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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.


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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4 days ago1 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
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