Global specialty chemicals leader Nouryon is expanding production capacity for its premium grades of Levasil® colloidal silica at its manufacturing site in Guangzhou, China, to serve fast-growing segments like emissions control catalysts, electrical steel coatings and non-stick coatings for cookware across Asia Pacific. By bringing production closer to customers, Nouryon will supply a broader range of premium Levasil grades with shorter lead times, giving manufacturers the reliable access they need to develop and scale next-generation technologies and industrial processes. Levasil is a critical ingredient in a wide range of industrial applications. In emissions control catalysts, it helps vehicles and industrial equipment meet increasingly stringent environmental standards. In electrical steel coatings, it improves the energy efficiency of transformers used in power grids. In non-stick coatings for cookware, it contributes to durability and performance. "China's technology-driven industries are moving fast and access to advanced colloidal silica is becoming a competitive necessity for manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in catalysts and performance coatings," said Patrick Wilhelm, vice president for Growth Accelerator Industrials at Nouryon. "This investment means our customers can count on us as long-term partners as they scale their most demanding applications." "Asia Pacific is one of the world’s most dynamic regions for premium colloidal silica and China is a big driver of that growth," said Sobers Sethi, senior vice president for Emerging Markets and China at Nouryon. “Expanding our production in the region ensures Nouryon is positioned to grow alongside our customers as this market continues to need advanced solutions." This expansion follows the opening of Nouryon’s innovation center in Shanghai in November 2025, which houses eight specialized laboratories, including one dedicated to Levasil for catalyst technologies and related applications. Together, these investments reflect the company’s commitment to advancing innovative specialty chemicals, deepening customer collaboration and supporting long-term growth across the Asia-Pacific region. The Levasil colloidal silica product line is a versatile ingredient used across Nouryon’s Resource Solutions segment for catalyst applications and the Performance Materials segment for coatings formulations.
artience group TOYOCHEM CO., LTD. (President and Representative Director Yasushi Ariyoshi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) has decided to revise the prices of pressure sensitive adhesives, resins, paints, and hot melts from May 1, 2026. The recent instability in the Middle East has had a serious impact on our manufacturing environment, especially in response to the tight procurement of raw materials starting with naphtha, as well as rising costs and soaring energy prices due to logistics disruptions. Although we are taking the best measures such as securing inventory and alternative procurement to continue a stable supply of products, we have decided to implement price revisions as follows, as the rapid rise in raw material prices far exceeds the level that can be absorbed by self-help efforts alone. Products pressure sensitive adhesives, resin, paint, hot melts Price revision range The person in charge will inform you of the details. Depending on the future international situation and raw material market conditions, additional price revisions may be implemented. Revision period From shipments on May 1, 2026
World premiere: Dürr installs its Paint Shop of the Future for CEER Dürr is building an innovative and sustainable paint shop for CEER, the first Saudi automotive company and Saudi-born EV brand. The order was placed back in 2023, and the project is currently in the commissioning phase. AGVs will transport car bodies flexibly between stations based on demand in the modular system. The latest application technology paints the interiors and exteriors of electric vehicles in the same box. In addition, there will be box for fully automatic two-tone application without overspray. High-tech and sustainability go hand in hand. Dürr supplies the latest generation of ovens which, combined with electric exhaust air purification systems, save energy and reduces CO2 emissions. The new facility will be one of the most advanced painting factory in the automotive world. Picture 1: The CEER project is currently in the installation phase. For the first time, Dürr is fully implementing its Paint Shop of the Future concept at CEER. The modular design includes the latest innovations to drive complete automation. The plant uses digital solutions from Dürr’s DXQ product family to reduce downtime and greatly improve systems’ efficiency. The new system at CEER Manufacturing Complex located in the King Abdullah Economic City will begin production in the fourth quarter of 2026. Efficient high-tech products benefit the environment CEER relies on Dürr's new generation of ovens. The EcoInCure heats the body from the inside to reach massive body components more directly. This is particularly advantageous for electric vehicles, as they require – among other things – well reinforced rocker panels to protect their batteries in the event of a side impact while simultaneously preventing overheatingin thinner parts of the body shell. This drying method is more environmentally friendly, reducing the required heating process time for the body is by up to 30% compared to conventional systems. An Oxi.X RV from Dürr CTS cleans exhaust air from the oven using the principle of regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO). The oxidation reactions, which purify the process exhaust, occur entirely within the heat exchange media. Since the system operates using electricity, there is no open flame and therefore none of the unwanted by-products of flame combustion. Another notable feature is Dürr’s EcoPaintJet Pro, an award-winning overspray-free painting system. CEER can utilize this to offer its customers cars with a two-tone paint finish. The EcoPaintJet Pro technology marries customer-specific product design with automated production. Bodies can be painted with two contrasting colors simultaneously, reducing paint consumption and eliminating plastic waste since the EcoPaintJet Pro does not require masking with adhesive tape. The system can also paint complex patterns such as lettering and logos. “Innovation is a key driver of performance and sustainability in vehicle production. The paint shop of the future will deliver great flexibility, energy and paint efficiency, and exciting premium vehicle paint finishes,” said Dr. Lars Friedrich, CEO of Dürr Systems AG. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with CEER to create one of the most modern car production lines in the world.” Flexible box concept instead of rigid painting lines CEER can swiftly incorporate new models and easily scale production capacity with the paint shop of the future. The key lies in implementing a modular concept, where flexible EcoProBooth boxes replace traditional lines with their rigid cycle times. In the box concept, the robots paint the interior and exterior of the car bodies in just one box. The new universal atomizer from the EcoBell4 Pro series meets the highest painting quality standards. Dürr’s EcoProFleet AGVs are constantly in motion and flexibly transport bodies between workstations and the high-bay warehouse based on demand. DXQlogistics.control, Dürr’s tailored software solution for the AGVs’ control logic, controls material flow digitally following work deck utilization, equipment, and availability. Smart factory due to DXQ software Digital solutions from Dürr's DXQ product family turn CEER's paint shop into an intelligent factory. The DXQcontrol modular solution is an innovative manufacturing operations management (MOM) system with a microservices architecture that delivers a high level of flexibility and consistency. The MOM comprises over 50 functionalities for manufacturing planning, execution, control, monitoring, optimization, and predictive analysis. DXQanalyze provides information based on specific systems and uses, enabling it, for example, to forecast the remaining service life of system components or to establish links between quality results and machining processes, taking transparency about the operating behavior of machines and systems to a whole new level. “Our goal at CEER is to build a world-class manufacturing facility, setting new benchmark for efficiency and sustainability,” said James DeLuca, CEO of CEER. “This Paint Shop of the Future will place CEER at the forefront of automotive manufacturing innovation, allowing us to offer our customers in Saudi Arabia and the wider region a level of customization they have never seen before. The result will be a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process and the ability to offer customization in car colors, finishing, and intricate details that will excite the public.” In autumn 2024, Dürr opened its subsidiary Dürr Systems Arabia LLC in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to further strengthen its customer relations in the region.
This facility enhances Umicore’s presence in Asia and underscores its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer-focused solutions. The Shanghai site will focus on key areas such as automotive catalysts, rechargeable battery materials, and advanced coatings, which are integral to emerging industries and global environmental goals. The innovation centre is equipped with laboratories and testing facilities, enabling advanced product development and performance testing. According to the company, the centre will also serve as a hub for collaboration with local customers and suppliers, ensuring tailored solutions that meet regional market demands. This move aligns with the company’s strategy to foster innovation that supports the transition to cleaner mobility and more sustainable industrial practices. Strengthening R&D in Asia: A key milestone for Umicore The Shanghai innovation centre is part of the company’s broader plan to expand its R&D footprint globally, particularly in high-growth markets like Asia. The company emphasises that proximity to customers in the region will enable it to better understand their needs and accelerate the development of advanced materials. The Shanghai facility is expected to foster innovation across multiple sectors, ensuring Umicore remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market. This development also highlights the company’s ambition to contribute to the global shift towards greener technologies and sustainable practices.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – 7 th April 2026 – Sun Chemical announced the launch of the AquaHeat platform, a new generation of food-safe, bio-based printing inks. The new inks enable full-color printing for high-temperature food applications, unlocking commercial baking and food-service packaging opportunities previously not possible, while supporting sustainability, productivity, and regulatory confidence. Formulated with food-safe ingredients, the AquaHeat range of inks has been tested at temperatures of up to 220° C, making them an ideal choice for applications such as bread, pastries or ready meals that are baked in their final packaging. All components, including pigments, have been carefully selected for their suitability for high temperatures and safe migration levels for near-food applications. The inks support the production of materials that comply with all relevant EU regulations. While prioritizing safety, AquaHeat delivers robust performance for high-speed printing. The inks are printable like standard water-based inks using rotogravure or flexographic processes, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into existing production environments. AquaHeat inks offer vibrant results across a wide range of substrates, including paper, board and film. The range includes 10 base inks, offering a larger color gamut than previously available on the market. Sun Chemical also provides innovative tools for designers, such as The GamutViewer software and SunDigiGuide books, which help predict and illustrate achievable colors, reducing the need for reworks and accelerating product launches. The AquaHeat ink range is engineered for optimal sustainability and enhanced protection. The inks are made with up-to 60% bio-renewable content, receiving the “2024 Sustainable Innovation Award” from the British Coatings Federation. They can be combined with Sun Chemical’s recommended non-self-supported liquid functional coatings with optional heat-sealing capabilities for a turnkey solution that enables recyclable paper and board packaging in applications reaching up to traditional oven temperatures. Eric Dejean, Product Director, Product Manager, Water-based Products, Europe, Sun Chemical, comments, “Brand owners and food packaging manufacturers have long sought to design unique packaging that can carry processed food products through their entire lifecycle while maintaining safety and visual appeal. At Sun Chemical, we are dedicated to supporting them with value-led solutions that enhance brands, improve efficiency, mitigate risk and boost sustainability. AquaHeat exemplifies our commitment to delivering transformative innovations that address market challenges and help our customers “Experience. Transformation. ”
Ulsan, South Korea – April 9, 2026 – Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd. has announced a further price increase across its product portfolio, in addition to the previous increase announced in March 2026. These additional price adjustments have become necessary due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its significant impact on market conditions. The price increases will take effect immediately and will vary across the product portfolio, or as contracts allow. Monthly pricing will remain valid until further notice. SONGWON remains committed to supporting its customers’ needs with high product quality, maintaining supply reliability and ensuring its operations are aligned with forecasted demand. The company will continue to monitor developments on a daily basis and keep customers informed of any changes or impacts to supply or pricing.
Certified alternative EO-based ingredients enable customers to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining high performance standards Brussels, April 8, 2026 - Syensqo and Shell Chemicals Europe B.V. have joined forces to supply mass-balanced, low-carbon EO solutions for the agricultural and industrial markets, enabling reduced product carbon footprint (PCF) without compromising performance. Syensqo intends to introduce EO-based solutions made with Shell Chemicals’ lower-carbon feedstocks, which deliver up to 51% lower carbon footprint versus conventional EO [1] , enabled through the use of carbon capture utilisation (CCU) credits via a mass-balance approach. Verified under the ISCC Carbon Footprint Certification (CFC) , these drop-in solutions allow customers to reduce the carbon footprint of their formulations without requalification, while maintaining performance, quality, and supply reliability. “Customers are under increasing pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of their products without compromising performance or supply reliability,” said Chloé Masselon, Sustainability Director at Syensqo. “Combining certified low-carbon feedstocks with drop-in compatibility, these solutions offer a practical and immediate way to decarbonise formulations at scale while meeting evolving regulatory and market expectations.” This initiative supports Syensqo’s One Planet ambition to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions in Focus 5 categories [2] by 25% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels. It also demonstrates that reducing value chain emissions requires collaboration across the ecosystem, from raw material suppliers to ingredients providers to finished goods manufacturers. [1] The stated 51% reduction applies to the carbon footprint of Shell Chemicals’ feedstocks. The overall product carbon footprint reduction depends on the proportion of low-carbon EO in the final formulation. [2] Focus 5 categories of Scope 3 emissions: (a) purchased goods and services (b) fuel-and energy-related activities (c) processing of sold products (d) use of sold products and (e) end-of-life treatment of sold products.
Tokyo, Japan—DIC Corporation has decided to revise its sales prices for epoxy resins and epoxy resin curing agents, which are used in insulating materials for electronics and in coatings, among others. Revised prices will apply to products delivered on or after April 15, 2026. Recent tensions in the Middle East have led to a deterioration in the procurement environment for crude oil and for petrochemical-derived raw materials such as naphtha. As a result, the producers of such raw materials have taken repeated steps to adjust both sales prices for and supplies of various offerings, including those essential to the production of resins. Against this background, DIC has prioritized stable supplies of its products and, to this end, has worked diligently to secure raw materials. Nevertheless, the Company finds itself increasingly compelled with little choice but to accept significantly higher prices for these raw materials. Furthermore, given the prevailing circumstances, the Company’s cost burden has also been exacerbated by rising costs for labor, together with steadily mounting overhead costs, including those for secondary materials, logistics and storage. Despite ongoing efforts to counter these cost increases through comprehensive rationalization and cost-cutting measures, DIC recognizes that the situation has gone beyond the point where independent efforts alone are sufficient and that sales price revisions are unavoidable to ensure stable supplies going forward. Accordingly, the Company has made the decision to revise its sales prices as indicated below. Please note that DIC may need to implement additional sales price revisions or supply adjustments in the future in response to fluctuations in raw materials markets and changes in global geopolitical conditions. Price Revisions for Epoxy Resins and Epoxy Resin Curing Agents Product types Price revisions Bisphenol A resins Bisphenol F resins Novolac solid resins Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) solid resins Brominated flame-retardant resins and flame-resistant agents Novolac curing agents Polyamide and polyamine curing agents Other affected products ¥170-plus/kg ¥180-plus/kg ¥150-plus to ¥200-plus/kg ¥260-plus/kg ¥210-plus to ¥280-plus/kg ¥160-plus/kg ¥220-plus/kg ¥180-plus/kg Effective date: Products delivered on or after April 15, 2026
AddWorks™ PPA product line offers PFAS-free alternatives delivering superior extrusion processability and food contact compliance Clariant introduces new Exolit™ OP 1266 flame retardant for demanding 800V+ e-mobility applications without antimony or halogens Renewable rice bran wax Licocare™ RBW additives secure comprehensive global food contact approvals with significant carbon footprint reductions Innovative titanium-based catalyst solutions set to transform polyester production, eliminating antimony dependence while reducing energy consumption SHANGHAI , April 8, 2026 - Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, will showcase its latest portfolio of innovative additives solutions for more sustainable plastics at Chinaplas 2026, taking place April 21-24 in Shanghai. At the show, Clariant will demonstrate how its comprehensive additives portfolio addresses the plastics industry's most pressing challenges – from regulatory compliance and supply chain resilience to carbon footprint reduction and circular economy enablement. The plastics industry in Asia and globally is navigating a complex landscape of tightening regulations, supply chain disruptions, and increasing sustainability demands from brand owners and consumers,” said Zhigang Miao, Global Head of Additives at Clariant. “Our innovations showcased at Chinaplas reflect our commitment to providing solutions that don't require trade-offs – delivering enhanced performance while advancing environmental and regulatory compliance goals.” PFAS-free processing: meeting regulatory demands without sacrificing performance As PFAS regulations tighten worldwide, manufacturers urgently need alternatives to conventional fluoropolymer-based polymer processing aids that maintain performance while ensuring food contact compliance. Clariant will showcase its AddWorks PPA solutions – including AddWorks PPA 101 FG and AddWorks PPA 122 G – delivering breakthrough PFAS-free performance for film extrusion applications. These innovative formulations eliminate shark skin defects, reduce die build up and enhance extrusion efficiency while supporting recyclability requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Halogen-free flame retardants: addressing e-mobility's evolving safety requirements The transition to 800V+ e-mobility systems demands flame retardants with exceptional stability and electrical insulation properties, while manufacturers navigate supply chain volatility affecting traditional antimony-based systems. Visitors can explore Clariant's Exolit OP portfolio, featuring new innovations like Exolit OP 1266 , specifically engineered for demanding PBT applications in e-mobility. This halogen-free, antimony-free solution provides a stable comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600V even after extended storage periods – critical for high-voltage applications – while meeting UL 94 V-0 requirements and helping manufacturers reduce exposure to antimony market fluctuations. Clariant's CHF 100 million Daya Bay facility, now fully operational, and the company's new strategic joint venture with Fuhua for next-generation flame retardants, which is in a full swing as planned, strengthens the company's commitment to the Asian market with locally developed and produced flame retardant solutions, enhancing regional supply security and reducing delivery times. Renewable additives: solving supply chain constraints with sustainable performance With montan wax supply constraints intensifying, Clariant's Licocare RBW Vita rice bran wax additives offer a timely solution. The product line, including Licocare RBW 100-300 series, RBW 360 Vita , and RBW 560 Vita , has achieved a regulatory milestone with EU Commission approval under regulation (EU) N0 10/2011 with Annex I listing. It authorizes their use as additives at up to 0.3% in PET, PLA, and rigid PVC materials and articles intended for contact with non-fatty foods. They carry additional comprehensive food contact approvals for various substrates under FDA and Japanese food contact schemes. These renewable bio-based alternatives offer significant product carbon footprint reductions and are not food-competing. An exclusive preview of our ongoing RBW product development in TPU will also be available at the booth. Titanium-based catalysts: future-proofing polyester production As the polyester industry seeks greater supply chain resilience and diversification, Clariant will introduce its new titanium-based catalyst technology at Chinaplas. This innovation offers antimony-free solutions while enabling lower processing temperatures, reduced energy consumption, and improved color performance across the entire polyester family – from virgin production to recycling applications. Industry professionals are invited to visit Clariant at Hall 8.2, Booth F32 during Chinaplas 2026, taking place April 21-24, 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China, to discover how these innovations can address their specific application challenges. ™ ARE TRADEMARKS OF CLARIANT.
Longly Group, founded in 2002, has devoted 24 years to the core technologies of grinding, dispersion, drying and conveying of nanomaterials. Starting from the first sand mill, the company has now built a one-stop manufacturing platform featuring "intelligent single machines + smart factories". It boasts intelligent manufacturing bases covering nearly 140,000 square meters in Dongguan and Suizhou, with an annual production capacity of over 2,000 units. The cumulative global sales of its equipment have exceeded 30,000 units, with products exported to 30 countries and regions worldwide, serving more than 40 segmented industries including new energy batteries, MLCC, coatings, polyurethane and others. Warm April Invites You to Join Longly’s Exhibitions at Home and Abroad In April 2026, Longly will bring cutting-edge equipment and integrated solutions to two grand industry events across China and Pakistan—Changsha, China and Lahore, Pakistan. We sincerely invite you to attend and exchange ideas with us! Spanning the three major fields of electronic ceramics, new energy batteries, coatings and polyurethane, and covering the two major markets of East Asia and South Asia, Longly, with its 24 years of grinding expertise, empowers global customers at every step from micron-level powder processing to intelligent production line construction. First Stop: Changsha, China Focus on Solid-State Battery Technology and Industrialization Regarded as the core direction of next-generation high-safety and high-energy-density batteries, solid-state batteries are in the spotlight. The seminar focuses on solid electrolyte materials, interface engineering, battery manufacturing processes and industrial applications. Exhibition Highlights Longly’s nanomaterial grinding equipment can be applied to the ultrafine pulverization of solid electrolyte powder and efficient dispersion of electrode slurry, helping break through bottlenecks in solid-state battery material preparation. Industry colleagues are welcome to follow our subsequent detailed announcements. Longly provides mature solutions for the nano-grinding and dispersion of cathode and anode materials and solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries. Specific exhibition details will be announced in follow-up notices. Event Information 2026 China Solid-State Battery Technology Innovation and Industrialization Seminar - Time: April 22–24, 2026 - Venue: Tongguanyao Lijing Hotel, Changsha, Hunan Province - Booth No.: A09 Second Stop: Lahore, Pakistan Coatings Exhibition Coatings, inks, adhesives, sealants and construction chemicals. The largest and most influential chemical coatings exhibition in Pakistan, with a technical seminar held concurrently. Polyurethane Chemical Exhibition Polyurethane chemicals and related chemical industries, held concurrently with the coatings exhibition at the same venue as a key part of the Pakistan International Chemical Exhibition. Exhibition Scale The 12th Coatings Exhibition is expected to gather over 9,400 coatings industry professionals from more than 12 countries, featuring over 145 exhibiting brands. Exhibition Highlights Longly will showcase high-efficiency nano-dispersion and grinding equipment suitable for coatings, inks and polyurethane materials, including GF high-speed nano-dispersers, pin-type sand mills and others, helping South Asian customers improve product fineness and batch stability. Event Information 2026 12th Pakistan Coatings Exhibition 2026 Pakistan Polyurethane Chemical Exhibition - Time: April 23–25, 2026 - Venue: Expo Centre Lahore, Pakistan - Booth No.: 112-113-B Warm April, Hand in Hand at Home and Abroad From Changsha to Lahore, Pakistan, from solid-state batteries to coatings and polyurethane, Longly, with 24 years of grinding expertise, accompanies global customers in every link of refined material processing. The origin of the Longly brand is like that of jewelry, which also requires exquisite craftsmanship. Choose Longly for an all-in-one solution and stay ahead all the way.