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,

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

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).

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

P2 Science and Algenesis Collaborate on Algae-Derived Chemicals and 100% Biobased, Biodegradable Polyurethanes

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Clariant has completed its CHF 100 million investment in the Daya Bay facility, with the second production line set to become fully...