News and industry insights on High-value, specialized chemicals for niche applications, such as coatings, adhesives, and catalysts.
AkzoNobel maintained its strategic course, advancing the merger with Axalta and rejecting a conditional cash offer from Nippon Paint and Sherwin‑Williams. BASF streamlined its portfolio via the sale of its silicates business to PQ and launched Winning Ways to cut fixed costs in the core. GM’s 2025 Supplier of the Year went to BASF Coatings ahead of its planned sale to Carlyle. Re‑elected as Supervisory Board Chairman, Rainier van Roessel signals continuity at LANXESS.
Mass‑balance biomass plastics from Mitsui Chemicals entered Toshiba molded transformers, meeting Japan’s latest Top Runner standards. BASF and Cromology integrated the Acronal Ccycled styrene‑acrylate binder in wall paint using tire‑derived pyrolysis oil. Avantium and Heynen showcased a releaf PEF cushion for bedding. A zirconia dental‑waste recycling project aims for 2028 application. AkzoNobel supplied protective systems to the Songyuan Hydrogen Energy Industrial Park.
At Yihua’s formaldehyde units in China, Clariant’s FAMAX catalysts improved yields, pressure drop and lifetime, with 99% VOC conversion via EnviCat off‑gas catalysts. Asahi Kasei introduced a PSPI film enabling panel‑level packaging with fine patterning and multilayer insulation. Kemira and CuspAI reported AI‑generated PFAS‑removal materials reaching sub‑ppb targets. Evonik and the University of Guanajuato will adapt a biosurfactant platform to lower‑toxicity mining reagents.
Discontinue production and sales of certain epoxy resin grades at the Tokai Plant, Mitsubishi Chemical will prioritize specialty electronics resins. Hycamite outlined a phased 200 kt/yr graphite plant in Finland under the EU CRMA, targeting battery and industrial uses. BASF’s and AkzoNobel’s moves indicate ongoing portfolio reshaping amid customer focus on performance, compliance and lower embedded carbon.
