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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.


INEOS Styrolution to Close Polystyrene Production in Wingles, France
INEOS Styrolution has announced its decision to permanently close its polystyrene (PS) production operations in Wingles, France, as part of a wider strategy to align its European footprint with evolving market conditions and strengthen long-term competitiveness. The company will consolidate polystyrene production for its European customer base at its advanced Antwerp site in Belgium, which offers a strong strategic location near major suppliers and customers, as well as enhan
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6 days ago1 min read


GEA builds a large-scale mixing plant for taste creation at the Symrise location in Holzminden
GEA builds a large-scale mixing plant for taste creation at the Symrise location
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7 days ago2 min read


Vranjes Firenze completes acquisition of 51% share in Integra Fragrances
Vranjes Firenze completes acquisition of 51% share in Integra Fragrances
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Nov 162 min read


Holcim Polska Acquires Wykroty Stone Wool Plant Following Sanctions-Linked Sale of Boerner Insulation Asset
Holcim Polska has acquired the Wykroty stone wool insulation plant from Boerner Insulation in a government-ordered sale earlier in 2025, following allegations that Boerner had circumvented Polish sanctions on Russia. The Polish authorities placed the plant under compulsory administration in July 2024, triggering a competitive bidding process that attracted offers from 20 companies. The facility, originally established in 2021 by Russia-based TechnoNICOL, was among the country
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Nov 131 min read


IFF Pioneers Green Hydrogen Production for Sustainable Fragrance Manufacturing in Spain
IFF has inaugurated a pioneering nature-based hydrogen production facility at its Scent R&D and fragrance ingredients manufacturing site in Benicarló, Spain, marking a major milestone in sustainable fragrance production. In partnership with Iberdrola, one of the world’s leading renewable energy producers, IFF has become the first company in the fragrance industry to utilise renewable electricity for hydrogenation reactions essential to the creation of key fragrance ingredient
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Nov 131 min read


PAYAN BERTRAND Advances Growth with New Fragrance Production Site in Grasse
PAYAN BERTRAND, the family-owned aromatic products and fragrance specialist founded in 1854, is embarking on a major new chapter with the construction of a dedicated industrial site for fragrance compounding in Le Plan-de-Grasse, scheduled to open at the end of 2026. Representing a €12 million investment, this state-of-the-art and sustainably designed facility reflects the company’s long-term ambitions and follows over fifteen years of land research in the Grasse region. The
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Nov 131 min read


Radnor Hills offers new carbonated soft drink line, Radnor Spring
Radnor Hills offers new carbonated soft drink line, Radnor Spring
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Nov 111 min read


Sibur Develops Its Own Range of Polyether Polyols
SIBUR, Russia's largest petrochemical producer, has developed its own grades of polyols, key organic compounds in the production of polyurethane foam for the automotive industry. SIBUR has collaborated with its partners to create a polyurethane foam system for car seats that is based on its proprietary polyether components. These components offer vibration absorption, durability, and elasticity. SIBUR has developed more than 30 new products and over 300 solutions for a variet
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Nov 101 min read


Knauf Insulation Opens Major Glass Mineral Wool Factory in Romania
Knauf Insulation Romania, part of the German Knauf Group, has officially inaugurated its new glass mineral wool production facility in Târnăveni, Mureș County, following a EUR 140 million investment, supported by EUR 18 million in state aid. The factory, described by Alexander Knauf, a member of the Knauf Group, as utilising state-of-the-art technology, has an annual production capacity of 75,000 tonnes—sufficient to insulate up to 200,000 homes per year. As the company’s lar
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Nov 61 min read


Huntsman and Steitz Secura Advance Circularity in Safety Footwear with Recycled PU Innovation
Huntsman, in partnership with German safety footwear manufacturer Steitz Secura, has developed an innovative polyurethane (PU) midsole solution that significantly enhances circularity within the protective footwear sector. The breakthrough DALTOPED® polyurethane system enables scrap PU generated during shoe production to be reintegrated back into new midsoles, reducing waste without requiring any modifications to existing manufacturing processes or chemistry. PU is a critical
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Nov 52 min read


Bontoux Strengthens Natural Extraction Capabilities with Acquisition of Atelier Fluides Supercritiques
Aromatic ingredients producer Bontoux has announced the acquisition of Atelier Fluides Supercritiques, a French company renowned for its expertise in supercritical CO₂ extraction. The official signing is scheduled for late October. Specialising in the design and optimisation of extraction processes and the precise restitution of delicate botanical compounds, Atelier Fluides Supercritiques brings advanced technical know-how that will enhance Bontoux’s production and innovation
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Nov 51 min read


EU Fire Safety Regulations Fuel Demand for Advanced Flame Retardants in Polyurethane Foam
Stricter EU fire-safety and chemical laws are boosting demand for advanced, halogen-free flame retardants in polyurethane foams. As older systems phase out, phosphorus- and nitrogen-based solutions lead growth. EMEA demand is projected to rise over 25% by 2030, driven by safer, sustainable innovations in construction and insulation applications.
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Nov 57 min read


Holcim Acquires Xella for €1.85bn to Strengthen Sustainable Building Solutions Portfolio
Switzerland-based building materials giant Holcim has finalised an agreement to acquire Xella, a German producer of walling and insulation materials, in a deal valued at €1.85 billion. Xella is known for its wide range of building products, including Multipor insulation, which supports energy-efficient construction. The acquisition is expected to deliver €60 million in EBITDA synergies within three years, driven by operational efficiencies, cross-selling, and expanded product
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Nov 41 min read


Nactarome Group has joined forces with Plantex to increase their footprint in plant extracts
Nactarome Group announced that it has acquired Plantex SAS, a producer of high-quality natural ingredients for the nutraceuticals, food, cosmetics, and animal nutrition industries.
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Oct 292 min read


Synergy introduces flavor-matched solutions for greens ready-to-mix powders
Synergy Flavours has introduced a new line of flavour-paired concepts aimed primarily at improving the flavour profile of greens ready-to-mix (RTM) powders.
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Oct 282 min read


Namaa Flavours & Fragrances to Invest EGP 250 Million in Egypt to Boost Production and Exports
Namaa Flavours & Fragrances has announced intentions to invest EGP 250 million in a comprehensive development program to modernise its manufacturing infrastructure in Ramadan City and boost production capacity to support export expansion.
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Oct 272 min read


Symrise invests in Cellibre to drive fermentation-based flavour innovation
Symrise invests in Cellibre to drive fermentation-based flavour innovation
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Oct 232 min read


Givaudan opens a new White Biotechnology Innovation Centre in Toulouse, France
Givaudan, a global pioneer in fragrance and beauty, is pleased to announce the opening of its new White Biotechnology Innovation Centre (BIC) in Toulouse
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Oct 151 min read


dsm-firmenich Opens the Global Food Innovation Centre in the Netherlands
dsm-firmenich announced the opening of the Van Marken Food Innovation Centre in Delft, Netherlands
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Oct 122 min read


I.T.S taps into the 'crossbreed fruit' trend with a new taste line
I.T.S has introduced a new 'crossbreed fruit' flavour line, capitalising on the hybrid fruit trend and increased desire in fresh twists on classic favourites across the F&B market.
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Oct 122 min read
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