Industry News
Chemical Industry News
Two states of water & science sleuths
In this episode, we discuss the two-state model of water, how science sleuths are fighting disinformation, and hear the latest headlines.
Explosive growth in metal–organic framework research is concentrated in China
China contributes about 59% of global MOF publications, with the US in second place and the UK towards the bottom, analysis finds
Merck Acquires JSR Chromatography Business
Merck announced that it has successfully closed the acquisition of the chromatography business of JSR Life Sciences. The acquisition adds Amsphere™ Protein A resins and advanced Protein A chromatography capabilities to Merck’s downstream processing portfolio,
UK government nominates Leszek Borysiewicz as next UKRI chair
Immunologist has held numerous roles in scientific administration, including at the University of Cambridge, MRC and CRUK
Better Recycled Plastics Through Artificial Intelligence
The plastics industry faces a major challenge: it must use more recycled materials while delivering the same quality as newly produced plastics. This is exactly where the “SmartReUSE” project comes in. Funded by the European
Building desktop particle accelerators to unlock new realms of research
Using high-intensity lasers, researchers have taken an important step towards miniaturization of particle accelerators by demonstrating free-electron laser amplification at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths (27–50 nm), with an acceleration length of only a few millimeters. By
Tiny flow chips, faster clean catalysis
Designing better catalysts often means controlling where reactions happen and how fast molecules can move. In this study, researchers developed a microfluidic route to synthesis polymer microspheres whose shape could be precisely tuned from solid
Alfa Laval appoints Olaf van Heerekhuizen as new Managing Director for the DACH region
Olaf van Heerekhuizen has taken over as Managing Director of Alfa Laval Mid Europe as of April 1, 2026. In his new role, the Dutchman will be responsible for the activities of the Alfa Laval
AFPM ’26: Steep price increase proposals, as well as soaring spot prices, emerge for US PG due to multiple supply concerns
SAN ANTONIO (ICIS)--Though contract prices of propylene glycol (PG) rose significantly in March, market players on the sidelines of this year’s International Petrochemical Conference (IPC) said...
PODCAST: BD global market tightness continues heading into April amid Middle East conflict
LONDON (ICIS)--Butadiene prices have surged globally following Middle East supply disruptions linked to the US‑Iran conflict. Europe BD editor Melissa Hurley discusses the current market conditions...
US court ruling against a challenge to FMC final rule benefits American shippers – ACD
HOUSTON (ICIS)--A ruling today from a Washington, DC, circuit court against a challenge to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) from the World Shipping Council (WSC) is beneficial for American...
US gasoline supplies decline as refinery run rates fall
HOUSTON (ICIS)--US gasoline supplies fell during the week ended 27 March, as refinery run rates decreased week on week. However, refinery run rates remain elevated. Gasoline stocks decreased week on...
Chile’s economy contracts in February as manufacturing weighs on activity
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Chile's economy shrank 0.3% in February, year on year, dragged down by a decline in goods and manufacturing production that services growth was only partly able to offset, the...
Colombia manufacturing expands then eases some in March
SAO PAULO (ICIS)--Colombia's manufacturing sector expanded for another month in March but lost momentum as growth in new orders and output softened, while surging input and output costs drove...
NYMEX: US gas futures lower despite tighter balances
Front-month US natural gas futures decreased on 1 April as the market settles into shoulder season The May 2026 Henry Hub contract on NYMEX settled at $2.819/MMBtu, down more than 2% from the...
US April ’26 benzene contract settles higher on feedstock, energy volatility following Middle East conflict
HOUSTON (ICIS)--The US April 2026 benzene contract price settled nearly $1/gal higher as energy and feedstock markets face disruptions following the conflict in the Middle East. April contract prices...
USITC determination on fatty acids from Indonesia, Malaysia likely to raise costs, further tighten US markets
NEW YORK (ICIS)--The 1 April determination from the US International Trade Commission (USITC) that there is reasonable indication that the US fatty acids industry is materially injured because of...
CRUDE SUMMARY: Benchmark crude prices shed value as Trump suggests end of war nearby
Trump suggests war could end in two to three weeks US crude stocks climb, gasoline and distillate stocks decline US petroleum exports rise to highest on record amid increased Asian demand LONDON...
Global ocean freight spot rates remain elevated as Strait of Hormuz closure persists
HOUSTON (ICIS)--Global ocean freight spot rates remain elevated as the Strait of Hormuz closure hits the five-week mark, showing the Iran war is a conflict with global repercussions for ocean supply...
Global air passenger demand rises 6.1% in February; outlook clouded by fuel volatility and Middle East disruption
LONDON (ICIS)--Global air passenger demand rose 6.1% year-on-year in February, supported by resilient travel fundamentals and seasonal factors, although escalating geopolitical tensions and extreme...