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.

Huntsman Corporation announced that recent developments in the Middle East have caused a sharp increase in European natural gas prices, significantly raising the cost of producing MDI.

Dow Increases EMEAI Polyether Polyol Prices

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.

On 8 January 2026, PARFEX laid the foundation stone for the extension and renovation of its industrial site at the Bois de Grasse Business Park, marking a major milestone in the French fragrance house’s long-term growth and sustainability strategy.

Pflaumer Brothers has unveiled TERACURE® HP 47, a next-generation aliphatic polyisocyanate crosslinking agent designed to elevate the performance of two-component (2K) waterborne polyurethane coatings across demanding sectors such as automotive, aerospace, construction, flooring, wood finishing, OEM production, and industrial applications.

President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the AZWOOL mineral rock wool plant, a major addition to Azerbaijan’s construction materials industry and the latest development from Matanat-A, a company operating since 2000 with diversified operations in dry construction mixtures, gypsum-based products, lime production and machine-building.

The NOVEX Technology Centre, within the framework of Spain’s Science and Innovation Missions Programme (CDTI) and in collaboration with Ensatec laboratories and Geopannel, is completing the final stage of the ZIRCON project, focused on developing and validating sustainable polyurethane materials for the construction industry.

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