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.

Covestro plans to invest in new world-scale MDI train in China and starts UAE feasibility study

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

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

Evonik will implement further structural and cost-cutting measures in the coming years to drive forward the company’s transformation.

Arkema has successfully commenced operations at its expanded PVDF production facility in North America, increasing capacity by 15%.

Covestro has launched Bio4PURConti (Bio-Based Continuous Production for Sustainable Polyurethane Industry), acting as the project coordinator for this pioneering EU-funded initiative.

Azelis and Chemetall Expand North American Surface Treatment Distribution Partnership

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.

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

Olin Corporation and Huntsman Corporation have announced a transformative merger of equals that will create a leading North American chemicals company with combined annual revenues exceeding US$12.5 billion.

Stahl has strengthened its position in the packaging coatings market in Brazil through the acquisition and integration of the Weilburger Graphics portfolio, a move that significantly expands the company’s capabilities in high-performance coatings for packaging applications.

Celanese Corp. is ceasing manufacturing operations at its engineered materials compounding facility in Ulsan, South Korea, as part of a strategic network optimisation initiative designed to strengthen its Asian production footprint and enhance customer service capabilities. The global specialty materials and chemical company announced the plans to transfer production volumes to three strategically located facilities: Nanjing and Shenzhen in China, and Silvassa in India. The m

Biesterfeld Partners with Osaka Soda to Expand Specialty Elastomer Portfolio in the UK and Ireland

French specialty chemicals distributor Safic Alcan has announced the full acquisition of Colormix Indústria e Comércio de Pigmentos Ltda. (Colormix Especialidades), one of Brazil’s leading distributors of specialty chemicals for the coatings, plastics and life sciences sectors.

Unlike chemical recycling approaches, VitriCycle process is designed to be energy-efficient and does not require additional solvents or catalysts.

The polyurethane (PU) value chain is undergoing a significant disruption, where price, availability, and lead time are shifting simultaneously, reshaping the operating environment.

Huntsman sells its Italian-based Automotive Aftermarket Business

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently granted a patent to Edge Global Innovation Inc., a Houston-based company that has developed a thermochemical conversion process. This patent represents a substantial improvement in the process of transforming discarded and industrial scrap foam into high-value recycled materials. A technique called "vitrimerization" is used by the recently patented process to transform polyurethane foam waste into reusable materials. The process i

Recticel Insulation announced the commencement of its new industrial-scale recycled polyol plant in Wevelgem, Belgium. This facility represents a significant milestone in the company's long-term sustainability strategy and a significant stride toward circularity in the insulation sector. The newly commissioned facility has been developed as part of Recticel Group’s broader strategy, whereby post-industrial PIR (polyisocyanurate) waste is converted into high-quality recycled p