Flexible polyurethane foam is a lightweight, highly elastic material made from the reaction of polyols and isocyanates. Its open-cell structure allows for easy compression and recovery, providing excellent cushioning and comfort. This material is commonly used in everyday products such as mattresses, sofas, automobile seating, carpet underlays, packaging, and medical supports. Its popularity stems from its softness, durability, resilience, and the ability to engineer it in a

The European Parliament has given final approval to a comprehensive new regulation. This regulation aims to transform the automotive sector into a more circular and sustainable industry.

Holcim has completed the acquisition of Xella, a leading supplier of walling solutions in Europe, strengthening its position in the region's growing construction market. Xella is projected to generate net sales of approximately EUR 1 billion in 2026, making it a strategically significant addition to Holcim's building solutions portfolio. The acquisition expands Holcim's offering across both new construction and energy-efficient renovation markets through Xella's established b

Nukoko's Innovative Cocoa-Free Chocolate Alternative

ADM expands its Hungary customer creation and innovation center to support beverage development in Eastern Europe

IFF announced the launch of Danisco Grindsted DuoGel, a stabiliser system that is specifically designed to bridge the texture gap between traditional and plant-based gummies in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). “The confectionery market across EMEA is growing quickly and has already shifted toward plant-based, but texture has remained a barrier,” said Elisa Vimercati, vice president of systems and locust bean gum for IFF Food Ingredients. “With Grindsted DuoGel, we’

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).

Covestro has launched Bio4PURConti (Bio-Based Continuous Production for Sustainable Polyurethane Industry), acting as the project coordinator for this pioneering EU-funded initiative.

Azelis and Chemetall Expand North American Surface Treatment Distribution Partnership

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

The Estée Lauder Companies strengthens its UK manufacturing network as the Whitman facility celebrates 60 years of British craftsmanship

Biesterfeld Partners with Osaka Soda to Expand Specialty Elastomer Portfolio in the UK and Ireland

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

Clariant has completed its CHF 100 million investment in its Daya Bay facility, with the second production line becoming fully operational in November.