Industry News
Chemical Industry News
ICIS EXPLAINS: Russia’s quest to reach gas markets from Kazakhstan to Turkey – part 4
After losing most of its European gas market share, Russia pivoted east, in search of new consumers. China was an obvious target but as its big-ticket expansion projects are yet to advance, it’s...
Plant status: Singapore’s Aster to cease MEG production by Q1 2027-sources
SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Here is a plant status report: Name: Aster Chemicals and Energy Location: Jurong, Singapore Product: Monoethylene glycol (MEG) Capacity (tonnes/year): 900,000 Event start: Q1 2027...
Ultra-thin two-dimensional materials observed for the first time in a state between solid and liquid
When ice melts into water, this happens quickly, the transition from solid to liquid is immediate. However, very thin materials do not adhere to these rules. This is where an unusual state between solid and
The chemical-pharmaceutical industry is on a difficult path
Germany's industry has had an exhausting year. The situation for chemical and pharmaceutical companies has also worsened. "The industry is sending out an SOS. 2025 was another very difficult year for our sector and the
ERC Consolidator Grant for Dr. Felix Gunkel and “Scrambled Oxs”
Dr. Felix Gunkel from the Electronic Materials Division at the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-7) at Forschungszentrum Jülich has been awarded a Consolidator Grant by the European Research Council (ERC). Over the next five years, his
Learning computational chemistry in a new role
A change of team brings new opportunities to build knowledge
Unexpected stability theorised in positron-bound beryllium dimers
Simulations challenge conventional ideas about positronic interactions
Bacteria tweaked to produce high yields of colour-changing pigment behind octopus camouflage
Dangled carrot of formic acid fuel drives engineered bacteria to make cephalopod dye at yields a thousand times higher than conventional means
New microscope can image an invisible 2D material
Researchers from the Physical Chemistry and Theory departments at the Fritz Haber Institute have found a new way to image layers of boron nitride that are only a single atom thick. This material is usually
A new type of copper from the nuclear reactor
Cu-64 is a copper isotope that is required for medical applications. However, it is very difficult to produce. A new, alternative method has now been found at TU Wien. The copper isotope Cu-64 plays an
Microplastics filter inspired by fish
Wastewater from washing machines is considered a major source of microplastics – tiny plastic particles that are suspected of harming human and animal health. Researchers at the University of Bonn now have developed a filter
Photo of coiling net-caster spider silk wins Royal Society competition
Stunning electron micrograph of silk structure among 10 scientific photos to win prizes
GPCA ’25: Partnerships key to solving industry challenges – BASF CEO
MANAMA, Bahrain (ICIS)--The global chemical industry is grappling with its most difficult period in at least 25 years, a challenging situation that calls for a swift revitalization of strategic...
Europe LDPE spot prices surge after multiple domestic production issues
LONDON (ICIS)--Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) spot prices have spiked this week, following the announcement from Sabic on Wednesday that its LDPE plant in Wilton has entered force majeure. It was...
GPCA ‘25: China growth seen at 4.5%-5.25% through to 2027 – HSBC
MANAMA, Bahrain (ICIS)--China's economy is expected to grow at an annual pace of between 4.5% to 5.25% through to 2027, supported by its continued export strength and the injection of domestic policy...
Europe glycol ethers prices little changed into December with focus on inventory management
LONDON (ICIS)--Spot prices for e-series glycol ethers were flat coming into December while p-series glycol ethers prices saw slight softness as prices continued to consolidate at low levels in the...
Middle East December sulphur posted prices increase to record high
LONDON (ICIS)-- Sulphur producers in the Arab Gulf have separately set December posted prices at $495/tonne FOB - the highest level recorded since ICIS began to track prices in 2017. In the...
OCI Global, Orascom Construction agree to merge
LONDON (ICIS)--OCI Global and Orascom Construction have reached an agreement to combine the two companies. OCI’s board of directors has approved the deal, subject to shareholder approval, and will...
US backs Bayer–Monsanto with glyphosate decision
Solicitor general says federal rules override state laws on cancer warnings
Plant status: Azerbaijan’s SOCAR resumes urea production
LONDON (ICIS)--Here is a plant status report: Name: State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) Location: Sumgayit, Azerbaijan Product: Granular urea Capacity (tonnes/year): 650,000-660,000...