LANXESS, a leading specialty chemicals company, has inaugurated a new blending plant at its chemical manufacturing site in Jhagadia, Gujarat. As part of the first phase of development, the facility will manufacture specialty lubricant additives. The new plant represents a significant milestone for the lubricant additives

business in India strengthening its position in the region. Designed to serve both domestic and international markets, the facility will primarily cater to customers across India, the Middle East, and other key global markets. The facility has been developed with a strong focus on safety, energy efficiency, and responsible environmental practices.

The Initiatives

Speaking at the inauguration, Neelanjan Banerjee, Senior Vice President and Global Head of the Business Unit Lubricant Additives, LANXESS, said, “India is the third largest lubricants market in the world and a key growth region for us. To participate in this key market, we set up our Application Technology Center in 2025. The commissioning of this new production site in India is a next milestone for us and a strong testament to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. With this plant we are reinforcing our strong commitment to our customers in the region. This facility strengthens our ability to reliably serve customers across India, Middle East and other markets with high-quality, innovative lubricant additive solutions, with a local-for-local approach.”

The company also signed an MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) bringing its cutting-edge technologies to the Indian market. In addition, LANXESS has also started third party manufacturing activities for the business unit Lubricant Additives in India.

Neelanjan Banerjee said that Lanxess manufactures the widest range of lubricants and lubricant additives that offer from general application to highly specialised and unique applications in diverse industries ranging from automotives to all other forms of mobility including rail, marine and aviation as well as in industries such as chemical, food  and even in nuclear industry and for military purposes. Their core competency in lubricants and additives is based on high technology inventions from their R&D and applications research. Their Application Technology Centre in Thane localises India specific applications.

Banerjee informed that they supply lubricants and speciality additives to 740 leading companies worldwide in 85 countries. They have one of the widest portfolios of 450 products produced from 13 production sites worldwide.

LANXESS’ lubricant additives business continues to scale up its capabilities in India, building closer alignment between global strategy and local execution. The new facility is intended to support consistent delivery, faster response, and stronger technical collaboration with customers as demand evolves.

India Growth

Dr. Hubert Fink, Member of the Board of Management at LANXESS AG, commented, “India stands at the forefront of global economic growth, offering significant opportunities across industries. LANXESS is committed to deepening our presence and investing in India’s future, aligning our long-term strategy with the nation’s dynamic potential. Through prudent investments and a focus on sustainable growth, we aim to contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving industrial landscape.”

Dr. Fink gave a holistic overview of Lanxess evolution, its various business units and why it is one of the very diversified companies with their diverse products finding applications in areas including Energy, Natural Resources, Nutrition and health, Automotives, Agri Sectors, Animal Health, Automotives, Chemical Industry, Construction etc.

He said that Lanxess is working towards its goal of climate neutral product portfolio by 2040, ensuring that its operations as well as energy use are climate neutral. Fink said that their growth in 2025 Asia Pacific has been faster and in India too it is seeing high growth.

With this new facility, LANXESS reaffirms its long-term commitment to India as a strategic growth engine and for delivering world-class chemistries that power mobility and industrial applications worldwide.

Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) is accelerating its diversification strategy by planning to add three new metals over the next five years. The move is part of a broader effort to tap into a pipeline of 10 mineral blocks currently under various stages of exploration. As a key step forward, the company has recently secured a rare earth mineral block containing monazite in Uttar Pradesh. However, it is currently awaiting regulatory approvals before initiating geological exploration. Arun Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, said the company will begin exploration once licensing and agreement formalities are completed.

Monazite: A Strategic Resource for Clean Energy and EVs

Monazite is a crucial mineral as it contains neodymium, a key rare earth element widely used in:

Electric vehicle (EV) motors

Wind turbine generators

Advanced electronics

The global importance of rare earths has grown significantly, especially after China tightened export controls to safeguard its domestic reserves. This shift has impacted industries such as EV manufacturing, batteries, and electronics, thereby increasing the urgency for India to develop its own resource base.

India’s Strong Resource Base Offers Opportunity

India holds substantial reserves of monazite. According to the Indian Mineral Yearbook, the country had an estimated 12.73 million tonnes of monazite as of March 2021, primarily located in coastal regions such as:

Kerala

Tamil Nadu

Andhra Pradesh

Odisha

This resource base provides a strong foundation for companies like Hindustan Zinc to expand into the rare earth segment.

Exploration Plans Across 10 Mineral Blocks

HZL plans to begin exploration across its ten mineral blocks, targeting commencement between July and August, subject to regulatory and environmental clearances. The company has set an internal goal to add three new metals to its portfolio, which could include:

Copper

Gold

Other strategic or critical minerals

The company is ensuring compliance with environmental norms, including verification of forest land status, before starting operations.

Expanding Footprint in Critical Minerals

In addition to rare earths, Hindustan Zinc has already taken steps to diversify by acquiring potash and tungsten blocks. These acquisitions strengthen its presence in India’s critical minerals ecosystem, which is vital for:

Defence applications

Electronics manufacturing

Clean energy technologies

Strategic Shift Towards Future-Ready Minerals

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, HZL’s expansion into rare earths and other critical minerals reflects a strategic shift toward future-ready resources. By leveraging India’s mineral potential and strengthening its exploration capabilities, the company aims to play a key role in supporting the country’s growing demand for clean energy and advanced technologies.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) marked a major milestone in India’s clean energy transition by launching the country’s first geothermal pilot project. Developed under its innovative “Wells to Watts” initiative, the project demonstrates how legacy oil and gas assets can be repurposed for sustainable energy generation. The pilot was inaugurated on April 24, 2026, at ONGC’s Ankleshwar Asset, reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversifying into low-carbon energy solutions.

Converting Abandoned Wells into 450 kW Round-the-Clock Clean Energy

At the core of the project is the transformation of a non-productive well at the Gandhar Field into a reliable source of 450 kW Renewable Energy – Round-The-Clock (RE-RTC) power. By converting an underutilized hydrocarbon asset into a continuous energy source, ONGC successfully demonstrated efficient reuse of existing infrastructure, reduction in reliance on fossil fuels and generation of stable, low-carbon power. The project sets a precedent for sustainable energy innovation within the oil and gas sector.

Strategic Collaboration with IIT Madras and MNRE

The project has been developed in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, with support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The partnership highlights a strong synergy between academic expertise and industry execution, enabling advanced geothermal extraction techniques tailored to Indian conditions.

Scalable Model for Geothermal Energy Development

Experts from IIT Madras played a key role in providing technical insights into geothermal energy extraction, particularly using abandoned or non-commercial wells. The approach offers a scalable model that can be replicated across similar aging oil and gas assets nationwide. Consequently, it opens new opportunities to:

*Integrate renewable energy into existing infrastructure

*Maximize resource utilization

*Accelerate India’s clean energy transition

Strengthening ONGC’s Clean Energy Portfolio

With this initiative, ONGC reinforces its position as a forward-looking energy company that is actively expanding beyond conventional hydrocarbons. The success of the pilot project could pave the way for wider adoption of geothermal energy in India, especially across mature oil and gas fields with declining productivity.

Driving the Future of Sustainable Energy

By combining innovation, infrastructure reuse, and strategic partnerships, ONGC’s geothermal pilot marks a significant step toward building a resilient and low-carbon energy ecosystem. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, such initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in diversifying India’s energy mix while ensuring sustainability and long-term energy security.

Technip Energies India has commissioned its first captive jetty at its Modular Manufacturing Yard in Dahej, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s position as a global manufacturing and export hub. In a major milestone, the company has also dispatched its first large process module consignment to the Netherlands for a global energy client, reinforcing its role in international project execution under the Make in India initiative.

Enabling Direct Transport of Heavy and Oversized Modules

The newly commissioned jetty enables the direct movement of oversized modules weighing up to 4,000 metric tons. Previously, transporting such large modules via road posed significant logistical challenges and limitations. Now, with direct sea access, the company can seamlessly handle large-scale shipments, thereby improving operational flexibility and project execution timelines.

Faster Transit and Improved Global Connectivity

The first shipment is currently en route to North Europe via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, significantly enhancing connectivity to global markets.

More importantly, the jetty has dramatically improved logistics efficiency:

*Transit time reduced from ~15 days (road) to just 48–72 hours

*Fuel savings of 60–70%, leading to lower logistics costs

*Reduced carbon emissions, supporting sustainability goals

As a result, the company can deliver projects faster while improving cost and environmental performance.

Rapid Execution Demonstrates Engineering Excellence

Completed in just seven months, the jetty project highlights Technip Energies India’s strong execution capabilities. Delivering such critical infrastructure within a compressed timeline demonstrates the company’s engineering and project management expertise.

Strengthening India’s Role in Global Modular Manufacturing

The commissioning of the Dahej jetty strategically positions India within Technip Energies’ global modular execution network. Consequently, the facility will:

*Support large-scale module exports

*Improve delivery timelines for international projects

*Enable participation in complex global energy and chemical projects

The integration is expected to enhance cost efficiency and boost competitiveness in the global market.

Leadership Perspective on Strategic Milestone

Davendra Kumar, Managing Director, Technip Energies India and APAC, stated that the commissioning strengthens India’s role in the company’s global delivery network and enables efficient execution of large-scale projects.

Driving Sustainability and Future Growth

The Dahej jetty is expected to support future modular manufacturing projects while aligning with the company’s sustainability and operational efficiency objectives. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, by reducing transportation bottlenecks and improving logistics efficiency, Technip Energies India is well-positioned to play a larger role in the evolving global energy and chemicals landscape.

Joint Solar announced the next phase of its growth strategy, focusing on scaling up the manufacturing of high-efficiency solar modules. With over two decades of industry experience, the company is strengthening its capabilities to meet the rising demand for advanced photovoltaic (PV) solutions.

Strong Manufacturing Base Backed by Two Decades of Experience

Since its inception in 2000, Joint Solar has steadily expanded its footprint in India’s renewable energy sector. Today, the company operates a robust 1.3 GW manufacturing facility and has successfully completed over 500,000 solar installations across the country. Its primary manufacturing unit, located in Pilakhua near Hapur, supports large-scale production and enables the company to deliver consistent quality at scale.

Focus on Advanced Technologies: Poly, Mono, and TOPCon

To stay aligned with evolving market needs, Joint Solar manufactures solar modules using a range of advanced technologies, including polycrystalline modules, monocrystalline modules and  TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology. As a result, the company is well-positioned to cater to customers seeking higher efficiency and improved performance.

Scaling Up Production to Meet Growing Demand

As part of its expansion, Joint Solar plans to significantly increase output. The company aims to produce over 5,000 high-efficiency solar modules per day, addressing the growing demand driven by India’s accelerating clean energy transition.

Leadership Perspective

 Vinod Sharma, Managing Director, said, “When we started in 2000, awareness around solar energy was limited. However, the market has evolved significantly over the years. We have grown alongside it by upgrading technologies, expanding manufacturing, and maintaining a strong focus on dependable products.” The approach reflects the company’s commitment to aligning its operations with changing customer expectations and industry trends.

R&D-Driven Innovation Supports Growth

To sustain its competitive edge, Joint Solar continues to invest in research and development (R&D). The company’s dedicated R&D division focuses on:

Continuous technology upgrades

Product innovation

Performance optimization

These efforts support the development of advanced, high-efficiency modules while contributing to India’s renewable energy goals.

Expanding Market Reach Through Awareness and Distribution

Despite strong growth, the company acknowledges that limited awareness remains a challenge for wider solar adoption. To address this, Joint Solar is actively working to promote renewable energy solutions and build customer confidence.

At the same time, the company sees significant opportunities in:

Smaller cities and emerging markets

Dealer-led expansion strategies

Strengthened distribution networks

Recognition and Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Joint Solar’s efforts have earned industry recognition, including the Award for Excellence in Renewable Energy. These accolades further reinforce the company’s commitment to quality manufacturing and long-term sustainability.

Driving India’s Clean Energy Transition

Looking ahead, Joint Solar remains focused on:

*Advancing manufacturing capabilities

*Adopting next-generation technologies

*Supporting India’s clean energy transition

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, by combining experience with innovation, the company aims to deliver reliable, high-efficiency solar solutions that meet the country’s growing energy needs.

The department of fertilisers has reiterated that India’s fertiliser security remains strong, stable, and well-managed, with availability consistently exceeding demand across key fertilisers. The ministry of chemicals and fertilisers dismissed recent claims of shortages, emphasizing that current data reflects a comfortable and well-buffered supply position nationwide.

Robust Supply During Rabi 2025–26 Season

Data from the recently concluded Rabi 2025–26 season (October 2025 to March 2026) highlights a strong supply-demand balance.

Urea availability: 257.59 LMT vs requirement of 196.06 LMT

DAP availability: 75.40 LMT vs requirement of 53.43 LMT

As a result, the country maintained surplus availability across major fertilisers, ensuring uninterrupted agricultural operations.

Strong Start to FY 2026–27 and Kharif Season Readiness

The positive trend has continued into the current financial year. From 1 April to 23 April, fertiliser availability has remained significantly higher than requirement:

Urea availability: 69.33 LMT vs requirement of 18.17 LMT

DAP availability: 22.78 LMT vs requirement of 5.90 LMT

Therefore, India enters the upcoming Kharif season with a strong opening inventory position, reinforcing supply security for farmers.

Government Expands Global Sourcing to Ensure Supply Continuity

In addition to domestic measures, the government has proactively strengthened global sourcing strategies. Indian missions abroad are actively facilitating alternative supply channels, supporting efforts to diversify imports and reduce dependency risks. Approximately 25 LMT of urea has already been secured through global tenders. This move further strengthens availability, even amid international supply uncertainties.

Stable Natural Gas Supply Supports Domestic Production

To sustain domestic fertiliser output, the government has also addressed challenges related to natural gas availability, a critical input for urea production. Consequently, fertiliser plants across the country continue to receive a steady supply of gas, ensuring uninterrupted production and consistent output levels.

Well-Managed Supply Chain Strengthens Agricultural Stability

Overall, India’s fertiliser supply chain remains resilient and efficiently managed. With surplus availability, diversified sourcing, and stable domestic production, the government has ensured that farmers have timely and adequate access to fertilisers. As reported by newsonair.gov.in, the strong positioning not only supports current agricultural cycles but also enhances preparedness for future demand.

Advanta bioKEMIX, the India- and China-focused arm of the global bioKEMIX network, officially launched operations in India. With this move, the company aims to transform how chemical supply chains are structured, managed, and delivered by creating a more integrated, transparent, and efficient ecosystem. By bringing together sourcing, manufacturing, and research under a unified framework, Advanta bioKEMIX is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation chemical supply chain solutions.

Addressing a Rapidly Evolving Chemical Supply Chain Landscape

The launch comes at a pivotal time for the global chemical industry. Traditionally, supply chains have been fragmented and dependent on multiple intermediaries. However, the industry is now shifting toward more agile, direct, and collaborative models. Advanta bioKEMIX has positioned itself at the center of this evolution. The company aims to enable seamless coordination across the entire value chain—from raw material sourcing to finished product optimization—while ensuring speed, reliability, and consistency for global customers.

INR 220 Crore Investment to Strengthen India Operations

As part of its long-term strategy, bioKEMIX Worldwide has announced an investment of approximately ₹220 crore over the next five years. The investment will expand manufacturing capabilities, strengthen operational infrastructure and enhance supply chain integration. It reflects strong confidence in India’s growing role as a global hub for chemical manufacturing and innovation, supported by robust infrastructure, skilled talent, and increasing global connectivity.

Vision: Building a Seamless and Transparent Global Network

 Samith Bajaj, Executive Director, Advanta bioKEMIX, said, “Advanta bioKEMIX represents a fundamental shift in how chemical supply chains are designed and delivered. We aim to move beyond fragmented systems and build an integrated, transparent, and globally connected ecosystem that aligns sourcing, manufacturing, and research into a seamless network.” He further emphasized that India will play a central role—not only as a manufacturing base but also as a strategic hub for innovation and value creation.

Three-Pillar Operating Model Driving Efficiency and Innovation

Advanta bioKEMIX’s business model is built on three integrated verticals, each designed to enhance efficiency and accelerate innovation:

1. Strategic Sourcing

The sourcing vertical focuses on consolidating fragmented supplier networks. As a result, it enables better coordination, improved efficiency, and streamlined global distribution.

2. Flexible Production Ecosystem

The production vertical leverages a partner-led manufacturing model. It offers capabilities across synthesis, scale-up, analysis, and process optimization, ensuring flexibility and scalability.

3. Innovation-Led Research

The research vertical collaborates closely with development partners to drive product innovation, improve process efficiencies, and deliver precision-driven outcomes tailored to evolving market needs.

Enabling Faster, Scalable, and High-Quality Solutions

Through this integrated approach, Advanta bioKEMIX aims to:

*Reduce inefficiencies across supply chains

*Accelerate product development timelines

*Deliver consistent, high-quality solutions at scale

By aligning eastern manufacturing strengths with western market demand, the company is building a more resilient and responsive global chemical ecosystem.

India at the Core of a Global Growth Strategy

The India launch marks the beginning of a long-term strategic journey for Advanta bioKEMIX. The company plans to focus on building strong industry partnerships, driving continuous innovation  and supporting global customers with scalable solutions. As per the press release, the initiative positions Advanta bioKEMIX as a key contributor to the next phase of growth in the global chemical industry.

Vipul Organics Limited, a specialty chemicals company in pigments and dyes, announced a significant milestone—its membrane division, AdiMem Technologies, officially commenced commercial sales of membranes. The development comes just months after the company showcased its capabilities at IFAT India 2025, marking a swift transition from pilot stage to full-scale commercialization.

From Pilot to Production: Sayakha Facility Takes Center Stage

Vipul Organics is now accelerating operations at its Sayakha, Gujarat facility. The company is set to launch full-scale manufacturing of Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes at the site. Notably, the facility leverages proprietary Reverse Phase Transition technology, enabling the production of high-performance, fully indigenous membranes. With this move, AdiMem Technologies positions itself as India’s first completely indigenous membrane manufacturer, reducing reliance on imported technologies.

Integrated Water Treatment Solutions for Multiple Industries

In addition to membrane manufacturing, AdiMem offers comprehensive, end-to-end water and wastewater treatment solutions. These include: Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) and Pre-treatment systems. As a result, the company is well-equipped to serve industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and allied sectors. Furthermore, the Sayakha facility integrates manufacturing, membrane rolling, quality control, and advanced performance testing—ensuring consistent product quality at scale.

India’s Membrane Market Poised for Strong Growth

The company’s expansion aligns with robust industry growth trends. According to IMARC Group, India’s membrane separation technology market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.52%, increasing from USD 1.34 billion in 2026 to USD 2.7 billion by 2033. The growth is being driven by several factors, including: Stringent Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) mandates, government initiatives such as the Namami Gange programme and rising demand for industrial water recycling. Moreover, demand for RO membranes is projected to reach 28 million units by FY2030, while UF and NF membranes are gaining traction, particularly in pharmaceutical effluent treatment.

Strategic Growth: Membranes to Drive Revenue and Margins

Vipul Organics expects membranes and membrane-based solutions to significantly contribute to its financial performance. The company aims to generate 25% of its topline from this segment within the next three years. Additionally, it is targeting a strong foothold in India’s filtration market, which is projected to reach $6.33 billion by 2033. This strategic diversification is expected to enhance margins and create long-term value.

Comprehensive Indigenous Product Portfolio

As per the press release, AdiMem offers a complete range of membrane technologies, including: MF (Microfiltration), UF, NF (Nanofiltration), and RO membranes, tubular and hollow fibre configurations and Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) systems. This marks the first fully Indian-made, end-to-end membrane portfolio, delivering improved filtration efficiency, durability, and sustainability.

Leadership Perspective

Vipul P. Shah, Managing Director, said, “Commercial sales of AdiMem products and solutions mark a major step forward. Our Sayakha expansion will scale high-performance membranes and integrated solutions, supporting India’s sustainability goals. This initiative also reduces dependence on China-dominated supply chains while opening access to the global $350 billion market.” The initiative is being led by Dr. Vatsal Shah, a technocrat driving innovation in membrane technologies.

Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemicals company, unveiled CATOFIN™ 1000, its next-generation propane dehydrogenation (PDH) catalyst. Building on the proven success of the CATOFIN 310 Series, the new catalyst delivers significant improvements in selectivity, productivity, and operational efficiency. Notably, CATOFIN™ 1000 offers extended catalyst life and reduces tar precursors by up to 20%, which in turn minimizes fouling and enhances plant reliability. As a result, operators can achieve higher efficiency and improved returns.

Superior Performance with Reduced Fouling and Higher Efficiency

CATOFIN™ 1000 introduces a range of performance enhancements that directly benefit PDH plant operations:

*Improved selectivity and higher productivity

*Longer catalyst lifespan

*Up to 20% reduction in tar precursors

Significantly lower fouling rates

These advancements help reduce downtime, lower maintenance requirements, and ensure more stable, long-term operations. This makes the catalyst a compelling solution for producers aiming to maximize plant uptime and profitability.

Digital Integration with CLARITY™ Platform

In addition to catalyst innovation, Clariant strengthens its offering through digitalization. By integrating CATOFIN™ 1000 with its CLARITY™ platform, customers gain access to powerful performance monitoring tools.

The platform provides:

*24/7 real-time catalyst performance data

*Advanced visualization and analytics

*Continuous monitoring and optimization tools

Therefore, operators can further enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety across their operations.

Leadership Perspective

Jace Wang, Vice President and Head of Propylene at Clariant’s Business Unit Catalysts, stated, “CATOFIN™ 1000 reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of catalyst innovation. With improved selectivity, productivity, and significantly reduced fouling, this advancement represents a major step forward in PDH technology.”

CATOFIN Technology: A Proven Industry Benchmark

CATOFIN is widely recognized as a leading catalyst technology for producing key olefins such as propylene, isobutylene, and butylene/butadiene. Thanks to its high reliability and productivity, it has been adopted in numerous PDH plants worldwide. The CATOFIN process combines Clariant’s customized catalysts and Heat Generating Material (HGM) with advanced process technology from Lummus Technology. Together, this integrated solution has become one of the fastest-growing technologies for propylene production.

Driving Better Plant Economics and Operational Reliability

With the introduction of CATOFIN™ 1000, Clariant further strengthens its PDH technology platform. The reduction in tar precursors plays a critical role in minimizing fouling-related disruptions, allowing plants to operate more efficiently over extended cycles. This translates into improved plant economics, higher operational reliability, reduced maintenance costs and  enhanced long-term performance.

Strengthening the Future of Propylene Production

As per the press release, as demand for propylene continues to grow, innovations like CATOFIN™ 1000 will play a crucial role in enabling more efficient and sustainable production. By combining advanced catalyst design with digital monitoring capabilities, Clariant is positioning itself to support the next generation of high-performance PDH operations.