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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.


Carpenter Strengthens Its Sustainability Efforts Through Solar Power
For decades, Carpenter has been a sustainability leader in the flexible polyurethane foam industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. The company's initiatives have focused on reducing waste, improving circularity to help keep products out of landfill at the end of their useful life, and developing innovative approaches to recycling materials. The company evaluates its operations to identify new ways to support the communities in which it operate
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2 days ago2 min read


Polyurethane Sustainability: Rise in the CO₂-Based Production Methodologies
The fossil-based production of polyurethane foam and other products uses raw materials obtained from petroleum and natural gas, notably polyols and isocyanates.
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2 days ago3 min read


Dow Strengthens Specialty Silicones Business with Expanded Product and Innovation Capabilities
Dow has announced a series of targeted investments worth approximately USD 100 million, to be completed by the end of 2027, to expand its global speciality silicones manufacturing and innovation capabilities.
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Jun 282 min read


Celanese and Siegwerk Partner on Bio-Based Ethyl Acetate Ink Solutions
Celanese has partnered with Siegwerk to enhance sustainability in the printing ink value chain by supplying bio-based ethyl acetate.
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Jun 251 min read


The Evolving Role of Polyurethane (PU) in Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis of APAC, EMEA and the Americas
The Evolving Role of Polyurethane (PU) in Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis of APAC, EMEA and the Americas
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Jun 174 min read


Selena Raises Q1 Profits Despite Weak Construction Activity
Following the first quarter of 2026, the Selena Group reported continued improvement in profitability despite a challenging market environment. The company generated an operating profit (EBIT) of €7.8 million, representing a year-over-year increase of nearly 16%, while net profit from continuing operations rose to €5.1 million, up more than 9% compared with the same period in 2025.
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Jun 161 min read


How the Strait of Hormuz Disruption Could Reshape the Global Polyurethane Market
The polyurethane (PU) value chain is undergoing a significant disruption, where price, availability, and lead time are shifting simultaneously, reshaping the operating environment.
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Jun 58 min read


Global Innovation Edge Secures Patent for the Conversion of Mattress Foam
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently granted a patent to Edge Global Innovation Inc., a Houston-based company that has developed a thermochemical conversion process. This patent represents a substantial improvement in the process of transforming discarded and industrial scrap foam into high-value recycled materials. A technique called "vitrimerization" is used by the recently patented process to transform polyurethane foam waste into reusable materials. The process i
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Jun 32 min read


Polyurethane in Cold Chain Appliances: Insulating the Future
Polyurethane is a versatile polymer that plays an important role in cold chain appliances. It helps to keep products safe and fresh and to conserve energy during storage and transportation.
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May 253 min read


Global Market Trends for Aliphatic and Aromatic Polyols
Polyester polyols account for just under one third of global polyol consumption. The segment’s mix remains stable, with aliphatic polyester polyols holding about 70% share and aromatic polyester polyols the remaining 30%, supported by steady demand from rigid foam and construction applications. Overall, shifts in consumption are incremental, driven by evolving performance needs rather than any structural market change.
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May 173 min read


Polyurethane Sustainability: Production of CO2-Based NIPUs
Non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) are an advanced polymer solution leading to a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional polyurethanes. The conventional production methods involve the usage of so-called toxic isocyanates such as MDI, TDI, etc.
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Apr 282 min read


Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs): A Sustainable Shift in Wood and Furniture Coatings
Polyurethane Dispersions (PUDs): A Sustainable Shift in Wood and Furniture Coatings
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Apr 233 min read


BASF Expands HALS and NOR® HALS Capacity to Support Global Megatrends
BASF is reinforcing its position in plastic additive solutions by expanding production capacities for both standard and NOR HALS products.
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Apr 212 min read


QXO to acquire TopBuild to Expand Across the Value Chain
QXO, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TopBuild Corp. (“TopBuild”) for approximately $17 billion, significantly expanding QXO’s scale and capabilities across the building products value chain. The transaction is expected to be substantially accretive to the company’s earnings. TopBuild is the largest distributor and installer of insulation and related building products in North America. The combination will bring together QXO’s leading positions in roofing,
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Apr 202 min read


Global Overview of Blowing Agents in the Polyurethane Foam Market 2026
Global blowing agent (BA) consumption in polyurethane foams reached ~900,000 tonnes in 2025, with demand shaped primarily by insulation needs, regulatory pressures and the rapid transition to low‑GWP technologies.
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Apr 54 min read


Global Overview of Sustainability in the PU Market 2026: 2nd Edition
This study delivers an in-depth assessment of the global polyurethane (PU) industry’s shift toward sustainability. It examines the current landscape of conventional PU products and outlines the emerging technologies, materials and strategies.
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Mar 252 min read


Symrise Introduces a New Beauty, Microbiome Wellness Division
Symrise AG has introduced its new Care & Wellness Division to meet the rising global demand for integrated health, wellbeing, and beauty solutions. Part of its Scent & Care segment, the division combines expertise in cosmetic ingredients, health actives, and biotics strengthened by the 2025 Probi acquisition to offer a comprehensive, science-backed portfolio supporting topical, ingestible, and inside-out beauty applications.
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Mar 192 min read


Transition from Traditional Blowing Agents to Low-GWP Blowing Agents
The transition from CFCs to low global warming potential (low-GWP) blowing agents is transforming the global foam and insulation industry. Blowing agents are chemicals used to create the cellular structure in foam materials such as polyurethane and polystyrene, which are widely used in construction insulation, refrigeration appliances, automotive components and packaging. Traditionally used blowing agents have raised environmental concerns due to their contribution to greenho
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Mar 184 min read


Notice
The article previously at this location has been removed due to concerns regarding the validity of the source material. Ensuring the accuracy of our news articles is our top priority, and the content did not meet our editorial standards. We apologise for any confusion caused. IAL Consultants
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Mar 171 min read


Polyurethane Sustainability: The Curious Case of Sustainable CASE Polyurethane Systems
The global push towards sustainability has significantly influenced the production of polyurethane systems in recent years.
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Mar 162 min read
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