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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.


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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1 day ago1 min read


Natural Fragrance and Clean Labels Growth: Redefining the Global Fragrance Industry
The global fragrance industry is undergoing a transformation as consumers are increasingly choosing natural fragrances over synthetic or artificial scents. Consumers are increasingly pausing before purchase, not just to read the packaging, but to scrutinise the ingredient list. This increased awareness is driving a powerful shift away from synthetic blends towards a new era defined by natural fragrances and transparent “clean labels”. This is not a niche trend anymore, but ra
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2 days ago4 min read


Galloway Company launches Acidified Cream Liqueur Base, ushering in a new era of flavour innovation in dairy-based alcohol
Galloway Company launches Acidified Cream Liqueur Base, ushering in a new era of flavour innovation in dairy-based alcohol
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2 days ago2 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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2 days ago2 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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2 days ago1 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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2 days ago7 min read


Brenntag collaborates with Givaudan to offer cosmetic actives and high-end speciality ingredients to Thailand
Givaudan and Louvre Abu Dhabi team up to bring art to life through an amazing olfactory journey
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3 days ago1 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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3 days ago1 min read


Stahl Reopens State-of-the-Art Coatings Facility in Ranipet, India to Drive Innovation and Sustainability
Stahl, the leading provider of speciality coatings for flexible materials, has reopened its state-of-the-art coatings facility in Ranipet, India. This is a significant milestone in Stahl's transformation journey and further illustrates the strategic importance of its presence in India. Stahl's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and customer collaboration is further emphasised by the reopening, which features locally produced, high-performance specialty coatings. The Ra
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4 days ago2 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


Maple Leaf Foods develops new brand Musafir to cater to South Asian taste demand
Maple Leaf Foods has launched Musafir, a new food brand that combines South Asian culinary traditions with modern convenience to meet the growing customer desire for global tastes and protein-rich foods.
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Oct 272 min read


BASF Aroma Ingredients introduces the new Isobionics natural lime flavouring ingredient
BASF Aroma Ingredients' revolutionary biotechnology brand, Isobionics®, is introducing a new natural flavour product to the market
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Oct 262 min read


Somnigroup International Invests In Kingsdown
Somnigroup International is expanding its presence in the mattress industry by taking a minority stake in Kingsdown, a mattress manufacturer. According to executives of the company, the investment is indicative of Somnigroup's "confidence in Kingsdown's brand, heritage, and future." Novacap, the private equity firm that has maintained majority ownership of Kingsdown since 2018, maintains its majority stake. “Somnigroup’s investment represents a powerful endorsement of Kingsdo
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Oct 241 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


dsm-firmenich opens its next-generation, completely automated pet-only premix facility in Tonganoxie, Kansas
dsm-firmenich opens its next-generation, completely automated pet-only premix facility in Tonganoxie, Kansas.
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Oct 232 min read


Wanhua Chemical, ENGEL and Hitech Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance Polyurethane Innovation
On 10 October 2025, at the K Exhibition in Germany, Wanhua Chemical, ENGEL, and Hitech Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at driving innovation across the automotive manufacturing value chain. The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives including Hua Weiqi, Executive Vice President of Wanhua Chemical Group; Mr Gero Willmeroth, President Asia and Oceania of ENGEL; and Sun Wenqiang, Chairman of Hitech. This partnership unites three leading playe
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Oct 211 min read
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