Phthalate and Non-Phthalate Plasticizer Alternatives: What Buyers Need to Know
While certain phthalates have faced restrictions in specific applications and regions in the past, plasticizer selection isn’t a simple binary choice of “allowed” and “banned,” when deciding between phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizer alternatives. Even with past restrictions, phthalates as a class remain widely used and, in many cases, supported by updated regulatory assessments. At the […]
Geopolitics, Production Shifts, and Tariffs Redefine Global Business in 2026
As 2026 approaches, geopolitical forces are increasingly shaping global business and trade dynamics. The global landscape is becoming more multipolar, with economic influence distributed across a wider set of countries rather than dominated by a single power. This shift is driving companies to reassess where they invest, manufacture, and source goods, as geopolitical risk has […]
Rate Cuts Meet Consumer Caution, Keeping Big-Ticket Spending Under Pressure in 2026
In late 2025, consumer behavior and interest rate dynamics are shaping economic sentiment and demand heading into 2026. A major survey of U.S. consumers found that 56% are already spending as if the economy were in a recession, signaling broad economic caution among households. This behavior is especially pronounced among younger generations, with many Gen […]
Oversupply and Weak Demand Keep Global Chemicals Under Pressure Heading Into 2026
Fitch Ratings has maintained a deteriorating outlook for the global chemicals sector as the industry heads into 2026, reflecting persistent structural imbalances and weak market conditions. A key challenge is continued oversupply in several major chemical segments, particularly petrochemicals such as ethylene and polyolefins. Significant new capacity additions—especially in China—are expected to outpace demand […]
AkzoNobel, Axalta Form $17 Billion Paints Giant
AkzoNobel and Axalta Coating Systems have agreed to merge in an all-stock “merger of equals,” creating a global coatings leader with an enterprise value of about $25 billion. Pro-forma revenue for the combined company is expected to be around $17 billion. The merger targets approximately $600 million in annual cost synergies, with roughly 90% expected […]
