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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


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


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


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


Centuary Mattresses Expands Into Sofa Segment
Centuary Mattresses, the retail brand of Shree Malani Foams, is stretching out beyond the bedroom and into the living room with a new line of sofas. The company is positioning its sofas as high-quality, premium products at accessible price points, with the marketing tagline “Comfort Re-engineered”. This strategic move allows the brand, already trusted for quality mattresses, to diversify into lifestyle seating solutions. The company has invested ₹50 crore in a 1,20,000 sq. ft
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Oct 162 min read


Stahl Launches Sustainable Embossable Polyurethane Solution for Synthetic Leather
Stahl, a global leader in speciality coatings for flexible materials, has unveiled PermaQure® EPU, a long-lasting embossable polyurethane (EPU) solution designed to enhance synthetic leather and PU-coated textiles across fashion, upholstery, footwear and more. Showcased at K 2025, the innovation builds on Stahl’s PermaQure® high-solids PU platform to deliver a robust embossing window and durable grain quality, ensuring seamless compatibility with existing PVC embossing lines.
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Oct 161 min read


OrthoLite Scales Foaming Facility in India
OrthoLite layed the foundation for the OrthoLite Foaming Plant in India. This marks a significant step forward in OrthoLite’s strategy to localize the entire product creation process from end to end while strengthening service and production capabilities to support regional and global brand partners. “We will produce the full OrthoLite range of comfort foams as we ramp up, including standard PU comfort insoles, hybrid formulations with recycled and regrind content, and low-de
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Oct 131 min read


Clariant Expands Daya Bay Plant, Grows Exolit™ OP Line for E-Mobility
Clariant has completed its CHF 100 million investment in the Daya Bay facility, with the second production line set to become fully...
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Oct 91 min read


CANNON Viking LayDown VariMaster Enables Real-Time Foam Grade Adjustments
CANNON Viking will showcase its new LayDown VariMaster system, a patented solution for continuous slabstock foam block production, at...
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Oct 82 min read


Safic-Alcan Acquired Anders Stake to boost its South American presence
Paris–La Défense – Safic-Alcan has acquired a majority stake in Peru-based specialty chemical distributor Anders, strengthening its...
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Oct 81 min read
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