Recent developments
Demand and earnings
Specialties demand was mixed: Symrise reported Q1 2026 organic −0.4% as UV filters dragged Scent & Care; guidance intact. Croda Q1 sales met guidance on Beauty Actives/F&F. Kemira Q1 2026 declined with margin pressure. Dow Q1 2026 results reflected lower prices. Air Liquide Q1 2026 grew, Electronics +3%.
Capacity and R&D
Aroma and electronics supply expanded. BASF commissioned menthol and linalool in Ludwigshafen and citral in Zhanjiang. Specialty H2O2 moved forward as Evonik and Fuhua finished Leshan. Bioprocess and polymer R&D grew with Evonik expands biotech drug-substance capacity in Slovakia and Shanghai’s Asia PAthletic Center for PA12/PEBAs.
New specialty technologies
Launches spanned catalysts and coatings: Clariant launches CATOFIN 1000 PDH catalyst for higher selectivity and less fouling, and Evonik launches Ancamine® 2873 for ultra‑low‑emission winter cure. Low‑carbon PU advanced with BASF launches ELASTOSPRAY BMB biomass‑balance isocyanate. Medical adoption of ZELAS TPS for iP‑TEC cell culture tubing progressed.
Channels and collaboration
Formulation support and access broadened. Brenntag to distribute Nouryon Bermocoll cellulose ethers in Brazil for coatings/inks, and Brenntag Specialties to distribute Shinehigh supramolecular actives across key regions. Biopharma supply consolidated under Brenntag launches BYPHAR biopharma brand. Pharma formulation support grew via the Evonik and Higuchi open joint lab in Yokohama. Biomethane upgrading expanded with Evonik to supply SEPURAN Green membranes to MTC Orec.
Pricing and leadership
Cost pass-through continued as BASF raises plastic-additive prices up to 25%. Appointments included PPG names Jamie Beggs SVP and CFO and Momentive names Bob Waitt CCO. Specialty intermediates advanced via Nextchem awarded NX CONSER C5+ license for TMA in China, while packaging ties deepened through Sinopec strategic cooperation with Amcor.