Industry News
Chemical Industry News
PVB front-month flips to TTF premium on LNG supply risk
By Harvey Bassett and Robert Songer Additional reporting by Martina Losi, Brendan A’Hearn PVB April ’26 price flips to TTF premium amid geopolitical LNG supply disruption Spanish hub sensitive to...
Ireland’s five-year plan for research aims to boost PhD numbers and spin-outs
Strategy wants 3800 PhDs and 2000 postdoctoral researchers trained to support economy
Over 80% of US adults want more done to ensure that chemicals are safe
In recent survey, 84% of American respondents say the government and industry must do more to identify, regulate harmful chemicals in products
Maxwell’s demon might lurk in enzyme behaviour
The controversial process of enhanced enzyme diffusion could enable living systems to resist local equilibrium
Are food colour clashes worth the worry?
Calling artificial colours ‘petroleum-based poisons’ plays to popular fears, not necessarily evidence
How Thuc-Quyen Nguyen’s dreams of capturing the sun led her to organic electronics
Organic solar cell windows will enable the buildings of the future to be energy-neutral, she says
Bayer delivers upgraded 2025 ambition, projects solid 2026, focused on strategic priorities
The Bayer Group achieved its full-year targets for 2025 after having upgraded its currency-adjusted Group outlook for sales and earnings at the end of July. “We delivered that guidance, landing comfortably within the improved corridor,”
Breadcrumbs replace fossil hydrogen in chemical production
The humble breadcrumb could hold the key to cutting out fossil fuels from one of the chemical industry’s most widely used reactions, according to a new study. Scientists have found a one-pot microbial formula that
How are 360,000 tons of used batteries per year turned into a treasure trove of raw materials?
What will happen in the future to used batteries from electric vehicles? How can their valuable materials be recycled efficiently to create a genuine cycle for lithium-based batteries? With its research and development activities, the
Wastewater contains energy from 100 nuclear power plants: new technology makes it usable
Turning wastewater not only into clean water, but also into electricity and nutrients - this is possible with technologies that use electrochemically active microorganisms. An international research review published in Frontiers in Science under the
Brazil GDP grows 2.3% in 2025 but fourth-quarter weakness flags fading domestic momentum
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Brazil's economy grew 2.3% in 2025, official data showed on Tuesday, capping a fifth consecutive year of expansion but masking a sharp loss of domestic momentum in the final quarter...
European melamine suppliers facing higher gas costs, import disruption in wake of Middle East conflict
LONDON (ICIS)--The European melamine market is facing higher local production costs as gas prices soar due to the Middle East conflict and future import disruption. QatarEnergy announced on 3 March...
Higher oil prices a mixed blessing for Brazil as inflation risks offset trade gains – bank
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--A surge in global oil prices following US attacks on Iran presents Brazil with a double-edged economic picture, boosting the trade surplus and government revenues while adding...
Canada manufacturing expands for second month
TORONTO (ICIS)--Canadian manufacturing activity, as measured by the purchasing managers’ index (PMI), expanded for a second straight month in February and hit a 13-month high, according to the...
TTF seasonal spreads widen significantly amid volatility on global gas markets
Additional reporting by Ethan Tillcock TTF Summer ’26–Winter ’26 spread is sharply negative, eroding incentives for storage injections Dutch gas storage capacity is nearly fully contracted, but...
UK rHDPE bale prices fall slightly in February
LONDON (ICIS)--UK recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) mixed coloured and natural bale prices fell slightly in February, with broad stability heard through the month. Slightly longer bale...
INSIGHT: Five key takeaways for base oils amid Iran escalation
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Five key points summarize the Iran war's impact on global base oil markets: Gasoil (diesel) strength will divert refinery economics away from base oils. The loss of roughly a quarter...
Europe rHDPE non-packaging grade pellet prices roll over in February
LONDON (ICIS)--Recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) non-packaging grade pellet prices rolled over in February. Demand stability was broadly heard through the month as players continued to look...
Gas spike flips German fuel-switching costs in favor of coal as CSS crumble
Additional reporting by Johnathan Hamilton-Eve Power prices jumped across Europe as gas prices surged even faster, crushing clean spark spreads and shifting fuel economics toward coal and lignite...
Brazil’s chemicals, fertilizers prices to rise if Middle East conflict prolongs
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Escalating fighting in the Middle East poses significant upside risks to petrochemical feedstock and fertilizer costs in Brazil, the country’s trade group representing chemicals...