Recent developments
Coatings consolidation
Henkel agreed to acquire Stahl for €2.1 billion, expanding in specialty coatings for flexible substrates; transaction awaits regulatory approvals. AkzoNobel proposed an all-stock merger with Axalta to build scale in performance and industrial coatings amid muted 2026 demand.
Pricing and portfolio
Trinseo raised European prices for PS, ABS, and SAN by €130/t and €90/t, respectively. AkzoNobel reported higher margins from efficiencies but flat organic sales and expects a weak first half of 2026. UPM Adhesive Materials announced investments in the U.S., Malaysia, and Vietnam while discontinuing production in Nancy, France.
PFAS substitution
SABIC introduced UL746G‑certified PC copolymers and PFAS alternatives for tubing and housings in medical devices.
Asahi Kasei launched a PFAS‑free PA66 for low‑friction, high‑load components, aligning with tightening EU and U.S. regulations.
Battery materials
Arkema and Senior signed a strategic cooperation in battery materials, targeting advanced adhesion, controlled deposition, low‑temperature assembly, and semi‑solid manufacturing by combining PVDF/acrylic binders with high‑performance separator films.
Bio-based and circularity
Solvay opened a bio‑circular silica facility in Livorno using rice husk ash, lowering CO2 intensity and enabling higher renewable content in tires. Nouryon introduced a 100% biobased CMC for detergents. UBE earned an EcoVadis Gold rating, while UPM received multiple sustainability recognitions. MAIRE and Politecnico di Milano launched a four‑year Joint Research Platform Agreement on energy transition, chemicals, and catalysis.