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Michelin Announces Construction of an Industrial Demonstrator

Michelin has announced the construction of its first industrial demonstration unit for the 5-HMF molecule. Located on the Osiris platform in Péage-en-Roussillon, France, the company says its new facility will have an annual production capacity of 3,000 metric tons, making it the largest production site for 5-HMF in the world. Read More…

ACCESS Rudolf Signs Agreement with ClearEdge Solutions

ACCESS Rudolf Technologies has signed a distributorship agreement with ClearEdge Solutions. Under the new partnership, ClearEdge Solutions will represent and distribute the RUCOLAC® coatings additives product line—a portfolio of high-performance additives developed specifically for the paints and coatings industry. According to the companies, the agreement represents a strategic step toward expanding the market presence of Rudolf products in North America. Read More…

Gelest Completes New Production Facility

Gelest, Inc., a supplier of specialty silicones, organosilanes, metal-organics, and acrylate monomers for advanced technology end markets—including coatings and adhesives—announced the grand opening of a new 50,000-square-foot production facility at its global headquarters in Morrisville, Pa. Located on a revitalized U.S. EPA Brownfield site, the facility expands Gelest’s production capabilities and supports applications ranging from microelectronics and medical devices to advanced thermal coatings and mobility. Read More…

AkzoNobel Launches New Coating System in China

AkzoNobel has introduced in China a new thermal insulation coating system designed to reduce building temperatures and enhance energy efficiency. Developed by the company’s Decorative Paints business, the company says its innovative system features a radiative cooling topcoat and a thermal radiation barrier mid-coat—together functioning like a sunscreen for buildings. According to AkzoNobel, the mid-coat can lower surface temperatures by up to 10% during hot summer months compared to traditional coatings. Read More…

Covestro Receives ISCC PLUS Certification for Site in West Virginia

Covestro has secured the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) PLUS certification for its site in South Charleston, West Virginia. The site specializes in the production of base polyether polyols and polymer polyols. These materials are used in a range of applications including automotive seating, mattresses, furniture, and more. Read More…

OQ Chemicals Rebrands as Oxea

OQ Chemicals is rebranding and returning to its earlier name, Oxea, following its acquisition via funds managed by Strategic Value Partners, LLC and by Blantyre Capital. In 2013, Oxea was acquired by the Oman Oil Company (OOC). Subsequently, in 2020, Oxea was rebranded as OQ Chemicals to reflect its integration into the newly formed energy conglomerate OQ, which consolidated several Omani energy companies. Read More…

WACKER Expands Production in Germany

WACKER has commenced production of hybrid polymers at its Nünchritz site in Saxony, Germany. The new high-efficiency facility, which the company says will create 50 new jobs, is set to replace the existing production plant in Burghausen and significantly expand the WACKER’s hybrid polymer manufacturing capacity. These polymers are used as binders in the formulation of high-performance adhesives and sealants. Read More…

BASF Coatings Expands Business in North America

After successful launches in Europe and Asia, BASF’s ReSource, Glasurit® Eco Balance and R-M® eSense brands for the automotive refinish coatings market will now be introduced in North America this year. The company says these products further contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and circular economy. Read More…