Armacell has become the first manufacturer worldwide to obtain EHP 002 certification for a flexible pre‑insulated pipe system, with its AustroFlex™ AustroPUR solution for district heating and cooling networks.

Vitol has announced plans to significantly expand its circular economy operations through a new chemical recycling facility at the Port of Rotterdam, to be built alongside its VPR refinery.

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).

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.

Eigenmann & Veronelli Group (“EV Group”), Italy’s leading and internationally oriented distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients, further strengthens its Coatings & Construction portfolio through a new strategic agreement with Röhm GmbH, a global leader in the methacrylate chemistry.

The global push towards sustainability has significantly influenced the production of polyurethane systems in recent years.

IAL Consultants is pleased to announce the publication of the second edition of its two-volume study on the global market for additives. Blowing agents are covered in Volume 1 and flame retardants in Volume 2. 

Speciality coatings company Stahl has introduced PermUCell™, a market-ready technology designed to enable more sustainable production of polyurethane (PU) materials by replacing conventional solvent-based coagulation processes with a fully water-based alternative.

RECARO Aircraft Seating, is expanding its Świebodzin, Poland facility, with completion planned for Q3 2026.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a novel, more sustainable method to produce polyurethanes (PUR) — versatile plastics used in products from furniture and insulation to medical tubing — without employing toxic isocyanates, which are traditionally indispensable but hazardous and linked to respiratory issues and strict safety controls during manufacture.  

dsm-firmenich, a global leader in nutrition, health, and beauty, has announced the opening of Po ONE Lab in Riyadh, an exclusive creative fragrance space developed in partnership with luxury concept store Villa Po ONE, marking a major step in strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia.

Henkel has acquired Dutch specialty coatings company Stahl Group for €2.1 billion (US$2.5 billion) from French investment firm Wendel SE, reinforcing its Adhesive Technologies business unit and expanding its presence in high-performance specialty coatings.

Swiss fragrance and flavour company Givaudan has announced a major investment of CHF 55 million to build Campus 52, a new centre of excellence in Grasse, France, dedicated to its House of Naturals organisation, underlining its strategic focus on natural fragrance ingredient innovation and sustainable growth.

The total additives market for blowing agents and flame retardants was estimated at around ~1.6 million tonnes in 2025

Canéza, the UAE-born digital-first fragrance brand, has reached AED 10 million in global sales just days after its formal launch, highlighting a broader shift in how today's fragrance customers define value, loyalty, and luxury.

Blended expertise strengthens medium-sized food and beverage manufacturers

Austrotherm has commissioned a recycling plant for EPS and XPS insulation materials at its Purbach site. The facility is unique in Austria and marks a further step in strengthening the company’s circular economy strategy.

Regional Trend Comparison: Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs) in EMEA and APAC Regions

Henkel has launched Loctite STYCAST US 8000 A/B, a next-generation two-component polyurethane potting compound designed to enhance the reliability and service life of industrial and power electronics operating in harsh environments.

ASTech, a specialist in UV filter ingredients for sun protection, and dsm-firmenich, a global leader in nutrition, health and beauty, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and completed an associated investment process to establish a strategic business partnership aimed at strengthening their competitiveness in the global sunscreen market.