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.

Belgian insulation leader Recticel Group has acquired 100% of Isopanel Group, a Belgian specialist in insulated panels for hygienic cold storage facilities and isothermal industrial buildings, marking another significant step in its ELEVATE 2030 growth strategy.

The European Commission’s new building energy performance rules, which came into effect on 30 May 2026, are expected to significantly strengthen the role of thermal insulation in Europe’s construction and renovation sectors.

The Estée Lauder Companies announced on 21 May 2026 that it had officially ended discussions with Spanish beauty and fragrance group Puig regarding a potential business combination, bringing to a close negotiations that were first publicly confirmed in March 2026.

Kerry Dairy Ireland has officially rebranded as Kinisla as part of a major strategic transformation aimed at strengthening its long-term growth, innovation, and sustainability ambitions.

Kingspan Insulation, a division of the global building materials leader Kingspan Group, has reinforced its commitment to Saudi Arabia through the operational launch of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dammam.

Svenska Aerogel is launching Naerogel®, a new brand for its high‑performance aerogel material, marking its transition towards a stronger global commercial presence. Replacing Quartzene®, the new brand reflects over two decades of research, Nordic innovation, and ongoing improvements driven by customer collaboration. Naerogel® delivers enhanced benefits, including improved thermal insulation, sustainable production using silica, water and renewable energy, a flexible platform

Symrise has commenced the second phase of construction for its logistics centre in Holzminden, Germany, marking another significant milestone in the company’s long-term infrastructure and growth strategy.

Symrise has strengthened its Food & Beverage capabilities in Southern Europe through the expansion and modernisation of its site in Parets del Vallès near Barcelona, reinforcing its regional presence and improving service proximity for customers across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

DSM-Firmenich as announced the sale of its Action Pin business, part of the company’s Perfumery & Beauty division under the “Agro Ingredients” segment, to AP Marensin S.A.S.U., an investor consortium established by FeBe Vermögensverwaltung GmbH and supported by Berlin-based family office Econa and French private equity fund Ouest Croissance.

Covestro has announced its largest energy efficiency project to date, aimed at significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions at its Dormagen facility in Germany.

Kimpur, the region’s leading polyurethane systems house by production capacity and sales, has made a strategic investment to support its growth. It has formed an 80% affiliated partnership with Kobe Polyurethane, enabling it to expand into new specialised product segments.

PepsiCo, Givaudan, Smurfit Westrock and Statkraft have signed a 10-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) aimed at advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing value chain emissions across Europe.

ROCKWOOL has announced an agreement to acquire a stone wool insulation factory in Hungary from Ravago Building Solutions, strengthening its manufacturing presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

TA'ZIZ and Alpha Dhabi Sign a Strategic Collaboration Agreement for $10 Billion Chemical Investment in the UAE

French flavour and fragrance group Mane has announced the acquisition of Fromatech Ingredients B.V., a Netherlands-based international flavour specialist, as part of its strategy to strengthen its global capabilities in taste solutions.

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.

Kimpur, a global producer of polyurethane systems, has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by obtaining ISCC PLUS certification for its Gebze and Düzce production facilities, reinforcing its commitment to integrating environmentally responsible practices across its value chain.

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

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.