Chemicals News Today

Claims linking plastic bottles and nail polish to cancer are unsupported by science. A 2021 review found no significant association between BPA/phthalates and breast cancer, and Cancer Research UK states everyday plastic use is safe.

Haldia Petrochemicals is commissioning a ₹6,000 crore phenol and acetone plant in Haldia. India's largest phenol facility, it features first-on-purpose propylene unit, boosting industrial growth, employment, and reducing import dependence in Bengal.

Blue Jet Healthcare will invest ₹2,300 crore in a new 102-acre pharma manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh, creating 1,750 direct jobs. Operations begin by FY2028-29, boosting CDMO capabilities and India's global pharma supply chain.

KVK Solan and HIL (India) trained around 200 farmers on safe and judicious pesticide use, promoting Integrated Pest Management and soil health at Kandaghat. The program emphasized responsible agrochemical use and sustainable farming practices.

GEM Aromatics commenced GEM Cool 5 & Safranal production at its Dahej facility. Catalyst manufacturing for MEHQ is on track for Q4FY26. The company secured USD 1 Mn export orders from USA/Europe, reflecting improving global trade.

BASF increased Lupranate MDI prices by $200/metric ton in ASEAN countries immediately. This is due to tight supply and global maintenance shutdowns impacting the polyurethane supply chain.

Andhra Pradesh Government plans coal gasification in Chintalapudi-Racherla mines, Eluru district. This initiative aims to convert coal into cleaner synthesis gas for industrial use and power generation, currently in preparatory stages with environmental assessments underway.

Kochi inaugurated Kerala's first municipal CBG plant at Brahmapuram, processing 150 tonnes of waste daily to produce 5.6 tonnes of CBG and 28 tonnes of organic manure. This BPCL initiative is part of India's 195 planned CBG plants.

Styrene prices in India held steady at ₹96–97/kg as Asian benchmarks rebounded on firmer benzene and renewed post-holiday buying. Global supply remains adequate, but restocking has tightened the near-term range. India’s full import dependence keeps domestic pricing closely aligned with international feedstock and freight movements.

BASF workers protested job cuts in Berlin, with 3,000 administrative roles potentially moving to Asia. The company, facing high energy costs and weak demand, saw operating profit drop to 6.6 billion euros and sales to 59.7 billion.