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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.


Wacoal and BASF Extend ‘Melooop’ Technology into Automotive Interiors with TPU-Based Armrest Concept
Wacoal and BASF have expanded their long-standing collaboration beyond apparel applications by introducing an innovative automotive interior armrest concept based on Wacoal’s proprietary ‘Melooop’ technology and BASF’s Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
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Jun 221 min read


Covestro Advances Bio-Based Aniline Technology with Launch of EU-Funded Initiative
Covestro has launched Bio4PURConti (Bio-Based Continuous Production for Sustainable Polyurethane Industry), acting as the project coordinator for this pioneering EU-funded initiative.
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Jun 221 min read


Azelis and Chemetall Expand North American Surface Treatment Distribution Partnership
Azelis and Chemetall Expand North American Surface Treatment Distribution Partnership
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Jun 182 min read


Econic Launches Captured-Carbon Polyols for Sustainable Polyurethane Dispersions
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.
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Jun 181 min read


The Evolving Role of Polyurethane (PU) in Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis of APAC, EMEA and the Americas
The Evolving Role of Polyurethane (PU) in Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis of APAC, EMEA and the Americas
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Jun 174 min read


Olin and Huntsman Agree Landmark Merger to Create $12.5 Billion North American Chemicals Leader
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.
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Jun 172 min read


Stahl Expands Packaging Coatings Portfolio in Brazil Through Weilburger Graphics Acquisition
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.
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Jun 161 min read


Selena Raises Q1 Profits Despite Weak Construction Activity
Following the first quarter of 2026, the Selena Group reported continued improvement in profitability despite a challenging market environment. The company generated an operating profit (EBIT) of €7.8 million, representing a year-over-year increase of nearly 16%, while net profit from continuing operations rose to €5.1 million, up more than 9% compared with the same period in 2025.
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Jun 161 min read


Ingredion Announces Acquisition of Tate & Lyle
Ingredion Incorporated, a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to the food and beverage and industrial segments, announced a recommended all-cash offer for the acquisition of Tate & Lyle PLC (“Tate & Lyle”), a global leader in mouthfeel, sweetening and fortification (the “Acquisition”). The transaction implies a total enterprise value of approximately £3.7B ($5.0B), based on the pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rate. The Acquisition represents a compelling op
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Jun 152 min read


Celanese to Optimize Engineered Materials Compounding Footprint in Asia
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
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Jun 151 min read


Covestro and Insulectro Join Forces to Accelerate Growth in Flexible Electronics Market
Covestro and Insulectro have announced a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to advanced material solutions for the rapidly growing flexible electronics market across the Americas.
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Jun 121 min read


Polyurethane Sustainability: Natural-Oil Polyols Derived from Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL) Production
Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL) is one of the most promising non-food renewable feedstocks for producing bio-based polyols used in polyurethane foams, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers.
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Jun 123 min read


Clariant Launches melamine-free Flame Retardants
Clariant has introduced a new flame retardant featuring an enhanced sustainability profile, designed for use in polyurethane (PU) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam applications. Melamine, a widely used material in fire protection applications, was designated as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) in 2023. In response, Clariant has developed Exolit AP 422 A, a melamine-free alternative. The company stated that it has been developing the new ammonium polyphosphate over the pa
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Jun 112 min read


Henkel Achieves Carbon-Neutral Production at India and Türkiye Adhesives Sites
Henkel has reached a significant sustainability milestone by achieving carbon-neutral production at its flagship Adhesive Technologies manufacturing facilities in Kurkumbh, India, and Gebkim, Türkiye, marking a major step towards its goal of decarbonising global operations by 2030.
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Jun 111 min read


The Estée Lauder Companies Strengthens its UK Manufacturing Network as the Whitman Facility Celebrates 60 Years of British Craftsmanship
The Estée Lauder Companies strengthens its UK manufacturing network as the Whitman facility celebrates 60 years of British craftsmanship
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Jun 92 min read


Biesterfeld Partners with Osaka Soda to Expand Specialty Elastomer Portfolio in the UK and Ireland
Biesterfeld Partners with Osaka Soda to Expand Specialty Elastomer Portfolio in the UK and Ireland
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Jun 92 min read


BASF has shut down its expandable polystyrene production at the Ulsan Plastics facility in South Korea
BASF has decided to shut down its expandable polystyrene (EPS) production facilities at the Ulsan Plastics site in South Korea, with operations expected to cease by mid‑June 2026. This move forms part of a wider strategic review aimed at optimising its global styrenics production network and strengthening competitiveness in response to changing market conditions. Bir Darbar Mehta, Senior Vice President of Petrochemicals Asia Pacific at BASF, stated that "the company is focuse
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Jun 91 min read


Clariant Scales Up Daya Bay Operations for E-Mobility Growth
Clariant has completed its CHF 100 million investment in its Daya Bay facility, with the second production line becoming fully operational in November.
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Jun 91 min read


Safic-Alcan Strengthens Latin American Presence Through Colormix Acquisition
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.
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Jun 91 min read


U.S. Company Wins Mattress Recycling Patent
Unlike chemical recycling approaches, VitriCycle process is designed to be energy-efficient and does not require additional solvents or catalysts.
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Jun 91 min read


BASF Collaborates with Wacoal for a Slimmer, Durable, and Pleasant Bra Cup Solution using Elastollan® TPU
BASF collaborates with Wacoal for a slimmer, durable, and pleasant bra cup solution using Elastollan® TPU
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Jun 71 min read


REPI LLC Expansion: Strengthening U.S. Presence
REPI LLC, a member of the REPI Group, has announced a significant expansion of its operations, underscoring its commitment to growth, innovation, and enhanced customer support.
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Jun 52 min read


How the Strait of Hormuz Disruption Could Reshape the Global Polyurethane Market
The polyurethane (PU) value chain is undergoing a significant disruption, where price, availability, and lead time are shifting simultaneously, reshaping the operating environment.
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Jun 58 min read


Cargill Expands Belgium’s Role in Food Innovation
Cargill has reinforced its commitment to the Belgian market through a series of strategic investments, including expansions at its edible oils bottling facility in Izegem and gourmet chocolate plant in Mouscron, as well as the launch of a new extrusion pilot plant at its Innovation Center in Vilvoorde. Together, the projects represent an investment of approximately €56 million aimed at strengthening the company’s manufacturing, research, and innovation capabilities.
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Jun 52 min read
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