Sika increases its operations in Central Asia by establishing a new national subsidiary in Kyrgyzstan

Adient acquires automotive seating foam plant in Romulus, MI

The European Union has taken a significant regulatory step to strengthen worker protection by introducing new occupational exposure limit (OEL) values for diisocyanates, a group of chemicals widely used in the production of polyurethanes.

Evonik and Higuchi Inc., a Japanese pharmaceutical trading company, are launching a joint laboratory, “Open Pharma Lab,” in Yokohama, Japan, opening on May 1.

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP and the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute have developed a biomimetic tissue substitute that combines tunable mechanical strength with biological functionality, opening new possibilities for medical implants

trinamiX GmbH has expanded its portfolio of solutions for the circular economy, now enabling the identification of materials used in the footwear and textile industries.

BASF Coatings has completed the planned transition of its European production sites to renewable electricity.

Publication: April 2026 IAL Consultants has updated its in-depth market report on Polyurethane Chemicals and Products in Europe, Middle East and Africa. The data will also be available separately in a database format for subscribers, enabling the manipulation and output of data. Geographical coverage Western Europe (13 countries/regions) Austria, Belgium (new), France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands (new), Nordic Region, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, United K

BASF to further hike prices for additives in plastic applications

Henkel Adhesive Technologies has expanded its Technomelt portfolio with the launch of Technomelt PUR 9015 BV/WV, a polyurethane hotmelt adhesive designed to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste and enable in-process debonding.

DIC Materials Corporation, has announced a price revision for its unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and vinyl ester resin products, was effective April 8, 2026

Effective May 1, 2026, or as contracts permit, Stepan will increase prices for STEPANPOL® and TERATE®

Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs): A Sustainable Shift in Wood and Furniture Coatings

Reducing the use of non‑renewable materials is becoming an increasingly important focus across the supply chain. For seating systems, improving the sustainability profile of foam components has historically been one of the most challenging areas to advance at scale.

Sadara Chemical Company, the $20 billion joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Dow Inc., has completed a full shutdown of all 26 manufacturing units at its petrochemical complex in Jubail,

As the smart textiles market continues to grow across healthcare, personal protection, sportswear, and automotive applications, developers are seeking new ways to integrate electronic functionality directly into textiles, without the rigidity and complexity of conventional wiring.

Evonik Industries begins operations at expanded specialty amine production facility in Nanjing

Vita has expanded its portfolio to include a new polyurethane foam designed for the aviation industry. Graflyte is a graphite foam that is both lightweight and melamine-free.

In 2025, global flame retardant (FR) consumption in polyurethane foams was largely shaped by evolving regulatory pressures and shifting chemical safety standards. Asia-Pacific (APAC) remained the largest regional market at nearly 40%, supported by its extensive polyurethane production base and continued use of cost‑effective halogenated FRs such as TCPP.

As automotive interiors trends evolve toward seamlessly integrated controls and adaptive design elements, manufacturers are seeking ways to embed smart functionality into surfaces without changing the look and feel of established materials.