Fine and speciality chemicals
The latest news relating to the fine and speciality chemicals industry, including regulation, litigation, business news and relevant industrial and academic research, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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OpinionWidening impact of conflict in Iran
Deyond hydrocarbons, helium and sulfur – byproducts of petroleum extraction – have also been critically affected by Iran’s blockade of Gulf exports
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PodcastAtomic radii & synthetic food dyes
In this episode, we discuss the where the true limits of an atom lie, the US’s plan to eliminate synthetic food dyes, and hear the latest headlines
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OpinionHydrogen bubble’s squeaky pop
Were cancelled hydrogen production projects overly optimistic or commitments of convenience?
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BusinessIran conflict cuts off gulf oil and chemicals trade
Effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has stranded exports from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar
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BusinessAt least 41 dead in two industrial explosions in India
Police taking action against owners following incidents at an industrial explosives plant and fireworks factory left at least 38 others injured
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OpinionAre food colour clashes worth the worry?
Calling artificial colours ‘petroleum-based poisons’ plays to popular fears, not necessarily evidence
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BusinessExplainer: Why is the US eliminating synthetic food dyes?
What’s the evidence for harm, and how does the US approach compare internationally
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BusinessEU adds hefty anti-dumping duties to 1,4-butanediol
Imports from China, US and Saudi Arabia will see tariffs of 52–143%
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BusinessDow to cut 4500 jobs in productivity drive
Firm claims AI and automation will help revive growth during sustained industrial downturn
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OpinionProbing PFAS policies in the UK and EU
The UK has set out its approach to regulating fluorochemicals, and the EU has projected the savings from a proposed ban
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BusinessRethinking hydrogen peroxide production
Hydro-Oxy and Addible both aim to transform how industry produces and uses a ubiquitous oxidant.
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PodcastBench-stable butyllithium & secrets of Pompeii’s limescale
In this episode, we discuss the latest formulations designed to make a set of fiery reagents safer, explore what limescale can tell us about ancient civilizations and hear the latest headlines.
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OpinionCarbon border taxes may do more harm than good
Industry argues UK proposals are flawed and will not promote decarbonisation
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BusinessSabic offloads petrochemicals and plastics plants in Europe and Americas
German private equity firms Aequita and Mutares aim to return struggling plants to profitability
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BusinessNew reagents take the burn out of butyllithium
Merck KGaA’s non-pyrophoric butyllithium in poly(α-olefin) oil make BuLi stable to air and water
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BusinessFunding boost for Grangemouth whisky waste-to-chemicals firms
Governments hope £9 million in grants will help MiAlgae and Celtic Renewables replace oil-refining jobs
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BusinessPlastic recycling is contracting when it needs to grow
High costs, oversupply of virgin polymers and complex political environment are challenging industry
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BusinessChemicals industry roundup 2025
Europe hit hard by China’s independence push, but India is growing
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BusinessAkzoNobel-Axalta merger gives coatings firm extra layers
Pursuit of scale drives continued consolidation across coatings sector
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OpinionChanging the rules of global chemicals trade
Chemical dumping claims reflect US and China’s focus on national interests ahead of global markets