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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.


Tioxide restarts titanium dioxide pigment plant in UK – heralding new era for historic Greatham site
Tioxide Materials Limited (Tioxide) today announced the successful recommissioning of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment production facility at Greatham in Hartlepool, marking a major milestone following LB Group’s acquisition of the site and its associated TiO2 pigment assets earlier this year.
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5 days ago2 min read


Middle East Construction Boom and its Impact on Polyurethane Demand
The Middle East construction sector expanded in 2025, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with ongoing investment in residential, hospitality, healthcare, infrastructure and industrial developments.
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Aug 203 min read


Safic-Alcan and Primient expand their partnership into Central and Eastern Europe with the ZEMEA® propanediol range
Building on an established collaboration in Brazil, Safic-Alcan and Primient extend their relationship to anew territory — bringing 100% bio-based ZEMEA® propanediol to formulators across the DACH regionand Central and Eastern Europe.
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Aug 72 min read


Romania Opens First Large Voluntary Waste Collection Centre
Romania has inaugurated its first large-scale voluntary waste collection center in Cluj-Napoca, marking an important turning point in the country's transition towards a circular economy and improved waste management infrastructure.
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Aug 62 min read


The Evolving Landscape of Rigid and Flexible Polyurethane Foams in EMEA
Rigid and flexible polyurethane (PU) foams remain two of the most commercially important polyurethane product families because they serve distinct but very large end-use markets: insulation and structural applications for rigid foam, and comfort, cushioning, and seating applications for flexible foam.
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Jul 215 min read


BASF Signs New Distribution Agreement for Innovative Cleaning Solutions
Brenntag, a global leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, has entered into a new distribution agreement with BASF.
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Jul 202 min read


Ylang Strengthens Fragrance Portfolio with Full Acquisition of Ravetllat Aromatics
Ylang Ltd. has completed the acquisition of Ravetllat Aromatics, taking full ownership of the Spanish fragrance and flavour ingredient manufacturer and marking a significant milestone in its long-term growth strategy within the global flavour and fragrance industry.
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Jul 171 min read


ROCKWOOL Invests €13 Million in Croatian Plant to Advance Circular Manufacturing and Create New Jobs
ROCKWOOL Adriatic has announced a strategic investment of approximately €13 million to build a new briquetting facility at its stone wool factory in Pićan, Croatia, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, operational efficiency, and long-term industrial growth.
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Jul 161 min read


Biesterfeld Expands Medical Adhesives Portfolio with Bostik, Strengthening Polyurethane Solutions for Healthcare Applications
Biesterfeld has expanded its medical adhesives portfolio through an enhanced partnership with Bostik, reinforcing its position in the healthcare materials market with a broader range of advanced adhesive technologies.
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Jul 71 min read


India's Consumption Boom vs Middle East's Feedstock Advantage: The Future of Polyurethane Markets
As global polyurethane production shifts towards emerging economies, India and the Middle East have emerged as two of the fastest-growing markets, although their growth is underpinned by some different market dynamics. Both regions are benefiting from the growing domestic demand; although India's growth is largely consumption led, the Middle East combines expanding regional demand with integrated petrochemical production and downstream manufacturing investments.
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Jul 55 min read


ROCKWOOL Acquires ScanArc Plasma Technologies to Accelerate Sustainable Melting and Industrial Decarbonization
ROCKWOOL has announced the acquisition of Swedish technology company ScanArc Plasma Technologies, marking a significant step in advancing sustainable melting technologies and accelerating the decarbonization of its global manufacturing operations.
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Jul 21 min read


European Commission Launches Anti-Dumping Investigation into Chinese Polyether Polyols Imports
The European Commission has officially launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain polyether polyols originating from China following a complaint filed by leading European producers, including BASF, Covestro, PCC Rokita, Shell, and Chimcomplex.
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Jul 22 min read


Evonik Advances Polyurethane Foam Recycling with New Circular Economy Technology
Evonik Industries has announced a major step forward in polyurethane (PU) recycling with the development of an innovative chemical recycling technology at its Hanau site in Germany.
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Jun 301 min read


EU Approves Landmark Circularity Rules for a More Sustainable Automotive Industry
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.
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Jun 241 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


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


Recticel Strengthens Cold Storage Insulation Portfolio Through Strategic Acquisition of Isopanel
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.
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Jun 51 min read


EU’s New Building Efficiency Rules Set to Accelerate Demand for Thermal Insulation Across Europe
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.
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Jun 51 min read


The Estée Lauder Companies and Puig Terminate Potential Business Combination Discussions
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.
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Jun 31 min read


Kerry Dairy Rebrands as Kinisla with €300 Million Growth Investment Programme
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.
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Jun 31 min read
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