The global polyurethane (PU) industry entered a new phase of consolidation and strategic restructuring during 2024–2026. Unlike earlier periods, when companies primarily focused on capacity expansion and greenfield investments, recent activity has been increasingly driven by mergers and acquisitions (M&A), divestments, portfolio optimisation and targeted investment in specialty materials

AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG has resolved to acquire 100% of the shares in Austrian flavour producer esarom gmbh and esarom holding gmbh, strengthening its position in the global food and beverage solutions market.

Sustainability has become a key priority for the global polyurethane (PU) industry, with stakeholders across the value chain increasingly focusing on circularity, low-carbon manufacturing, resource efficiency and improved end-of-life management.

Sika has completed the acquisition of Türkiye-based Akkim, strengthening its global adhesives and sealants business and expanding its market presence.

Etex and Austrotherm have entered into exclusive negotiations regarding the potential divestment of Etex's extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation operations in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The proposed transaction aligns with Etex's strategic objective of further concentrating its insulation portfolio on glass wool products, while simplifying and optimising its industrial footprint. For Austrotherm, the acq

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brenntag, a global leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, has entered into a new distribution agreement with BASF.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.