Chemicals News Today

Lotte Chemical has indefinitely shut down its Daesan naphtha cracker, which is designed to produce 1.1 million metric tons of ethylene annually.

China's polypropylene industry is set to add 1.75 million metric tons per year of new capacity in September as several producers bring their units into operation, though actual supply increments may remain limited.

European LDPE spot prices rose by Euro 40/mt to Euro 1265-1275/mt FD NWE amid tighter prompt availability, while contract markets remained mostly steady despite falling feedstock ethylene costs.

Lotte Chemical Pakistan will acquire a 56.19% stake in Engro Polymer for Rs 19.7 billion at Rs 38.6 per share, aiming to merge the businesses and create a diversified petrochemical platform.

The global piperylene market is projected to grow from USD 1.6 billion in 2026 to USD 2.2 billion by 2033 at a 5.2% CAGR, driven by rising demand in adhesives, packaging, and resins.

EU deforestation regulation uncertainty disrupts European oleochemicals markets, impacting Q4 and 2027 procurement, supply chains, and driving potential compliance cost premiums of up to €600/tonne.

European recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) prices have declined as summer demand slows down, according to market updates.

Syensqo is investing to double its high-performance aromatic polymer compounding capacity at its Panoli site by the first quarter of 2028, significantly boosting local automotive supply chain capabilities in India.

A strengthening El Nino weather event and Indonesia's B50 and planned B60 biodiesel mandates threaten to constrain palm-based oleochemical and biodiesel feedstock supplies through 2027.

Vipul Organics' arm ADIMEM Technologies acquired an industrial membrane manufacturing platform from Denmark's Aquaporin to boost India-based production of RO and NF membranes at its Gujarat facility.