Chemicals News Today

Indonesia's plastics industry urges a permanent zero import duty on LPG feedstock, extending beyond the January 2027 expiration, to enhance cost flexibility and competitiveness against fluctuating global raw material prices.

Rio de Janeiro aims to boost domestic petrochemical and fertilizer industries, targeting over R$25 billion in projects through 2030 to reduce Brazil's heavy reliance on foreign imports.

India's chemical market is witnessing a broadly softer-to-stable trend as Brent crude declines to $93.74–94.10/bbl and sustained vessel arrivals improve domestic availability. Methanol, Acetic Acid and Toluene face the strongest near-term downward pressure, while VAM and BAM remain relatively stable. Comfortable port inventories and subdued Chinese benchmarks are likely to keep buyers in a favourable negotiating position in the near term.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the launch of a 100 percent ethanol-run SUV this month and inaugurated road and bridge projects worth Rs 3,650 crore in Uttar Pradesh to boost regional connectivity.

FSSAI proposed allowing chemically recycled polyethylene and polypropylene for food packaging under strict safety standards. Stakeholders have 60 days to provide feedback on the November 2, 2026 notification.

IOL will start batches at its dedicated specialty-chemical plant by November under a cost-plus tolling agreement for a global customer. The project enhances revenue visibility and marks entry into chemical contract manufacturing.

Algo8 AI signed a contract to deploy its PlantBrain platform with a major Indian fertilizer producer for INR 6.5 million, targeting reduced excess nutrient use by April 2027.

FSSAI proposed allowing chemically recycled PE and PP in food packaging, and food-grade recycled polymers in the outermost layer of multilayer packaging, subject to strict safety and migration conditions within 60 days.

Shilpa CDMO is investing $50 million to expand its peptide manufacturing capabilities in India, adding new reactors and commercial lines to meet surging global demand for complex therapeutics.

The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 2,814 crore scheme to build domestic lithium and nickel processing facilities, offering capital subsidies up to 30% to reduce import dependence by FY31.