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SOCMA report details survey findings on contract manufacturing in the chemical industry

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA; Arlington, Va.; www.socma.org) released its 2026 Contract Manufacturing Outlook, capturing an industry that is resilient, innovative, and prepared for the challenges ahead. Nearly 70% of survey responses came from companies with annual…

U.S. Chemical Safety Board opens investigation into recent fatal explosion in Tennessee

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB; Washington, D.C.; www.csb.gov) announced today that it is deploying a team to investigate the fatal explosion that occurred on October 10, 2025, at the Accurate Energetic Systems, LLC (AES) facility in…

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Economic Indicators: November 2025 (Editor’s note about disruptions from U.S. government shutdown)

Editor's note: The Chemical Engineering Plant Cost Index (CEPCI) update scheduled for October 21, using the latest available data from July and August 2025, has been partially disrupted by the current government shutdown in the U.S., which began on Oct.…

BASF and IFF collaborate on next-generation enzymes for fabrics, personal care and industrial cleaning

BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany; www.basf.com), one of the world’s largest chemical companies and a leader in sustainable product innovation, announced a strategic collaboration with International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF; New York, N.Y.; www.iff.com), a global leader in bioscience innovation, to…

ACG to invest $200 million to establish empty-capsule manufacturing in U.S.

ACG (Mubai, India; www.acg-world.com), the world’s most integrated provider of solid-dosage solutions, today announced a $200 million phased investment to establish its first empty-capsule manufacturing operations in the U.S. The initial $100 million will fund a state-of-the-art hard-shell capsule facility…

Clariant expands capacity for flame retardants in e-mobility and electronics sectors

Clariant (Muttenz, Switzerland; www.clariant.com) completed its CHF 100 million investment in the Daya Bay facility, with the second production line fully operational in November. This expanded capacity strengthens Clariant's ability to meet growing demand for more sustainable flame-retardant solutions in…

Kraton joins CERISEA Project to develop bio-based molecule for tires, coatings and others

Kraton (The Woodlands, Tex.; www.kraton.com) is proud to join the CERISEA Project, an initiative led by Michelin and its subsidiary to establish a manufacturing facility that will accelerate the development of 5-HMF (5-Hydroxymethylfurfural). Derived from sugar chemistry, 5-HMF is a…

Sarralle completes green hydrogen project at ArcelorMittal’s Olaberria plant

SARRALLE (Azpeitia, Spain; www.sarralle.com) has achieved a major milestone in the path toward industrial decarbonization with the successful completion of a pioneering green hydrogen combustion system at ArcelorMittal’s Olaberria plant, one of Europe’s most advanced steel production facilities. The project…

Coveris and SABIC team up on circular plastic packaging for medical

Hospital plastic waste poses a serious and growing challenge. In Europe alone, an estimated 1,700 kilotons of non-contaminated polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) medical waste are incinerated annually – despite being technically recyclable. While the healthcare sector must prioritize sterility…

Using CO2 in an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional ester production

Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT; Rostock, Germany; www.catalysis.de), Ruhr University Bochum (Bochum, Germany; www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de) and Evonik Oxeno (Marl, Germany; c4-chemicals.evonik.com) have developed a novel catalyst system that enables the use of the climate gas carbon dioxide (CO2)…