Under the theme “The Material Effect,” Covestro will present innovative material solutions for emerging applications such as flying cars, humanoid robots, data centers and medical wearables at CHINAPLAS 2026, one of the world’s leading plastics and rubber trade fairs, taking place in Shanghai from April 21 to 24. Organized around three focus areas – Advancing Intelligence Frontiers, Elevating Smart Living, Empowering Connected & Trusted Healthcare – the showcase highlights how material innovation is enabling new industries, smarter, connected living, and more accessible healthcare. “Technological innovation is advancing at an unprecedented pace, reshaping industries worldwide. The rapid rise of AI in particular is creating a wave of new applications,” said Lily Wang, President of Engineering Plastics at Covestro. “In response, Covestro continues to develop sustainable, high-performance solutions for customers, leveraging the ‘Material Effect’ to redefine industry boundaries and drive innovation in next-generation mobility, electrical and electronics, and healthcare, while advancing our commitment to a circular economy.” Advancing Intelligence Frontiers Advances in AI and intelligent technologies are reshaping industry boundaries, giving rise to sectors such as low-altitude aviation, embodied intelligence and smart energy. These emerging industries require lightweight design, long-term reliability and high system safety to scale commercially, creating new demands for advanced materials. At CHINAPLAS 2026, Covestro will showcase the AirCab flying car developed by Chinese partner GOVY, illustrating the material possibilities for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. From lightweight polycarbonate windshields and integrated roof sensor modules to polyurethane encapsulation foams for battery safety and sustainable coating solutions for lightweight aircraft bodies, Covestro’s portfolio addresses key material challenges of eVTOL aircraft, helping them fly farther and more safely. Covestro materials also support AI navigation systems and lightweight structures for drones, helping advance the next generation of logistics. Covestro will also present its complete solutions for humanoid robots. Polycarbonate enhances robot structural components with outstanding impact resistance for safer operation in challenging environments; in chip and electronic control housings and support structures, it enables efficient heat dissipation and integration with precision components; in battery enclosures, its flame-retardant properties maintain even temperature distribution for long-term stable operation under high heat; and in sensor housings, its high infrared transmittance supports accurate environmental sensing. In addition, rigid polycarbonate films can support human–machine interaction through ambient lighting effects and touch functionality, while flexible TPU films enable tactile sensing in dexterous hands and electronic skin. In the smart energy sector, the increasing integration of energy storage, charging infrastructure and grid systems places higher demands on long-term outdoor reliability. Covestro’s polycarbonate solutions for equipment enclosures deliver durable performance in demanding environments, supporting applications ranging from energy storage and EV charging stations to residential clean-energy systems and portable power solutions. Elevating Smart Living As AI reshapes industries and daily life, it is raising the bar for everyday devices and the infrastructure behind them. Data centers and supercomputers need materials that meet strict standards for flame retardancy, thermal management and structural strength under high-density computing loads. Covestro’s bio-circular attributed Makrolon® RE solutions can help ensure reliable operation while reducing carbon emissions by around 80 percent compared to conventional alternatives. For consumer electronics such as gaming devices and AI-powered laptops, Covestro offers glass fiber-reinforced or carbon fiber-reinforced engineering plastics with high stiffness, high translucency and flame retardancy, enhancing product performance, design and user experience. Connectivity is also evolving rapidly, with satellite broadband bringing reliable, high-speed internet directly to homes, even in remote areas. Covestro’s engineering plastics ensure high signal transmittance, impact resistance and mechanical durability for terminals, enabling stable operation around the clock in demanding environments. Empowering Connected & Trusted Healthcare As wearable devices, remote care and AI-assisted diagnostics become more widespread, healthcare is moving closer to the home. Covestro has developed medical-grade material solutions across wearable monitoring, molecular diagnostics and precision drug delivery, helping enable a more connected and trusted healthcare ecosystem. In diagnostics, Covestro showcases its material solutions through the Maestro point-of-care demonstrator. Built around Makrolon® Dx polycarbonate, the device leverages its optical clarity and low fluorescence to improve signal accuracy, enabling more precise molecular diagnostics in connected devices. In drug delivery, Covestro’s all-polycarbonate injection pen demonstrator uses low-friction, glass fiber-reinforced medical-grade polycarbonates to ensure smooth delivery, structural strength and dimensional stability. Adhesive-free assembly also enables easier disassembly and recycling. For medical wearables designed for extended wear, Covestro’s TPU films offer skin-friendly softness and excellent elasticity, providing a barely-there fit. Visit Covestro at CHINAPLAS 2026, Hall 7.2, Booth C38, National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), to discover how the Material Effect is shaping the future.
On April 10, Eastern Shenghong announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lianyungang Hongke New Materials, has signed a cooperation framework agreement with the Xuwei New District Administrative Committee to invest in an aromatics value chain optimization project, with a total planned investment of approximately CNY 13.33 billion. The project includes 150 ktpa TDI, 50 ktpa HDI, 300 ktpa PC, 240 ktpa caustic soda, and 240 ktpa BPA, covering a total of 10 key units, aiming to further extend the downstream aromatics chain and enhance integration in new materials. The company noted that the agreement is non-binding, and the project remains subject to approvals and further execution, with uncertain impact on future financial performance.
From April 14 to 16, 2026 China Coatings Congress, themed "Breaking Through for Change, Intelligent Innovation for the Future", was grandly held in Mingguang, Anhui. As a flagship annual event of the industry, it focused on the policy trends of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, technological innovation and market changes, addressed practical challenges such as sluggish consumption and fierce involution competition, and pointed out the direction for the transformation and upgrading of the coatings industry chain. Amid this collision of ideas and technologies, Huaguoshan took an active part in industry dialogues. Led by its President, the company made a high-profile appearance with core teams from its Industrial Coatings Division and Wood Coatings Division, exploring new paths for green transformation, technological innovation and high-quality development with elites on site. Based on its profound accumulation in R&D and application of waterborne resins, Huaguoshan showcased a variety of benchmark products and integrated solutions at the exhibition. From delicate sample effects to rapidly replicable process routes, it intuitively demonstrated the practical value of "environmental protection without performance compromise, renovation without cost increase" , quickly becoming a focal point of the exhibition area. During intensive exchanges, the Huaguoshan team engaged in in-depth interactions with upstream and downstream experts and customers, sharing practical experience in green coating applications. Committed to heavy investment and continuous innovation in core resin raw materials and systematic supporting services, Huaguoshan strives to help the industry achieve low-carbon development and break through involution efficiently. Waterborne Industrial Resin Product Solutions 01 Baking Coating System Solid topcoat: 5841 + 5924K / Pearlescent topcoat: 5841 + 5954K / Clear topcoat: 1169 Features high thixotropy, excellent metallic pigment alignment, high solid content with low viscosity, high gloss and fullness, and outstanding adhesion to multiple substrates. Suitable for tricycles, copper doors and other fields. 02 Flow Coating System Primer: EP364 + GZ927 / Topcoat: 5823 + 381 Single primer film build can exceed 60μm, with non-gelling overnight pot life at room temperature and excellent inter-coat performance. Suitable for transformers and other fields. 03 2K Multi-Coat System Primer: EP305 + GZ927 / Topcoat: 5032 + Oil-based Curing Agent Resists 40℃ water immersion for ≥10 days, features excellent anti-sagging property, great inter-coat resistance, long pot life and high versatility. Suitable for construction machinery, industrial equipment, large steel structures, energy storage and other fields. Waterborne Wood Resin Product Solutions 01 Ultimate Scratch Resistance System Modified Polyurethane Dispersion Houxian® 3939 Delivers scratch-free full-matte finish, excellent adhesion to multiple substrates and high transparency for full-matte clear coats. Suitable for full-matte scratch-resistant clear coats and pigmented coatings for woodware. 02 High Water & Heat Humidity Resistance System Low-Hydroxy Emulsion Houxian® W2011 Provides superior water and heat humidity resistance, high transparency, good workability, stable pot life, fast hardness development and high final hardness. Suitable for dining tables and chairs, tea tables, office furniture and other scenarios. 03 High Durability System 2K Hydroxypropyl Dispersion Houxian® W2009 Features excellent water and chemical resistance, high film fullness, great transparency, strong workability and high versatility. Ideal for cost-effective clear coats and pigmented coatings for woodware. As a consistent pioneer in the waterborne resin industry, Huaguoshan relies on five core technology platforms — waterborne polyurethane, acrylic emulsion, hydroxypropyl dispersion, epoxy/amine and water-soluble acrylic resin — to deeply cultivate eco-friendly materials, continuously launching superior waterborne resin products and integrated "oil-to-water" solutions. Huaguoshan sincerely invite you to join hands with Huaguoshan, forge ahead through challenges, break through in the wave of industry restructuring and low-carbon transformation, and win the future together!
PPG (NYSE:PPG) announced that it has completed the acquisition of Ozark Materials, LLC, a U.S.-based provider of pavement marking solutions, from Ingevity Corporation (NYSE:NGVT). The all-cash transaction includes a purchase price of $65 million, subject to customary adjustments. Ozark Materials serves customers across the United States and Canada and has a strong reputation for quality, service and operational excellence. The company has approximately 130 employees and well-established customer relationships that align closely with PPG’s Traffic Solutions business. “This acquisition strengthens our business by enhancing our ability to serve customers throughout North America with high-quality pavement marking solutions,” said Tom Maziarz, PPG vice president, Traffic Solutions. “Ozark Materials has strong operational capabilities and a team with deep industry experience. We look forward to integrating the business into PPG.” This transaction advances PPG’s long-term strategy to expand its pavement marking business and bolster its ability to deliver innovative solutions for a broad range of public- and private-sector customers.
According to the current market situation, KUNCAI (Zhengtai New Material)will implement the price increase for all TiOEX series of Titanium Dioxide products, effective from April 16th, 2026 as following ●Domestic market: CNY 1500/MT ●International market: USD 200/MT Meanwhile to increase the price for all FeOEX series of Iron Oxide products, ● Domestic market: CNY 500/MT ●International market: USD 70/MT
04/15/2026, PPG (NYSE: PPG) announced a global price adjustment across its paints, coatings and specialty products portfolio, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to maintaining reliable supply of its high-performance products to customers amid a rapidly evolving global cost environment. In recent weeks, the global petrochemical, energy and transportation markets have experienced significant volatility and supply constraints driven by factors outside the control of individual suppliers or manufacturers. This is resulting in higher costs for raw materials, energy, logistics and packaging across the coatings value chain. To ensure continuity of supply and service for customers worldwide, PPG has begun implementing price increases of up to 20% across all product lines and services on a customer-by-customer basis or as existing contracts allow. Certain product categories, technologies and regions may require higher price adjustments to fully offset current cost inflation, and additional price increases may occur in the future as market conditions continue to evolve. “Our top priority remains supporting our customers with consistent quality, dependable supply and technical expertise, even as market conditions remain highly dynamic,” said Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “This pricing action allows us to ensure availability of supply as we navigate unexpected and increased cost pressures.” PPG’s global sourcing, manufacturing and logistics teams are actively leveraging the company’s diversified production footprint and supplier network to mitigate disruptions and maintain service levels.
According to the market situation, LB Group will implement the price increase forall BillionsTM Titanium Dioxide products effective April 15th, 2026 as follows: • China: CNY 1500 per metric ton • International Markets: USD 200 per metric tonWe appreciate your understanding and continuous cooperation. Should you haveany questions, please contact our sales team for further assistance.
R-F 9156 is Alumina and organic treated rutile pigment which produced by sulphate process. It is specially designed for outstanding MFR property. It combines good tinting strength and bluish undertone. It is recommended for use in polyolefin masterbatch and can also be used in a wide range of polymers and compounds where durability is not critical. Key Features: ● Ease of dispersion ● Easy processability in a range of polymers ● High tinting strength ● Bluish undertone Applications: ● Polyolefin masterbatch ● ABS ● Film ● Polystyrene Other information: Packing: 25kg/bag, 500kg/bag, 1000kg/bag Storage: Store closed container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from ignition source, heat and rain. Handing: Avoid dust formation during handling. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at machinery and at places where dust can be generated. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. Please see the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of this product for more safety information prior to use.
From April 21 to 24, Zhiyi Chemicals will showcase its innovations at CHINAPLAS 2026 International Rubber & Plastics Fair. Gathering with global partners in Shanghai, and centering on the exhibition theme "Transformation, Collaboration & Shaping a Sustainable Future Together", the company will jointly explore new opportunities for the development of stabilization technologies and applications in rubber and plastic materials. As the global materials industry continues to move toward high performance and sustainable development, the rubber and plastics sector is embracing new technological breakthroughs and industrial transformations. Innovative materials, green manufacturing, and industrial collaboration are reshaping the future of the industry. Innovative Additives for a Sustainable Material Future Zhiyi will present its high-efficiency, eco-friendly antioxidants, UV absorbers, and light stabilizers. Committed to technological innovation, the company helps customers enhance material performance and extend product service life, providing reliable support for the rubber and plastics industry to advance toward high quality and sustainable development. Featured Products (Partial) YISORB® UV-571 UV Absorber Physical Properties Appearance: Yellow or yellowish-brown transparent liquid Assay: ≥98.0% Color (Gardner): ≤6.0 Specific Gravity (25℃): 0.980–1.100 Refractive Index (25℃): 1.5550–1.5750 Light Transmittance: ≥90.0% at 450 nm, ≥95.0% at 500 nm Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA): 2% weight loss at 253℃, 5% weight loss at 231℃, 1% weight loss at 214℃ Application Description A liquid benzotriazole UV absorber that absorbs UV light in the 300–400 nm range. It features excellent compatibility with various polymers, low volatility, and high absorption efficiency. Suitable for thermoplastic PUR coatings and integral foams, rigid plasticized PVC, PVB, PMMA, EVA, high-temperature cured unsaturated polyesters, as well as PA, PET, and PP fiber spinning additives. Also applicable in latexes, waxes, adhesives, styrene homo-/copolymers, elastomers, and polyolefins. YISORB® UV-1 UV Absorber Physical Properties Appearance: Pale yellow transparent liquid Assay: ≥98.5% Color (Gardner): ≤2.5 Specific Gravity (25℃): 1.127 Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA): 1% weight loss at 177℃, 2% weight loss at 200℃, 5% weight loss at 228℃ Application Description A liquid formamidine-based UV absorber that effectively absorbs UV light from 240 to 350 nm, with a maximum absorption peak at 308 nm and nearly complete absorption in the 300–330 nm band. It delivers outstanding light stability to polyurethane products (flexible/rigid foams, elastomers, leather, textile coatings, adhesives, coatings), inhibiting photo-oxidative degradation, preventing aging, enhancing color stability, and extending service life. It exhibits remarkable synergistic effects when combined with antioxidants and light stabilizers. YIPHOS® 4025 Antioxidant Physical Properties Appearance: Pale yellow transparent liquid Phosphorus Content: 4.8% Color (APHA): <100 Acid Value: ≤0.10 mgKOH/g Refractive Index (25℃): 1.4880–1.4950 Specific Gravity (25℃): 0.940–0.960 Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA): 5% weight loss at 260℃, 10% weight loss at 296℃, 50% weight loss at 371℃ Application Description A high-efficiency aryl alkyl phosphite antioxidant. When used with metal stabilizers or epoxy stabilizers, it effectively improves the thermal stability, initial color, and transparency of polymers such as PVC, ABS, polyurethane, and thermoplastics. It features excellent hydrolysis resistance and heat resistance, providing superior thermal stability at one-third the dosage of antioxidant TNPP. It enhances product weatherability and offers good UV resistance at low addition levels. Recommended dosage: 0.05–1.0%. YINOX® 1520 Antioxidant Physical Properties Appearance: Pale yellow transparent liquid Assay: ≥96.0% Melting Point: ≥14℃ Volatile Matter: ≤0.5% Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA): 2% weight loss at 253℃, 5% weight loss at 269℃, 25% weight loss at 298℃ Application Description A multifunctional liquid thiophenol antioxidant with dual functions as a free radical scavenger and hydroperoxide decomposer. It provides thermal-oxidative protection during processing and effectively improves product weatherability. Mainly used in synthetic rubbers including butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, EPDM, and nitrile rubber, as well as thermoplastic elastomers, delivering strong antioxidant performance with low dosage and enhancing the stability of plastics and synthetic polymers. As an eco-friendly antioxidant, it promotes the green transformation of rubber products. It is also applicable in lubricants, plastics, and other polymer materials with excellent antioxidant efficiency. YIPACK® PUB-670 Composite Anti-Yellowing Agent Physical Properties Appearance: Pale yellow transparent liquid Color (APHA): <2.5 Refractive Index (25℃): 1.5610–1.5850 Specific Gravity (25℃): 0.998–1.125 Application Description Combines excellent heat resistance and UV absorption, effectively absorbing most UVB radiation to inhibit photodegradation of polymer materials and enhance color stability of finished products. Widely used in polyurethane shoe sole systems, polyurethane resins, leather, flexible/rigid foams, elastomers, adhesives, and textile coatings, reducing yellowing and physical property degradation caused by UV exposure. Particularly suitable for polyurethane shoe soles based on polyester polyol-MDI systems, improving the yellowing resistance grade of shoe materials. It has good compatibility in polyurethane materials without discoloration. Recommended dosage: 0.5–3.0%. We sincerely invite you to visit us at Booth 8.2D92 to exchange ideas. Together with Zhiyi, let us collaborate amid transformation, innovate through collaboration, and shape a sustainable future for the rubber and plastics industry. About Zhiyi Zhiyi Chemicals is a national high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of polymer weatherability additives, focusing on anti-aging technologies for polymer materials. Its product portfolio covers three series: antioxidants, UV absorbers, and light stabilizers, widely applied in polyurethane, coatings, plastics, rubber, resins, lubricants, and other fields. The company operates two production bases in Nanxiong (Guangdong) and Lanzhou (Gansu), as well as three R&D centers in Nanxiong, Qingdao, and Lanzhou, equipped with comprehensive anti-aging testing facilities to provide customers with full-range anti-aging solutions. It has passed ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certification and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Certification, with some products obtaining quality certifications including SGS, REACH, and K-REACH. Adhering to scientific management, the company strictly controls R&D, procurement, production, and quality inspection in accordance with management system requirements. Market-oriented and technology-driven, Zhiyi has established the "Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Polymer Stabilization" and "Zhiyi Fine Chemicals Qingdao R&D Center". It has carried out technical cooperation with multiple research institutes and universities, giving full play to the synergy of industry-university-research collaboration. The company continues to focus on product innovation and process optimization, enriching and upgrading its product system to provide customers with advanced anti-aging solutions.
Global specialty chemicals company Nouryon has introduced Alcosperse® OTA 100, a new polymer additive that helps paint manufacturers create water based architectural paints that are easier to apply and aligned with growing demand for low odor products with reduced levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The technology supports producers seeking paint options that deliver a smooth, consistent finish. Alcosperse OTA‑100 is designed for broad use in water‑based paints and fits easily into existing manufacturing processes. Key advantages include: ●Longer open time, which helps paint stay workable and improves ease of application ●Low odor, which supports growing consumer expectations for more pleasant indoor painting experiences ●Ability to reduce or replace glycol, an ingredient many producers want to minimize because it contributes to odor and higher levels of VOC ●Compatibility across a wide range of formulations "Alcosperse OTA‑100 helps formulators meet the demand for easier to use architectural paints while reducing reliance on glycol. It is a practical way for producers to advance their low- and zero-VOC product lines without sacrificing quality," said Joe Ferrara, vice president of Paints & Coatings at Nouryon. In customer trials, Alcosperse OTA‑100 has been shown to work across a wide range of water‑based paints and has minimal impact on durability, and scrub, stain and water resistance. It is available in the Americas and Europe and can be incorporated into many current formulations with minimal changes. Technical support is available through Nouryon’s global Paints & Coatings application centers. Within Nouryon’s Performance Materials segment, this new product is part of the company’s Paints & Coatings portfolio, which offers a range of solutions that deliver tailored performance benefits.