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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.


Aramco-Dow joint venture Sadara Chemical halts production amid supply chain disruptions
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,
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Apr 231 min read


BASF Expands HALS and NOR® HALS Capacity to Support Global Megatrends
BASF is reinforcing its position in plastic additive solutions by expanding production capacities for both standard and NOR HALS products.
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Apr 212 min read


Covestro, FILK Freiberg, and OUT e.V. develop flexible, conductive polymer smart textile system
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.
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Apr 213 min read


QXO to acquire TopBuild to Expand Across the Value Chain
QXO, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TopBuild Corp. (“TopBuild”) for approximately $17 billion, significantly expanding QXO’s scale and capabilities across the building products value chain. The transaction is expected to be substantially accretive to the company’s earnings. TopBuild is the largest distributor and installer of insulation and related building products in North America. The combination will bring together QXO’s leading positions in roofing,
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Apr 202 min read


Evonik Industries begins operations at expanded specialty amine production facility in Nanjing
Evonik Industries begins operations at expanded specialty amine production facility in Nanjing
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Apr 202 min read


Vita incorporates Graphite PU Foam into its Aircraft Seating
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.
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Apr 161 min read


Global Overview of Flame Retardants in the Polyurethane Foam Market 2026
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.
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Apr 164 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.
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Apr 152 min read


Covestro, Marquardt, and E Ink create responsive, design-integrated surfaces for automotive interiors
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.
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Apr 142 min read


Syensqo and Shell Chemicals Europe B.V. collaborate to advance low-carbon ethylene oxide (EO) solutions
Syensqo and Shell Chemicals Europe B.V. have joined forces to supply mass-balanced, low-carbon EO solutions for the agricultural and industrial markets, enabling reduced product carbon footprint (PCF) without compromising performance.
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Apr 141 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.
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Apr 141 min read


Henkel expands its barrier and heat seal coatings portfolio for paper applications
Paper-based packaging has become much more than just a matter of image, particularly in the food and e-commerce sectors. Brand owners and packaging manufacturers are switching to sustainable and, above all, recyclable solutions, driven by regulatory requirements such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
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Apr 142 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.
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Apr 142 min read


Symrise Unveils Cellexora™ MD: A Breakthrough Healthspan Ingredient for Premium Skincare
Symrise has launched Cellexora™ MD, a pioneering plant-derived cosmetic ingredient designed to support long-term skin health, regeneration and vitality in premium skincare formulations.
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Apr 141 min read


IFF Secures First Heart Health Claim for Soy Protein in Australia and New Zealand
International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has achieved a significant regulatory milestone in the Asia-Pacific region after the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved the first heart health claim for isolated soy protein in both Australia and New Zealand.
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Apr 141 min read


EU Commission Publishes Guidance on New Packaging and Packaging Waste Rules
On 30 March 2026, the European Commission released comprehensive guidance to support the uniform implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) across the European Union, aiming to create a more sustainable, competitive and harmonised packaging sector.
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Apr 141 min read


PIMA Publishes Updated Industry-Averaged Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, the trade association representing North American manufacturers of polyiso insulation, announced the publication of updated Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for polyiso insulation products.
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Apr 122 min read


Pflaumer Brothers Introduces TERACURE® MCR-2, an MDI-Based Polyisocyanate Pre-Polymer for Corrosion-Resistant Polyurethane Primers
Pflaumer Brothers announces the introduction of TERACURE® MCR-2, an aromatic polyisocyanate pre-polymer based on diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), engineered for use in moisture-cured and two-component polyurethane systems requiring exceptional corrosion resistance and long-term durability.
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Apr 122 min read


American Pacific Group Announces Investment in Dossier
American Pacific Group Announces Investment in Dossier
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Apr 92 min read


BASF and Sevnce Robotics sign an MoU to enhance the smart transformation of the chemical industry
BASF and Sevnce Robotics sign an MoU to enhance the smart transformation of the chemical industry
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Apr 62 min read


Cabot Sanmar to invest $25 million in the expansion of its Mettur manufacturing plant.
Cabot Sanmar to invest $25 million in the expansion of its Mettur manufacturing plant.
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Apr 61 min read


Symrise launches Mindera® Euca bringing plant-based product protection to rinse-off formulations
As a 100% plant-based multifunctional, Mindera® Euca (INCI: Piperitone*) reliably upgrades rinse-off formulations. It boosts foam quality and volume and helps create a dense, rich foam, including in sulphate-free systems. Formulators can also build appealing textures by enhancing viscosity and improving the sensorial experience. In parallel, Mindera® Euca supports robust product protection across a broad pH range, so brands can deliver confident everyday performance.
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Apr 62 min read


BASF and Avery Dennison collaborate to launch BASF’s newest acrylates based on renewable electricity
BASF Corporation is launching Butyl acrylate RE and 2-Ethylhexylacrylate RE (Renewable Electricity), two new products that are manufactured at BASF’s Freeport, Texas site with attributed electricity from renewable sources. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the manufacturing process and improves the products’ carbon footprint compared to conventionally produced acrylic acid esters.
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Apr 62 min read


Rakem Group Announces Partnership with Organik Kimya
Rakem Group, guided by its philosophy of people, planet, profit, and partnership, has renewed its decade-long distribution partnership with Turkey-based Organik Kimya.
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Apr 52 min read
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