Chemicals News Today

Kennesaw State researcher Andrew Haddow has received a three-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) worth $517,956 to study the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” on mosquitoes.

Rising demand from beverage makers and advanced purification methods are driving steady growth opportunities for food-grade phosphoric acid markets through 2035, boosting the food chemicals sector.

GAIL's subsidiary, GMPL, has commissioned a 1.25 million tonnes per annum PTA plant in Mangalore after reviving the insolvent asset, boosting India's domestic polyester feedstock supply and reducing import dependence.

Tata Chemicals posted a fiscal Q2 net loss due to weak soda ash export prices and surging UK energy costs, impacted by global oversupply.

Asian propylene and polypropylene prices reached 12-year highs, driven by tight supply and firm upstream costs. Propylene hit $1,420/mt in China, while PP climbed to $1,370/mt.

European HDPE spot prices rose due to higher replacement costs and reduced imports, while contract prices remained steady. Weak downstream demand and cautious buying limited significant market growth.

During October 30-November 5, 2026, China's methanol market showed mixed prices, firm thermal coal support, rising port inventories, stable olefin demand, and weaker seasonal traditional downstream demand.

India's chemical fertiliser subsidies cause hidden economic, environmental, and climate costs that are 36% to 182% higher than direct financial benefits, threatening soil health, water quality, and public finances.

Northeast India's saponin-rich plants offer sustainable alternatives to synthetic surfactants. Commercializing five identified species requires rigorous scientific validation, standardisation, toxicity assessment, and strict conservation protocols to protect local biodiversity.

Thyssenkrupp nucera commissioned India's largest single-train chlor-alkali plant for Kutch Chemical, featuring a 220,000 metric tonnes annual caustic soda production capacity using advanced BM Generation 6+ technology.