Solenis, which was formerly part of Ashland, has completed the transfer of BASF’s paper wet-end and water chemicals, after all of the relevant regulatory approvals were received.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has, as requested by the European Commission a year ago as part of the EU plastics strategy, submitted a proposal for the restriction of microplastic particles that are intentionally added to mixtures used by consumers and professionals.

Indian agrochemicals firm UPL has completed the acquisition of Arysta LifeScince from the Florida-based speciality chemicals conglomerate Platform Specialty Products, in a $4.2 billion deal that was signed in July 2018. This followed the last regulatory approvals.

Consumer products giant Unilever has announced that it fully delivered on the commitment it launched in early 2017, to disclose fragrance ingredient information down to 0.01% of the product formulation by the end of 2018, in place of generic ‘fragrance’ or ‘P

Some of the world’s largest chemicals firms have helped to found the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), which describes itself as “an alliance of global companies from the plastics and consumer goods value chain … to advance solutions to eliminate plastic waste in the environment, especially in the ocean”.

Speciality chemicals giant Ashland has announced that, in consultation with one of its largest shareholders, the independent investment manager Neuberger Berman, it will add two new independent board members – yet to be found - and appoint a lead independent director and new board committee chairs at its annual meeting on 8 February.