts UAE feasibility study
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Jul 21 min read


The European Commission has imposed anti-dumping duties on BDO imports from three countries.
On 24 June 2026, the European Commission announced new definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) originating from China, Saudi Arabia and the United States. The duties, introduced following a detailed investigation, have been set at significant levels. Imports from China will face tariffs ranging from 105.6% to 113.7%, while Saudi Arabian products will be subject to a 52.4% levy. Imports from the United States will incur duties between 135.7% and 142
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Jun 301 min read


Polyurethanes Chemicals and Products in Asia Pacific (APAC) - 14th Edition
Publication: June 2026 IAL Consultants has updated its in-depth market report on Polyurethane Chemicals and Products in APAC. The data are also available in database format for subscribers, enabling the manipulation and output of data. Geographical coverage • Australia • Bangladesh • Pakistan • Philippines • China • Singapore • India • Indonesia • South Korea • Sri Lanka • Japan • Taiwan • Malaysia • Thailand • New Zealand • Vietnam • Rest of Asia Raw Material Coverage • Acry
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Jun 292 min read


Evonik Announced the Discontinuation of Polyester Business Until 2029
Evonik will implement further structural and cost-cutting measures in the coming years to drive forward the company’s transformation.
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Jun 291 min read


Arkema successfully launches its 15% PVDF production capacity expansion in North America
Arkema has successfully commenced operations at its expanded PVDF production facility in North America, increasing capacity by 15%.
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Jun 282 min read


Covestro Advances Bio-Based Aniline Technology with Launch of EU-Funded Initiative
Covestro has launched Bio4PURConti (Bio-Based Continuous Production for Sustainable Polyurethane Industry), acting as the project coordinator for this pioneering EU-funded initiative.
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Jun 221 min read


Azelis and Chemetall Expand North American Surface Treatment Distribution Partnership
Azelis and Chemetall Expand North American Surface Treatment Distribution Partnership
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Jun 182 min read


Econic Launches Captured-Carbon Polyols for Sustainable Polyurethane Dispersions
Econic Technologies has introduced a new range of polyols for polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) manufactured using captured carbon dioxide, marking a significant step towards reducing the polyurethane industry's dependence on fossil-based raw materials.
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Jun 181 min read


The Evolving Role of Polyurethane (PU) in Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis of APAC, EMEA and the Americas
The Evolving Role of Polyurethane (PU) in Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis of APAC, EMEA and the Americas
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Jun 174 min read
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