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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.


Radnor Hills offers new carbonated soft drink line, Radnor Spring
Radnor Hills offers new carbonated soft drink line, Radnor Spring
ial
Nov 11, 20251 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
ial
Nov 10, 20251 min read


Nexture Announces the Acquisition of Frulact, a Globally Leading Manufacturer of Fruit and Vegetable-Based Specialty Ingredients
Nexture announces the acquisition of Frulact, a globally leading manufacturer of fruit and vegetable-based speciality ingredients
ial
Nov 10, 20253 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
ial
Nov 6, 20251 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
ial
Nov 5, 20252 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
ial
Nov 5, 20251 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.
ial
Nov 5, 20257 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
ial
Nov 4, 20251 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.
ial
Oct 29, 20252 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.
ial
Oct 28, 20252 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.
ial
Oct 27, 20252 min read


Symrise invests in Cellibre to drive fermentation-based flavour innovation
Symrise invests in Cellibre to drive fermentation-based flavour innovation
ial
Oct 23, 20252 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
ial
Oct 15, 20251 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
ial
Oct 12, 20252 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.
ial
Oct 12, 20252 min read


European Market for Thermal Insulation Products: 16th Edition
IAL Consultants is pleased to announce the publication of the new edition of its study on the markets for Thermal Insulation Products in...
ial
Oct 9, 20251 min read


Clariant Expands Daya Bay Plant, Grows Exolit™ OP Line for E-Mobility
Clariant has completed its CHF 100 million investment in the Daya Bay facility, with the second production line set to become fully...
ial
Oct 9, 20251 min read


Dsm-Firmenich Inaugurates Van Marken Food Innovation Center in Delft
Dsm-Firmenich has officially opened its Van Marken Food Innovation Center in Delft, marking a major step in its strategy to transform the...
ial
Oct 8, 20251 min read


CANNON Viking LayDown VariMaster Enables Real-Time Foam Grade Adjustments
CANNON Viking will showcase its new LayDown VariMaster system, a patented solution for continuous slabstock foam block production, at...
ial
Oct 8, 20252 min read


Safic-Alcan Acquired Anders Stake to boost its South American presence
Paris–La Défense – Safic-Alcan has acquired a majority stake in Peru-based specialty chemical distributor Anders, strengthening its...
ial
Oct 8, 20251 min read
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