Japanese speciality chemicals manufacturer Zeon Corporation and US-based biotechnology firm Visolis Inc. announced plans to begin preparatory steps towards constructing a commercial-scale production facility for bio-based isoprene and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The companies are evaluating multiple potential sites for the new facility, which will use Visolis’ proprietary fermentation and downstream processing technology. The announcement follows a successful joint feasibility study that confirmed the platform’s competitive advantage for commercial-scale production.

“Visolis has proven to be a valuable innovation partner, and we are excited to take this important next step together,” said Tetsuya TOYOSHIMA, President and CEO of Zeon. “Bio‐based isoprene and SAF are key to our long‐term vision for sustainable growth, and this project reflects our commitment to delivering impactful technologies in collaboration with leading startups."

According to the companies, the next phase of planning activities will include detailed engineering, site assessment, permitting, and stakeholder engagement.

The initiative forms part of Zeon’s broader sustainability objectives and decarbonisation strategy while advancing Visolis’ mission to commercialise its technology.

The two companies have collaborated for several years to develop and scale next-generation, bio-based materials.

Industry analysts note that bio-based alternatives for chemical production and aviation fuel have gained significant attention as companies across various sectors seek to reduce their carbon footprint.

Both companies indicated that further updates will be provided as the project advances.

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Tokyo Zairyo Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Zeon Corporation, marked a significant milestone in November 2025 by establishing a new branch office in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Following the completion of all necessary preparations, this location has now commenced full-scale operations. The move represents a deliberate effort to broaden the company’s commercial reach across the Indian market while simultaneously constructing an organizational structure capable of responding with greater agility to the evolving and increasingly diverse requirements of its customers.

This southern expansion comes approximately 15 years after the company first established its Indian subsidiary, Tokyo Zairyo (India) Pvt. Ltd., with an office in Gurugram, Haryana, in 2011. By positioning a second office in Chennai, the firm now operates a coordinated network spanning the northern and southern regions of the country. Close collaboration between the two locations is intended to strengthen information services and enhance user support, leveraging both internal capabilities and external partnerships to better serve Japanese automotive parts manufacturers and processors operating throughout India.

Through this dual-office structure, Tokyo Zairyo is poised to advance its core business of purchasing and selling a broad spectrum of materials, including rubber, resins and elastomers. The synchronised operations in Gurugram and Chennai enable the company to deliver more responsive support, ensuring that clients across the Indian automotive supply chain benefit from efficient service and a reliable supply of essential materials.

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Kuraray Co., Ltd. has announced a comprehensive global price adjustment for its portfolio of Liquid Rubber products and ISOBAM alkaline water-soluble polymer. These changes, which are set to take effect on 16 April 2026, will see prices rise by at least USD 2 per kg.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue the supply of Liquid Rubber and ISOBAM amidst the volatile market conditions.

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German chemical group WACKER has announced a price hike across its silicones product range, responding directly to significant upheavals in international commodity markets triggered by the recent military conflict in the Middle East. This geopolitical instability has created pronounced distortions throughout the supply chain, leading to a sharp escalation in the costs of essential inputs. The company is experiencing substantially higher prices for energy as well as for various other raw materials and logistics services.

To address this challenging economic landscape and offset the considerable burden of increased raw material and transportation expenses, the chemical group is implementing price adjustments effective 1 April 2026. The updated pricing will be communicated to the customers accordingly. This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue delivering its products reliably amidst the volatile market conditions.

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Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB publ has signed a letter of intent with an undisclosed partner to explore the possibility of licensing its advanced tyre pyrolysis technology for deployment in North America.

The collaboration will focus on conducting a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the technical and commercial viability of establishing one or multiple facilities dedicated to processing end-of-life tyres using Enviro’s proprietary method. This study is designed to provide the potential licensee with the necessary insights to assess the prospects of entering into a long-term commercial arrangement and formal technology licensing agreement.

It is important to note that any definitive agreements will depend entirely on the study's outcomes and subsequent negotiations. At this stage, there is no guarantee that the evaluation will lead to binding commitments or that the proposed transaction will ultimately materialise.

Fredrik Aaben, CEO, Scandinavian Enviro Systems, said, “We continue to see strong international interest in Enviro’s technology, and this letter of intent is yet another proof of this.”

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