top of page
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.


Covestro has announced plans to expand its MDI production capacity in China and also undertaking a feasibility assessment for a potential project in the UAE.
Covestro plans to invest in new world-scale MDI train in China and starts UAE feasibility study
ial
Jul 21 min read


European Commission Launches Anti-Dumping Investigation into Chinese Polyether Polyols Imports
The European Commission has officially launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain polyether polyols originating from China following a complaint filed by leading European producers, including BASF, Covestro, PCC Rokita, Shell, and Chimcomplex.
ial
Jul 22 min read


Amcor and Kelpi Collaborate to Develop Advanced Barrier Materials for Fiber Packaging
Amcor, a global leader in responsible packaging solutions, has announced a collaboration with U.K.-based startup Kelpi to develop and evaluate next-generation coating technologies aimed at improving the performance and sustainability of packaging materials.
ial
Jul 12 min read


The European Commission has imposed anti-dumping duties on BDO imports from three countries.
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
ial
Jun 301 min read


Arkema successfully launches its 15% PVDF production capacity expansion in North America
Arkema has successfully commenced operations at its expanded PVDF production facility in North America, increasing capacity by 15%.
ial
Jun 282 min read


Dow Strengthens Specialty Silicones Business with Expanded Product and Innovation Capabilities
Dow has announced a series of targeted investments worth approximately USD 100 million, to be completed by the end of 2027, to expand its global speciality silicones manufacturing and innovation capabilities.
ial
Jun 282 min read


Celanese and Siegwerk Partner on Bio-Based Ethyl Acetate Ink Solutions
Celanese has partnered with Siegwerk to enhance sustainability in the printing ink value chain by supplying bio-based ethyl acetate.
ial
Jun 251 min read


Hyosung TNC Commits US$1 Billion to Expand Sustainable Bio-Based Materials Business
Hyosung TNC has announced plans to invest US$1 billion in its future bio-based materials business, marking a major step in the company’s long-term sustainability strategy. The investment will support the construction of multiple Bio-BDO production plants in Vietnam with a combined annual capacity of 200,000 tonnes.
ial
May 211 min read


Global Market Trends for Aliphatic and Aromatic Polyols
Polyester polyols account for just under one third of global polyol consumption. The segment’s mix remains stable, with aliphatic polyester polyols holding about 70% share and aromatic polyester polyols the remaining 30%, supported by steady demand from rigid foam and construction applications. Overall, shifts in consumption are incremental, driven by evolving performance needs rather than any structural market change.
ial
May 173 min read


Jayant Agro-Organics to Acquire Additional Stake in Vithal Castor Polyols
Jayant Agro-Organics has announced the acquisition of additional equity and preference shares in Vithal Castor Polyols Private Limited (VCPL), strengthening its position in the bio-polyols segment.
ial
May 151 min read


WACKER announces price increase for resins, dispersions, and dispersible polymer powders
WACKER announces price increase for resins, dispersions, and dispersible polymer powders
ial
May 131 min read


Evonik and Higuchi Launch Joint Lab for Oral Drug Delivery in Japan
Evonik and Higuchi Inc., a Japanese pharmaceutical trading company, are launching a joint laboratory, “Open Pharma Lab,” in Yokohama, Japan, opening on May 1.
ial
May 42 min read


TOYOCHEM has announced a price revision for its pressure-sensitive adhesives, resins, paints, and hot melt products
TOYOCHEM CO., LTD. has announced a price revision for its pressure-sensitive adhesives, resins, paints, and hot melt products, effective May 1, 2026. Ongoing instability in the Middle East has significantly impacted our manufacturing environment, particularly through constrained raw material procurement—beginning with naphtha—alongside escalating costs and surging energy prices driven by logistics disruptions. The sharp increase in raw material costs has outpaced our internal
ial
May 31 min read


DIC Materials Corporation New Price Update for Unsaturated Polyester & Vinyl Ester Resins
DIC Materials Corporation, has announced a price revision for its unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and vinyl ester resin products, was effective April 8, 2026
ial
Apr 271 min read


Evonik and Fuhua Complete Construction of Specialty-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Plant in Leshan, China
Evonik Fuhua New Materials has completed the construction of its hydrogen peroxide facility in China.
ial
Apr 232 min read


US Issues Final Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese MDI Imports
The United States has issued a final affirmative anti-dumping ruling on imports of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) from China, which is an important milestone in the global polyurethane raw materials market.
ial
Apr 232 min read


Siegwerk unveils new acrylic free ink solution UniLEAF for paper and board applications
Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, introduces a new acrylic-free ink for water-based flexo printing on paper and board: UniLEAF. With an innovative formulation approach, it delivers substantial gains in renewable content, significant reductions in carbon footprint, improved energy efficiency, and strong alignment with market and regulatory requirements.
ial
Apr 152 min read


DIC Announces Sales Price Revisions for Epoxy Resins and Epoxy Resin Curing Agents
DIC Corporation has decided to revise its sales prices for epoxy resins and epoxy resin curing agents, which are used in insulating materials for electronics and in coatings, among others. Revised prices will apply to products delivered on or after April 15, 2026.
ial
Apr 141 min read


Teijin Frontier Announces New Stretch Polyester Yarn Offering Exceptional Compatibility with High-performance Polyester Materials
Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. announced today that it has developed a new stretch polyester yarn that offers new opportunities to create comfortable, all polyester fabrics for sports and outdoor wear.
ial
Apr 142 min read


Rising PU Raw Material Prices in Asia-Pacific: Recent Developments
The Asia-Pacific polyurethane market is witnessing increased volatility in raw material prices, primarily driven by supply-side constraints, escalating production costs, and geopolitical uncertainties. In recent months, this pressure has intensified, with manufacturers across the region implementing price hikes. A major factor behind this volatility is China’s rapid capacity expansion. In recent years, China has strengthened its competitive position through significant invest
ial
Apr 22 min read
bottom of page
