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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.


Delta Tecnic Enters Exclusive Negotiations to Acquire Polytechs
Global Polymer Solutions S.L. (“Delta Tecnic” ), an independently managed investment subsidiary of Investindustrial Growth III SCSp, has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire 100% of Polytechs Financière SAS and its subsidiaries (“Polytechs”).
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Dec 21 min read


BASF and Carlyle Seal Deal to Form Leading Coatings Company
BASF and funds managed by global investment firm Carlyle, in partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), have entered into a binding agreement for BASF’s automotive OEM coatings, refinish coatings, and surface treatment businesses (“BASF Coatings”).
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Dec 22 min read


OrthoLite expands global production capacity with a new manufacturing facility in northern Vietnam
OrthoLite expands global production capacity with a new manufacturing facility in northern Vietnam
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Nov 303 min read


BASF Opens New High-Performance Dispersant Line in China
BASF has officially opens its high-performance dispersant production line at the Jiangbei New Material Technology Park in Nanjing, China. The new investment enables local manufacture of advanced dispersants using Controlled Free Radical Polymerisation (CFRP) technology, enhancing global capacity alongside BASF’s site in Heerenveen, the Netherlands. This expansion strengthens supply reliability and flexibility for customers across key markets. Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of t
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Nov 261 min read


Longhua New Materials Expands Polyether Polyol Capacity to 1.29 Million Tons
Longhua New Materials has completed construction and successfully commenced production at its 330,000-ton-per-year polyether polyol expansion project, representing an investment of 150 million yuan and lifting the company’s total polyether capacity to 1.29 million tons annually, reinforcing its scale advantage in China’s domestic market. The new capacity focuses on high-activity soft foam polyether polyols and CASE-grade polyether polyols, widely used in automotive interiors,
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Nov 241 min read


MDI Prices Rise in South Asia
BASF has announced a US$200/tonne price increase for MDI products in South Asia, coinciding with a steady upward trend in China’s domestic pure MDI market. Prices have risen in a clear stepwise pattern, driven by tight supply and reduced imports. In Shanghai, pure MDI has climbed from 18,400 yuan/tonne at the start of the month to around 19,500 yuan/tonne, supported by higher factory guidance prices. Shanghai’s November listing price rose by 500 yuan/tonne to 24,000 yuan/tonn
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Nov 241 min read


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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Nov 202 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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Nov 181 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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Nov 182 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


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


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


India Extended Anti-dumping Duty on TDI imports
The Government of India decided to maintain the imposition of anti-dumping duty (ADD) on imports of Toluene Di-isocyanate (TDI), a chemical extensively used in the manufacturing of foams, coatings, and adhesives. TDI imports from the European Union and Saudi Arabia has been extended until March 1, 2026 . This decision follows an extensive review carried out by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which advised the extension to protect the interests of domestic pr
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Nov 101 min read


Sibur Develops Its Own Range of Polyether Polyols
SIBUR, Russia's largest petrochemical producer, has developed its own grades of polyols, key organic compounds in the production of polyurethane foam for the automotive industry. SIBUR has collaborated with its partners to create a polyurethane foam system for car seats that is based on its proprietary polyether components. These components offer vibration absorption, durability, and elasticity. SIBUR has developed more than 30 new products and over 300 solutions for a variet
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Nov 101 min read


COIM SPA and Manali Petrochemicals Form an Agreement to Acquire Notedome Ltd.
COIM SPA, a leading company working towards the development and production of speciality chemicals since 1962, has reached an initial agreement with Manali Petrochemicals Ltd to acquire Notedome, a key polyurethane systems company based in the UK that specialises in the elastomer sector.
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Nov 101 min read


Huntsman and Steitz Secura Advance Circularity in Safety Footwear with Recycled PU Innovation
Huntsman, in partnership with German safety footwear manufacturer Steitz Secura, has developed an innovative polyurethane (PU) midsole solution that significantly enhances circularity within the protective footwear sector. The breakthrough DALTOPED® polyurethane system enables scrap PU generated during shoe production to be reintegrated back into new midsoles, reducing waste without requiring any modifications to existing manufacturing processes or chemistry. PU is a critical
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Nov 52 min read


Stahl Reopens State-of-the-Art Coatings Facility in Ranipet, India to Drive Innovation and Sustainability
Stahl, the leading provider of speciality coatings for flexible materials, has reopened its state-of-the-art coatings facility in Ranipet, India. This is a significant milestone in Stahl's transformation journey and further illustrates the strategic importance of its presence in India. Stahl's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and customer collaboration is further emphasised by the reopening, which features locally produced, high-performance specialty coatings. The Ra
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Nov 32 min read


Somnigroup International Invests In Kingsdown
Somnigroup International is expanding its presence in the mattress industry by taking a minority stake in Kingsdown, a mattress manufacturer. According to executives of the company, the investment is indicative of Somnigroup's "confidence in Kingsdown's brand, heritage, and future." Novacap, the private equity firm that has maintained majority ownership of Kingsdown since 2018, maintains its majority stake. “Somnigroup’s investment represents a powerful endorsement of Kingsdo
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Oct 241 min read


Wanhua Chemical, ENGEL and Hitech Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance Polyurethane Innovation
On 10 October 2025, at the K Exhibition in Germany, Wanhua Chemical, ENGEL, and Hitech Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at driving innovation across the automotive manufacturing value chain. The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives including Hua Weiqi, Executive Vice President of Wanhua Chemical Group; Mr Gero Willmeroth, President Asia and Oceania of ENGEL; and Sun Wenqiang, Chairman of Hitech. This partnership unites three leading playe
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Oct 211 min read


BASF and LEMON Sign MoU for Collaboration
BASF and LEMON Co., Ltd. have signed an MoU to co-develop advanced material solutions using Freeflex®, a fibre made from BASF’s Elastollan® TPU. LEMON, a leader in functional nanomembranes, will use Freeflex in its waterproof and windproof apparel. The partnership also explores future collaboration in technology and business development. Lee Jong-il, Chief Executive Officer, LEMON said , "This partnership with BASF allows us to expand the application of our electrospinning t
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Oct 161 min read
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