Industry News

Polyurethane Industry News

Curated highlights from the global polyurethane industry: markets, capacity, sustainability and sector trends. Sources are credited and linked. Edited for manufacturers and procurement teams.

Last updated: 27 September 2026

Markets & Prices11 August 2026

Record-low Rhine water cuts Covestro's Lower Rhine output and German polyurethane supply

Water levels on the Rhine fell to the lowest point on record in early August 2026, cutting barge capacity into Germany's largest chemical clusters. The gauge at Kaub read 20 cm on 5 August, five centimetres below the previous record low set in 2018, according to PU Magazine International. Covestro reduced production at its Lower Rhine sites because raw materials could no longer be delivered in sufficient volume; the company states that more than 75% of the raw materials used by its European operations and over 30% of its finished products are transported on the river. On 7 August it declared force majeure on polyether polyols from its Dormagen site, a step reported by PUdaily and confirmed by Everchem Specialty Chemicals on 10 August.

Source: PU Magazine International: Rhine shipping crisis hits German PU supply chain as Covestro cuts output

Markets & Prices4 August 2026

Wanhua raises MDI by USD 200 per tonne for Türkiye, the Middle East and Africa

Wanhua Chemical has raised prices for its full MDI range in the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye by USD 200 per tonne, effective 3 August 2026, according to ChemNet. The notice followed an identical USD 200 per tonne increase on MDI and TDI in Southeast Asia from 29 July. Huntsman moved in the same window, adding USD 300 per tonne on MDI and polyurethane systems in India and the Indian subcontinent from 27 July, and EUR 250 per tonne on all MDI products in Europe, Africa and the Middle East from 1 August 2026. ChemNet attributes the increases to rising raw material and energy costs combined with constrained circulation in global supply chains.

Source: ChemNet: Wanhua Chemical raises overseas MDI prices for the second time; domestic and international giants hike prices in unison

Markets & Prices19 August 2026

BorsodChem raises European MDI, TDI and polyol prices, with the steepest increase on TDI

BorsodChem Zrt, the Hungarian subsidiary of Wanhua Chemical Group, issued a price adjustment notice on 18 August 2026 covering its three main polyurethane raw material lines in Europe. MDI rises by EUR 200 per tonne, TDI by EUR 350 per tonne and polyols by EUR 300 per tonne, all effective immediately from the date of the notice, according to ChemNet. The stated reason is "the significant increase in raw material and energy costs in the European region". The notice adds that "the specific execution price is subject to the contract terms between both parties", so what customers actually pay will vary.

Source: ChemNet: Wanhua Chemical subsidiary BorsodChem announces price increases for MDI, TDI, and polyols in Europe

Markets & Prices1 September 2026

Hormuz disruption cuts Saudi polymeric MDI exports by more than 80% as Chinese volumes surge

Polymeric MDI prices have risen across every major market since February 2026, and PricePedia's analysis concludes that feedstock cost alone does not explain the move. The Chinese FOB export price is up a cumulative 61% since February, the intra-EU customs price 43% and the US FOB export price close to 10%. European benzene rose approximately 30% in the second quarter against the first, exceeding EUR 1,000 per tonne in April before easing while remaining above pre-conflict levels. The larger factor was a change in the shape of supply: after the conflict with Iran and the disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabian exports fell from approximately 45,000 tonnes to just over 7,000 tonnes between the first and second quarters of 2026, while Chinese exports rose from approximately 116,000 tonnes to more than 204,000.

Source: PricePedia, Polymeric MDI: Prices rising across international markets

Investments30 June 2026

Covestro plans a 660,000-tonne MDI train in Shanghai and studies a similar plant in the UAE

Covestro announced on 30 June 2026 that it plans to invest in a new world-scale MDI train at its Integrated Site in Shanghai, adding 660 kilotonnes of annual capacity with start-up targeted for the end of the decade. The train will use the company's proprietary MDI AdiP technology and is designed to operate with net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. In the same announcement, Covestro said it is conducting a feasibility study for a plant of similar scale at Al Ruwais Industrial City in the United Arab Emirates, run with TA'ZIZ and Fertiglobe and with XRG as strategic investor. No investment amount was disclosed for either project, and the UAE plant remains a study rather than a sanctioned build.

Source: Covestro AG: Covestro plans to invest in new world-scale MDI train in China and starts UAE feasibility study

Sector Trends16 September 2026

Olin-Huntsman merger clears US antitrust review, combining about USD 12.5 billion in 2025 sales

The Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period for the all-stock merger of Olin and Huntsman has expired, clearing US federal antitrust review without a challenge, PU Magazine International reported on 16 September 2026. The deal was announced on 16 June 2026 as a merger of equals creating a company to be named OlinHuntsman, and shareholders of both companies approved it at separate meetings on 25 August 2026. The combined group is credited with approximately USD 12.5 billion of 2025 sales and would be headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. Completion is expected in the first half of 2027, subject to further regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Source: PU Magazine International: Olin-Huntsman merger clears US antitrust hurdle

Investments21 September 2026

BASF secures land at Dahej and enters advanced feasibility for an Indian MDI complex

BASF said on 21 September 2026 that it is evaluating an investment in an MDI production complex at Dahej in Gujarat, India, and is in the advanced stages of a feasibility study. Its subsidiary BASF India Polyurethanes Private Limited has secured an industrial land parcel at the site, where BASF already operates an MDI splitter and polyurethane production facilities. The company disclosed neither a capacity figure nor an investment amount and gave no commissioning date; a final investment decision depends on the outcome of the study and on the necessary approvals. BASF framed the project as supporting a local-for-local supply model for customers in India and neighbouring markets.

Source: BASF SE: BASF evaluates MDI investment in India

Sector Trends3 September 2026

Huafon Chemical board approves CNY 6.85 billion purchase of group PU resin and TPU businesses

Huafon Chemical's board has approved acquiring 100% of Zhejiang Huafon Synthetic Resin, which makes polyurethane resins for synthetic leather, and 100% of Zhejiang Huafon Thermoplastic Polyurethane, whose TPU goes into footwear, electronics, sporting goods, automotive, tubing, cable and film. Total consideration is CNY 6.85 billion (reported by PU Magazine International as about USD 960 million), split CNY 4.15 billion for the resin business and CNY 2.70 billion for the TPU business. The sellers are the controlling shareholder Huafon Group, which held 51% of the resin company and all of the TPU company, together with members of the founding family, making this a related-party transaction. Board approval is not the last step: the deal still requires a shareholder vote at which related shareholders must abstain.

Source: PU Magazine International: Huafon Chemical approves CNY6.85bn resin and TPU acquisition

Sustainability17 August 2026

Kimpur certifies sandwich panel systems containing up to 40% recycled PET

Kimteks Poliüretan (Kimpur) has obtained ReMade certification for five products aimed at the insulated sandwich panel market: three polyester polyols and two rigid polyurethane foam systems. The certified materials contain up to 40% post-consumer recycled PET by weight, varying by product. Italian certification body ICMQ issued certificate RE1219, valid from 15 July 2026 to 14 July 2029 subject to successful surveillance audits. The assessment examined the origin of the recycled PET inputs, their traceability through the supply chain and the mass-balance calculation methodology against production records. Kimpur says it has completed a first commercial shipment of the certified products to a European sandwich panel manufacturer.

Source: PU Magazine International: Kimpur certifies PU systems containing up to 40% recycled PET

Investments7 September 2026

Purcom to start up a 1,200-tonne recycled polyol plant in Brazil in January 2027

Purcom, a Brazilian polyurethane systems house founded in 2002 and headquartered in Barueri, São Paulo state, will start up a chemical recycling plant in January 2027 producing 1,200 tonnes a year of recycled polyol. The initial feedstock is rigid polyurethane foam recovered from end-of-life refrigerators, with flexible foam from mattresses and automotive seating still under development. The recycled polyol is aimed back at refrigerator insulation, and the company is targeting a tenfold capacity increase by 2028. Founder and chief executive Giuseppe Santanchè announced the investment at the PU do Futuro Summit in São Paulo.

Source: PU Magazine International: Purcom plans 1,200-tonne recycled polyol plant in Brazil

Sustainability17 September 2026

Covestro opens Leverkusen pilot plant to chemically recycle Vulkollan cast elastomers

Covestro has opened a pilot plant at its Leverkusen site in Germany for the chemical recycling of high-performance polyurethane elastomers, backed by what it discloses only as a double-digit million-euro investment. The process breaks selected end-of-life Vulkollan material down into purified chemical building blocks. The company says more than 90% of the material by mass can be recycled, with a carbon footprint up to two-thirds lower than fossil-based virgin material. No date has been given for commercial-scale deployment.

Source: European Rubber Journal: Covestro Opens Elastomer Recycling Pilot Plant

Sustainability19 June 2026

EUROPUR conference centres on ESPR ecodesign rules and mattress producer-responsibility schemes

EUROPUR and its sister association EURO-MOULDERS held their 2026 annual conference in Antwerp, Belgium from 9 to 11 June, drawing roughly 550 attendees from more than 170 companies under the theme "60 Years Together: Ready for the Future". A dedicated panel addressed the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and its implications for furniture and mattresses, covering ecodesign, circularity, recyclability, digital product information and future performance requirements. A separate session brought together the organisations that govern mattress extended producer responsibility schemes in Belgium (Valumat), Spain (Ecocolchon), Germany (Matratzenverband) and France (Ecomaison). A product stewardship and EHS session covered diisocyanates, CertiPUR, critical substances, occupational exposure limits, exposure reduction in slabstock foam production and aprotic solvent substitution.

Source: EUROPUR: EUROPUR & EURO-MOULDERS Annual Conference 2026

Markets & Prices8 September 2026

Turkish chemical exports reach $22.8 billion in eight months; İKMİB holds $35 billion target

Türkiye's chemical sector exported $22.8 billion in the first eight months of 2026, 4.6% more than in the same period a year earlier, according to İKMİB figures reported by Ekonomim on 8 September 2026. The first half accounted for $17.1 billion, described as the highest January-to-June chemical export figure in the sector's history, and August alone added $2.7 billion, according to Türkiye Gazetesi's report of the same announcement. The association is keeping its $35 billion target for the full year and is working toward $55 billion by 2029 in line with Türkiye's Medium-Term Programme. Growth is not coming from the traditional EU core: Spain, Malta and Morocco all posted large percentage gains.

Source: Ekonomim: Chemical exports reach $22.8 billion in eight months, target $35 billion

Sector Trends26 July 2026

Türkiye's exports to Syria rose 26.4% to $1.28 billion in the first half of 2026

Turkish exports to Syria reached $1,284,328,000 between January and June 2026, 26.4% above the same period a year earlier, based on Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TİM) data reported by N Gazete on 26 July 2026. Cement was the fastest-growing reported line at $102,256,000, up 116.8%, while milling products at $103,879,000 were the largest single category and electricity and energy products reached $80,107,000. Duyuru Gazetesi, working from the same TİM dataset, put plastic products at $79.2 million and reported that South-eastern Anatolia alone supplied $461,823,000, or 35.9% of the total. Neither report breaks out construction chemicals or insulation materials as a separate line.

Source: N Gazete: Türkiye's exports to Syria rose 26.4% in the first half of the year

Markets & Prices7 August 2026

Kingspan reports insulated panel order intake up 13% by volume as European demand steadies

Kingspan Group, the world's largest insulated panel manufacturer, published half-year 2026 results on 7 August 2026 showing group revenue of EUR 4,857.8 million, 8% ahead of the prior year and 9% at constant currency, with trading profit of EUR 487.2 million, up 10%. The company reported insulated panel order intake up 13% by volume globally. The Insulated Building Envelopes division, which houses the panel business, generated EUR 3,837.4 million, or 79% of group sales. Management raised full-year guidance, expecting revenue to break through EUR 10 billion and trading profit of approximately EUR 1,125 million, about 18% above 2025.

Source: Investing.com, Kingspan H1 2026 slides: trading profit up 10%, shares hit 52-week high

Sector Trends5 June 2026

Recticel buys Belgian cold-store panel installer Isopanel, moving the group downstream into installed projects

Recticel Group has acquired 100% of Belgian insulated-panel installer Isopanel Group through Reclar, a joint venture in which Recticel holds a 76% controlling stake. The price is a fixed fee plus an earn-out tied to Isopanel’s FY2026 performance, with total enterprise value capped at EUR 16.5 million and the transaction paid entirely in cash. Isopanel, founded in 1998, installs self-supporting insulated wall and ceiling panels for hygienic cold storage and isothermal industrial buildings. The business has been consolidated into Recticel’s accounts since 1 June 2026. Recticel’s own press release of 29 May 2026 puts Isopanel’s expected FY2026 sales at EUR 20.5 to 23.5 million and its expected FY2026 EBITDA at EUR 3.5 to 4.0 million.

Source: IAL Consultants: Recticel Strengthens Cold Storage Insulation Portfolio Through Strategic Acquisition of Isopanel

Sector Trends21 August 2026

Leggett & Platt shareholders approve $2.5 billion all-stock takeover by Somnigroup

Leggett & Platt shareholders voted on 20 August 2026 to approve an all-stock acquisition by Somnigroup International valued at $2.5 billion. The exchange ratio is 0.1455 Somnigroup shares for each Leggett & Platt share, leaving Leggett holders with roughly 9% of the combined company. Leggett & Platt produces specialty polyurethane foam for bedding and furniture through its Elite Comfort Solutions division; Somnigroup owns Tempur Sealy, Mattress Firm and Dreams. According to PU Magazine International, the combined business would have had around $11.2 billion of 2025 sales, more than 36,000 employees and 175 manufacturing sites in 36 countries, with expected annual adjusted EBITDA synergies of $50 million. Completion is expected by the end of 2026, subject to one remaining regulatory approval.

Source: PU Magazine International: Leggett & Platt shareholders back $2.5 billion Somnigroup takeover

Events13 October 2026

Chillventa returns to Nuremberg from 13 to 15 October with an added hall and a reshuffled floorplan

Chillventa, the refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat pump exhibition, runs from 13 to 15 October 2026 at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, with the Chillventa CONGRESS held the day before on Monday 12 October. Organiser NürnbergMesse has added Hall 1 to the footprint after the pre-booking phase left no room for new exhibitors or larger stands. Trade site Cooling Post reported in May 2025 that the extra hall adds 10,800 m², taking total display area to 85,930 m², an increase of nearly 15%; NürnbergMesse’s own release confirms the additional hall and the reallocation but does not state those square metres. The 2024 edition drew 1,010 exhibitors from 49 countries and 33,076 trade visitors. Doors open from 09:00 to 18:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 09:00 to 17:00 on Thursday.

Source: NürnbergMesse, Chillventa 2026: All about the exhibition

InvestmentsMay 2026

Kimpur takes 80% stake in Kobe Polyurethane to broaden its specialty range

Turkish polyurethane systems house Kimpur (Kimteks Poliüretan) announced on 19 May 2026 that it has established an 80%-owned subsidiary together with fellow Turkish producer Kobe Polyurethane. Kobe brings annual sales potential of around 10,000 tonnes, with roughly 55% of its portfolio sitting outside Kimpur's existing product range and about 40% of its output exported, mainly to Europe and the CIS. Kobe keeps its brand while production moves to Kimpur facilities.

Source: PU Magazine: Kimpur takes majority stake in Kobe Polyurethane

Markets & PricesMay 2026

Propylene oxide prices climb over 20% year-to-date on tight supply

SunSirs reports that its propylene oxide (PO) benchmark reached 10,633 RMB/ton on 8 May 2026, up 3.57% from early May and more than 20% since the start of the year. Plant maintenance, the phase-out of older chlorohydrin capacity and outages in the US and Europe tightened supply, while high propylene feedstock costs provided firm cost support. Polyether polyol demand for flexible foam was described as stable.

Source: SunSirs: Propylene oxide market analysis, May 2026

Markets & PricesMarch 2026

Wanhua declares force majeure on isocyanate supplies to the Middle East

Wanhua Chemical declared force majeure on deliveries of isocyanates and related polyurethane building blocks to the Middle East, effective 7 March 2026. The company cited severe disruption to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, which it said made delivery impossible or unreasonably dangerous. Its Yantai crackers continued to run at high rates despite the export disruption.

Source: Hydrocarbon Processing: China's Wanhua Chemical declares force majeure on supplies to Middle East

Investments2026

BASF's Geismar MDI expansion on track for 2026 start-up

In its 2025 report, BASF confirmed that the isocyanates value-chain expansion at Geismar, Louisiana (described as its largest standalone investment in North America) remains on schedule to start up in 2026. The project raises North American MDI capacity from 380,000 to around 600,000 tonnes per year. Industry reporting has put the total investment at roughly US$1 billion.

Source: BASF Report 2025: Material investments

InvestmentsMarch 2026

Dow to close 94,000 t/y Tertre polyether polyols plant in Belgium

Dow announced it would shut its 94,000 t/y polyether polyols plant at Tertre, Belgium by the end of March 2026, as part of a wider rationalisation of its European upstream assets. The company cited high energy costs, regulatory burden and rising Asian imports. Two of the site's three lines had already been idled since 2023; Dow says it can serve polyol customers from Terneuzen (Netherlands) and Tarragona (Spain).

Source: Argus Media: Dow to shut Belgian polyols plant by March 2026

Green TransitionMarch 2026

Covestro and Fraunhofer build smart-pyrolysis pilot to recycle rigid PU foam into MDI feedstock

Covestro and Fraunhofer UMSICHT signed a contract to build a pilot plant that uses "smart pyrolysis" to chemically recycle hard-to-recycle rigid polyurethane foam waste into high-purity recycled aniline (around 99% purity) for MDI production. The pilot is designed for 2 kilotonnes per year, roughly the insulation in 200,000 refrigerators, with operation targeted for mid-2028. Covestro says the resulting MDI can carry up to a 40% improved carbon footprint versus conventional MDI.

Source: Hydrocarbon Processing: Covestro and Fraunhofer UMSICHT sign contract for smart-pyrolysis recycling pilot plant

Green TransitionApril 2026

EU restricts 2,4-dinitrotoluene in articles under REACH Annex XVII

On 21 April 2026 the EU published Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/859, adding 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) as a new entry to REACH Annex XVII. The restriction prohibits placing on the market or using articles that contain the substance at a concentration of 0.1% or more by weight, for both consumer and professional uses, and applies from 10 May 2027 with certain derogations. 2,4-DNT is a category 1B carcinogen and a nitroaromatic intermediate in the toluene-diisocyanate (TDI) value chain.

Source: EUR-Lex: Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/859

Markets & PricesApril 2026

Cumulative MDI prices up ~40% since January 2026

PUdaily reports that since January 2026, cumulative market price increases for Polymeric MDI and Monomeric MDI have approached 40%, with TDI, flexible-foam polyether polyols and TPU also gaining over 20% in the past six months. Drivers cited include energy costs, geopolitical supply disruptions and tightening capacity. PU buyers are reviewing procurement strategies and contract structures.

Source: PUdaily: Polyurethane price surge driven by multi-factor convergence

Green TransitionMarch 2026

BASF launches biomass-balance polyether polyols in North America

BASF announced first commercial production of its biomass-balance (BMB) polyether polyols in North America, targeting sleep products, automotive and CASE applications. The BMB approach replaces a share of fossil feedstock with bio-circular material while keeping product specifications identical, allowing brands to lower scope-3 emissions without reformulation.

Source: BASF Press Release

Green TransitionApril 2026

BASF biomass-balanced isocyanate for spray PU foam

BASF introduced a biomass-balanced isocyanate for spray polyurethane foam insulation, targeting lower carbon footprint without reformulation. Combined with biomass-balance polyols, the move points to a complete drop-in low-carbon two-component system for SPF applicators.

Source: PU MAGAZINE Daily News

Green TransitionMay 2026

Kimpur receives ISCC PLUS certification for two Turkish sites

Turkish polyurethane systems producer Kimpur obtained ISCC PLUS sustainability certification for its Gebze and Düzce plants on 1 May 2026, enabling it to supply certified PU systems incorporating recycled and bio-circular materials. The certification reflects rising buyer expectations for traceable low-carbon polyurethane in European supply chains, a trend Turkish exporters are actively responding to.

Source: PU MAGAZINE Daily News

Sector TrendsApril 2026

Spray PU foam market projected to reach $5.07B by 2035

SNS Insider projects the global spray polyurethane foam market to grow from USD 2.77B in 2025 to USD 5.07B by 2035 at a 6.34% CAGR. Closed-cell SPF leads with ~48% share. Cold-chain and food-logistics insulation are accelerating fastest, with pharmaceutical cold-chain SPF adoption growing 6.8% per year.

Source: SNS Insider: SPF Market

EventsJune 2026

PTIF 2026: Polyurethane Technology International Forum, 22 to 27 June

The Polyurethane Technology International Forum (PTIF) 2026 runs from 22 to 27 June 2026 under the theme "Technological Innovation, Green Low-Carbon, Global Collaboration." WudyDex Chemical is title sponsor. PTIF brings together raw-material suppliers, system houses and equipment makers across the global PU value chain.

Source: PUdaily: PTIF 2026

EventsApril 2027

UTECH Europe 2027 returns to Maastricht, 20 to 22 April

UTECH Europe 2027 will be held from 20 to 22 April 2027 at MECC Maastricht, the Netherlands. The triennial exhibition and conference is the largest dedicated polyurethane event in Europe, with confirmed exhibitors including BASF, Covestro, Huntsman, BorsodChem, COIM, Repsol, Evonik and Momentive.

Source: UTECH Europe

Events27 April 2026

Yapı Turkeybuild Istanbul 2026, 27 to 30 April

Türkiye's largest construction and building-materials fair, Yapı Turkeybuild Istanbul, runs from 27 to 30 April 2026. Insulation, building chemicals, roofing, prefab and sandwich-panel systems are among the lead product groups, making it Türkiye's densest commercial floor for cold-storage panel manufacturers and rigid-PU buyers.

Source: Yapı Turkeybuild Istanbul 2026

Events2 December 2026

Plast Eurasia Istanbul 2026, 2 to 5 December

Eurasia's largest plastics-industry fair, Plast Eurasia Istanbul, takes place from 2 to 5 December 2026 at TÜYAP Istanbul Fair & Convention Center for its 35th edition. Raw materials, equipment, moulds and auxiliary chemicals are all represented, covering the full polyurethane value chain.

Source: Plast Eurasia Istanbul

Events26 March 2026

RePlast Eurasia 2026, 26 to 28 March, Istanbul

Türkiye's only trade fair dedicated to plastics and fibre-recycling technologies, RePlast Eurasia, runs from 26 to 28 March 2026 at TÜYAP Büyükçekmece. The PAGÇEV Plastics Recycling Conference runs concurrently, with 8,000+ visitors from 56 countries expected. A strategic meeting point for manufacturers exploring recycled and bio-circular polyurethane.

Source: RePlast Eurasia 2026

Events20 October 2027

ISK-SODEX Istanbul 2027, 20 to 23 October

ISK-SODEX, the Eurasia region's largest HVAC&R, insulation, pump, valve, water treatment, fire-prevention and solar systems exhibition, returns from 20 to 23 October 2027 at TÜYAP Istanbul. Held biennially, it's a critical contact ground for polyurethane producers serving cold-chain, cold-storage and building-insulation markets.

Source: ISK-SODEX Istanbul

Events11 November 2026

PU Expo İstanbul 2026: polyurethane industry exhibition, 11 to 13 November

PU Expo İstanbul 2026, a dedicated polyurethane industry exhibition, will take place from 11 to 13 November 2026 in Istanbul. The show is positioned to bring together the full polyurethane value chain (polyols and isocyanates, system houses, additives, and machinery and equipment makers), connecting professionals from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. It is a separate event from PUTECH Eurasia, whose next edition is scheduled for 2027.

Source: PU Expo İstanbul 2026

Markets & PricesQ1 2026

Wanhua Chemical Q1 2026 net profit up 20.62%

Wanhua Chemical reported Q1 2026 net profit of CNY 3.72 billion (+20.62% YoY) on revenue of CNY 54.05 billion (+25.5% YoY). The result confirms continued PU-value-chain margin recovery for vertically-integrated producers despite cautious downstream demand in selected end markets.

Source: PUdaily: Wanhua Q1 2026

Sector TrendsApril 2026

Magna unveils EcoSphere bio-based PU seating foam for automotive

Tier-1 automotive supplier Magna International unveiled EcoSphere, a bio-based polyurethane seating foam positioned for "large-scale production" with mechanical performance and processing comparable to conventional foams. The launch reflects rising OEM pressure to demonstrate biobased and recyclable content in interior materials, driven in part by the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation.

Source: PU MAGAZINE: Magna EcoSphere

Green TransitionQ1 2026

Dow scales depolymerization for closed-loop PU recycling

Dow continues to invest in chemical depolymerization as the only closed-loop recycling technology for end-of-life polyurethane. Combined with parallel investments by Covestro in chemolysis and smart pyrolysis, the industry is moving from pilot to commercial-scale chemical recycling, though feedstock collection remains the primary bottleneck.

Source: Dow: PU Depolymerization

Markets & PricesQ1 2026

Sichuan Tianhua Chemical reports strong Q1 2026, PTMEG exports rise

Sichuan Tianhua Chemical reported Q1 2026 revenue of CNY 678 million with PTMEG exports exceeding 4,200 tonnes. PTMEG (a key intermediate for spandex and elastomeric PU systems) demand is being driven by recovering global TPU and elastomer markets, a parallel trend to the headline MDI/TDI price moves in flexible and rigid systems.

Source: PUdaily: Industry News

Sector TrendsQ1 2026

India PU market projected to triple by 2033, but procurement turns cautious

PUdaily reports India's polyurethane market, valued at USD 5.99B in 2025, is projected to reach USD 17.07B by 2033 at a 14.5% CAGR. However, near-term buying behavior has shifted toward a cautious "wait-and-watch" approach, with affordability pressures hitting small and medium-sized enterprises hardest. A signal worth tracking for export-oriented PU producers.

Source: PUdaily: India's Polyurethane Market

JiTPOL26 November 2025

JiTPOL exhibited at PUTECH Eurasia 2025, Istanbul

JiTPOL participated in PUTECH Eurasia 2025, the 9th International Polyurethane Industry Exhibition, held 26 to 28 November 2025 at İstanbul Fuar Merkezi, Bakırköy. The fair brought together ~250 exhibitors (180 international) across the polyurethane value chain alongside Adhesive Bonding Eurasia, EurasiaComposites Show and Foam Eurasia, with 7,000+ visitors from 70+ countries. Our team met with rigid, flexible, visco, integral and spray system buyers from across the EMEA region.

Source: PUTECH Eurasia · İFM Event Page

JiTPOL5 May 2026

JiTPOL attended SAHA EXPO 2026, Istanbul

JiTPOL participated in SAHA EXPO 2026 (the International Defence & Aerospace Exhibition organised by SAHA Istanbul, the largest industrial cluster in Türkiye and Europe), held 5 to 9 May 2026 at İstanbul Expo Centre. The event brought together 1,700+ exhibitors from 120+ countries across 100,000+ sqm, covering land, naval, air, space, unmanned systems and disruptive innovation. Polyurethane systems play a meaningful role in this value chain (vibration damping, structural foams, integral skin parts, insulation and protective applications), and SAHA is a strategic touchpoint for JiTPOL with defence-industry OEMs and tier-1 subcontractors.

Source: SAHA EXPO 2026 · İFM Event Page

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