Chemicals News Today

Chennai's 'Waste2Purpose' initiative connects waste workers, investors, and tech to convert difficult waste, especially non-recyclable plastics, into scalable, revenue-generating projects. It integrates women workers, linking waste management with livelihoods and reducing landfill dependence.

TNAU Coimbatore patented a Nano Parapheromone Formulation to control melon flies in gourds, reducing farmer losses (30-70%). This 100-day effective solution minimizes pesticide use and labor, replacing 6-week commercial traps.

GEM Aromatics commenced commercial production of WS-23, WS-03 cooling agents, clove oil, and Eugenol at its new Dahej, Gujarat facility. This greenfield plant strengthens its presence in niche segments and diversifies its product portfolio.

The global benzene market is projected to grow from USD 67.2 billion in 2026 to USD 109.8 billion by 2036, at a 5.0% CAGR. Ethylbenzene production will dominate applications, while petrochemicals lead end-users. China shows the highest growth.

RINL's Dec'25 auction sold 1,050t of crude coal tar at INR 33,850/t, a INR 1,350/t increase from Oct'25. Limited availability drove aggressive bidding, pushing prices up.

PE, PP, PVC continued to show weakness as China’s futures market remained under pressure, leading to subdued buying interest and limited, highly selective trading activity. Forward sales for January deliveries have become increasingly difficult, with most buyers opting to delay procurement in anticipation of further price softening and clearer market cues. On the positive side, sentiment received a mild boost following optimistic statements from both US and Indian leadership regarding a potential bilateral trade deal. The development has sparked hopes of improved trade flows and a more supportive market environment in the coming months.

Bora LyondellBasell Petrochemical has taken its Styrene Monomer (SM) plant offline for planned maintenance around 10th December 2025. The facility, located in Liaoning, China, has a production capacity of 350,000 tons per year. The shutdown is part of scheduled upkeep operations to ensure stable production and plant reliability.

Wankai Group has commissioned a new Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) production facility in Cilegon, Indonesia. The plant, with an annual capacity of 750,000 tons, is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and contribute to the region’s economic growth. The new unit further strengthens Wankai’s presence in the global PET market.

Shiyou Chemical has taken its Phenol and Acetone production unit in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, offline for scheduled maintenance activities. The facility houses a Phenol unit with an annual capacity of 220,000 tons and an Acetone unit capable of producing 130,000 tons per year. Production is expected to remain halted until maintenance work is completed.

US natural gas futures tumbled 4% to a two-week low due to forecasts of milder weather, lower demand, near-record output, and ample storage. Global gas price reductions also contributed to the decline.