Linde plc announced plans to build, own, and operate a new industrial gas production facility in Oshkosh. The investment marks another step in the company’s strategy to strengthen its supply network and support the growing demand for industrial gases across the region.

Advanced Air Separation Unit

At the heart of the new facility will be a modern air separation unit designed to produce liquid oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. These essential industrial gases will serve customers across several key locations, including Green Bay, Madison, and Milwaukee, as well as the Upper Peninsula. Land acquisition and procurement of key equipment for the project have already begun. According to the company, the plant will start operations in the second half of 2028.

Supporting Regional Industrial Growth

Patrick McKenna highlighted, “Wisconsin is experiencing incredible growth across multiple end markets,” he said. “This investment will allow us to produce product closer to our customer base and further strengthen our robust production and supply network.”

Serving Diverse Industrial Markets

With the new facility, Linde aims to enhance supply reliability and improve delivery efficiency for customers across the Midwest. Industrial gases produced at the plant will support a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, chemicals, energy, food and beverage, electronics, healthcare, metals, and mining.

Strengthening Global Leadership

Linde plc continues to expand its global production footprint to meet rising industrial demand. As reported by insightonbusiness.com, the company reported sales of approximately $34 billion in 2025 and remains one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial gases and engineering solutions.

Dubai-based global consultancy Sidara officially completed its £207 million takeover of the Aberdeen-headquartered engineering and consulting firm John Wood Group. The deal marks a major milestone for both companies and signals Sidara’s strategic push to strengthen its presence in the global energy and materials sectors. With the transaction finalized, Wood will continue to operate under its established brand. However, the acquisition brings an end to its long-standing status as an independent publicly listed company.

Strategic Expansion in Energy and Materials

According to Sidara Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Talal Shair, the acquisition represents a transformative moment for the organization. He described the move as the most ambitious venture in Sidara’s history, emphasizing that the deal aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to expand and strengthen its energy-focused business segment.

“Acquiring Wood is without a doubt the most ambitious venture in the history of Sidara,” Shair said. “This step drives forward our long-term strategy of expanding and elevating our energy pillar.” Through this acquisition, Sidara aims to enhance its global capabilities and deliver more integrated services to clients across critical industries.

Driving the Global Energy Transition

The integration of Wood’s expertise is expected to accelerate Sidara’s role in addressing two of the most pressing challenges of the modern industrial landscape—energy transition and sustainable resource supply. Shair noted that by combining the capabilities of both organizations, the company will be better positioned to support clients navigating complex energy and materials demands.

“Together with Wood, our people will be empowered to have far greater impact in two of the defining sectors of our time: energy and materials,” he said. He further highlighted the growing importance of sustainable resource management. “Accelerating the energy transition and establishing a sustainable supply of the raw materials that will shape our future has never been more critical than it is today.”

Long-Term Backing for Innovation and Growth

Sidara believes the acquisition will provide Wood with a strong strategic foundation and long-term investment support. This backing, the company says, will enable the combined organization to develop innovative and industry-leading solutions for clients worldwide. By leveraging Wood’s engineering expertise and Sidara’s global consulting capabilities, the partnership aims to deliver advanced solutions in energy infrastructure, materials development, and sustainable industrial projects.

Part of the Dar Al-Handasah Group

Sidara is part of the international professional services group Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, which operates across engineering, design, project management, and consulting services worldwide. As reported by upstream.com, the acquisition of Wood further strengthens the group’s global footprint and positions it to play a more significant role in shaping the future of energy and industrial development.

At a time when global energy markets are facing significant volatility, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential fuels for Indian households remains a national priority. In response, Reliance Industries has taken proactive measures to support the country’s energy security and maintain stable fuel supplies.

Maximizing LPG Production at Jamnagar

In line with government guidelines, Reliance is increasing LPG production at its refining and petrochemicals complexes in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Jamnagar facility, recognized as the world’s largest integrated refining hub, plays a critical role in meeting domestic fuel demand.

To strengthen supply, operational teams are working continuously to optimize refinery performance and enhance LPG output. These efforts aim to ensure that LPG availability for the domestic market remains consistent and reliable.

Diverting Natural Gas to Priority Sectors

In addition to boosting LPG production, Reliance will divert natural gas produced from the KG-D6 Basin to support priority sectors. This move aligns with national energy priorities and government allocation guidelines.

By reallocating resources strategically, the company aims to support sectors that depend heavily on reliable energy supplies during periods of global uncertainty.

Working Closely with the Government

As per the press release, Reliance emphasizes that India’s energy security and the well-being of millions of households remain at the core of its efforts. Consequently, the company continues to work closely with the Government of India while fully complying with all national guidelines and allocation priorities. Through this coordinated approach, Reliance seeks to ensure that energy resources reach the communities and sectors that need them the most.

Commitment to the Nation’s Energy Needs

During times of global disruption, Reliance has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the nation. The company continues to take all necessary steps to maintain reliable access to essential fuels and strengthen India’s energy resilience.

As global uncertainties persist, Reliance remains dedicated to safeguarding the country’s energy security and ensuring that Indian households continue to receive stable and dependable fuel supplies.

InSolare Energy Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), a premier national laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. CSIR-SERC is widely recognized for its expertise in structural analysis, design, and testing, as well as for developing indigenous technologies and advanced facilities that support high-precision engineering evaluation.

Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to enhance the structural reliability and scientific validation of renewable energy systems.

Comprehensive Testing and Technical Evaluation

Under the agreement, CSIR-SERC will provide comprehensive testing, technical evaluation, validation, and analytical support for InSolare’s proprietary renewable energy systems and structural components. The partnership will operate on a project-to-project basis. Consequently, every innovation will undergo rigorous scientific scrutiny and engineering validation before large-scale deployment.

This approach ensures that renewable infrastructure developed by InSolare meets the highest standards of safety, durability, and performance.

Embedding Engineering Rigor in Renewable Innovation

Dr. Sunit Tyagi, Founder and Managing Director of InSolare Energy Limited, emphasized the importance of engineering excellence in renewable infrastructure. According to him, structural integrity and scientific validation become increasingly critical as renewable systems grow in size and complexity.

He noted that the collaboration with CSIR-SERC institutionalizes rigorous engineering practices within the company’s innovation journey. By ensuring that every asset undergoes real-world testing and long-term performance validation, the partnership will support the development of resilient infrastructure capable of operating for decades.

Advancing Research-Backed Renewable Deployment

Col. Pankaj Sharma, Vice President (R&D) at InSolare Energy Limited, highlighted the role of disciplined validation in clean energy innovation. He explained that the partnership integrates advanced structural testing and analytical evaluation into the company’s development lifecycle.

As a result, the collaboration moves renewable technology development beyond conceptual innovation toward scientifically verified deployment. By aligning laboratory-grade research with field execution, the initiative will accelerate the translation of indigenous technologies into scalable and dependable renewable infrastructure.

Strengthening India’s Renewable Infrastructure Ecosystem

Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director of CSIR-SERC, stated that the collaboration bridges advanced structural research with large-scale renewable energy deployment. Through rigorous testing and analytical support, the partnership aims to enhance the safety, durability, and performance of emerging clean energy systems.

She further noted that strong collaboration between scientific institutions and industry plays a vital role in strengthening India’s renewable infrastructure ecosystem.

Supporting India’s Clean Energy Expansion

As reported by PR Newswire, the MoU signing ceremony took place at CSIR-SERC on February 16, 2026, in the presence of senior scientists and R&D leaders from both organizations.

As India accelerates its renewable energy expansion, such partnerships between industrial innovators and research institutions will become increasingly important. Through this collaboration, InSolare reinforces its technology-driven approach, ensuring that every renewable energy deployment is engineered with precision and validated through scientific expertise.

International crude oil prices have surged beyond $100 per barrel due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. As a result, commercial users of cooking gas or LPG are gradually facing supply shortages in major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. At the same time, industrial users of LNG and propane-LPG, including tile and ceramic manufacturers in Morbi, Gujarat, are also experiencing disruptions.

Government Prioritizes Domestic LPG Supply

To manage the situation, the government has directed refiners and fuel retailers to prioritize LPG supply for household consumers over commercial users. Consequently, supply tightness has emerged in several regions. In addition, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has stated that imported LPG supplies are being allocated first to essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

To prevent hoarding and black marketing, authorities have also increased the minimum waiting period for booking LPG cylinders from 21 to 25 days. Furthermore, the government has established a committee comprising three executive directors from oil marketing companies to review LPG supply concerns raised by restaurants, hotels, and industrial users.

Government Maintains Stable Petrol and Diesel Prices

Despite crude oil prices climbing to levels not seen in over three years, officials have indicated that the government does not plan to increase petrol and diesel prices at present. This approach aligns with its policy of keeping retail fuel prices stable despite volatility in global energy markets.

India’s fuel retail sector remains dominated by state-owned companies—Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL—which together control more than 90 percent of the market. Meanwhile, the government has invoked emergency powers under the Essential Commodities Act to ensure refiners maximize LPG production and prioritize domestic consumers.

Industry and Hospitality Sector Feel the Impact

As reported by The Indian Express, the gas shortage has hit industries and restaurants particularly hard. In Morbi, Gujarat, nearly 150 of the region’s 650 ceramic units have already shut down due to fuel supply issues. Industry representatives note that a large portion of imported propane normally arrives from Qatar through the Strait of Hormuz, which currently faces disruptions.

Similarly, restaurant associations in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad report increasing LPG shortages and rising black-market prices for commercial cylinders.

Markets React as Oil Prices Surge

The surge in crude prices also affected financial markets. Benchmark stock indices dropped nearly three percent in early trading before recovering slightly by the end of the day. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee weakened to a record low against the US dollar, reflecting concerns about rising energy costs and their broader economic impact.

SteinCares, a specialty healthcare company in Latin America, entered into a strategic licensing agreement with Shilpa Biologicals Pvt. Ltd., a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company and a subsidiary of Shilpa Medicare Limited. Through this collaboration, the two companies aim to commercialize a biosimilar across Latin America and strengthen access to affordable biologic therapies in the region.

Division of Roles in Development and Commercialization

Under the terms of the agreement, SteinCares will hold exclusive rights to register, commercialize, and distribute the biosimilar across Latin America. Meanwhile, Shilpa Biologicals will complete product development and ensure long-term commercial manufacturing at its facility in Dharwad, India.

This structure enables both companies to leverage their core strengths. Shilpa Biologicals will contribute its expertise in biologics development and high-quality manufacturing, while SteinCares will utilize its integrated regional platform, regulatory capabilities, and strong market access across Latin American healthcare systems.

Strengthening Regional Access to Biosimilars

Commenting on the collaboration, Mitchell Waserstein, CEO of SteinCares, said, “We are excited to partner with Shilpa Biologicals to bring this biosimilar to Latin America. This agreement reinforces our leadership in biosimilars and our role as a strategic partner for global biopharmaceutical companies seeking to enter Latin America’s complex healthcare markets. By combining Shilpa’s proven capabilities in biologics development and manufacturing with our integrated regional platform and deep market expertise, we are creating scalable healthcare opportunities and expanding access to innovative, cost-effective treatments across the region.”

Building on a Strong Biosimilars Portfolio

As per the press release, the partnership further strengthens SteinCares’ specialty care portfolio and builds on its track record of successfully introducing biosimilars in the region. As a result, the collaboration will empower patients across Latin America with safe, effective, and cost-efficient treatment options.

Expanding Shilpa Biologicals’ Global Reach

Dr. Sridevi Khambhampaty, CEO of Shilpa Biologicals, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “SteinCares is a trusted partner in Latin America with proven expertise in the registration and commercialization of specialty therapies. Through this licensing agreement, we are entering Latin America and aim to broaden patient access to safe treatments across the region.”

She further added, “We believe this collaboration will create meaningful value for patients, healthcare systems, and our organizations as we expand our biosimilars footprint in Latin America. This partnership reinforces our commitment to scalable, long-term global licensing collaborations and creates a strong platform for future partnerships across key international markets and our growing biosimilars portfolio.”

Seprify, a Swiss bio-materials company specializing in high-performance cellulose-based ingredients for industrial applications, has announced the transition of its cellulose platform from pilot validation to procurement-ready industrial supply. This milestone enables manufacturers to move beyond trials and begin repeatable sourcing as well as long-term commercial agreements.

The development comes at a time when industries are actively seeking scalable, bio-based alternatives to high-emission materials such as titanium dioxide. By advancing its platform to industrial readiness, Seprify aims to help manufacturers adopt sustainable material solutions without compromising performance.

Industry Validation and Growing Market Engagement

As per the press release, the company achieved this progress with support from Inter IKEA Group. Through close collaboration with industry partners, Seprify validated its cellulose platform at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7–9. As a result, the technology is now advancing through supplier qualification processes, early commercial contracts, and procurement discussions across multiple sectors.

Currently, Seprify is working with more than 100 customer organizations across industries such as cosmetics and personal care, food and pet food, and coatings. These engagements range from active product evaluations to early-stage commercial supply.

Series A Funding to Accelerate Commercial Expansion

To support this transition, Seprify has secured €13.4 million (CHF 12.25 million) in Series A funding. The investment comes from a mix of strategic and financial partners experienced in industrial scale-up. Participants in the round include Inter IKEA Group, Una Terra Early Growth Fund, Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB), Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, Kickfund, and other investors aligned with the circular economy.

With this funding, Seprify plans to scale commercial production to hundreds of tonnes annually through established manufacturing partners. At the same time, the company will support commercial rollout across priority markets and continue engineering work for future industrial-scale capacity.

Focus on Reliable Supply and Market Expansion

Commenting on the funding, Lukas Schertel, Co-founder and CEO of Seprify, stated that the company will focus on execution and scaling operations. According to him, the immediate priority is ensuring consistent quality and reliable supply that meets the operational standards of large industrial customers.

In the near term, Seprify will focus on applications in cosmetics and personal care, including suncare, as well as food and pet food. Meanwhile, the company is also expanding toward higher-volume applications such as coatings, inks, and printed electronics, highlighting the broader potential of its cellulose platform.

Industry Support and Strategic Collaboration

Robert Carleke, Innovation Ventures Manager at Inter IKEA Group, emphasized the importance of scalable alternatives to high-impact materials. He noted that Seprify’s cellulose platform has reached a level of maturity that makes it a credible option for replacing conventional materials in applications such as coatings and surface finishes. Moreover, its compatibility with existing manufacturing and recycling systems strengthens its potential for industrial adoption.

Innovative Cellulose-Based Product Portfolio

Seprify’s platform combines advanced process expertise, strong intellectual property, and application-specific development. Its flagship products include SilvaLuma™, a cellulose-based SPF booster for cosmetics and personal care formulations, and SilvaAlba™, a food-grade whitening solution designed as a scalable alternative to titanium dioxide. Together, these innovations demonstrate the versatility of Seprify’s cellulose technology across multiple industries.

Syensqo has introduced Geropon® D2566, a next-generation dispersant designed specifically for suspension concentrate (SC) crop protection formulations. The new product addresses key formulation challenges by delivering excellent crystal growth inhibition, stability, versatility, and cost efficiency. Moreover, Geropon® D2566 eliminates the need for co-dispersants, thereby simplifying formulation development and reducing the number of additives required.

Addressing Stability and Crystal Growth Challenges

Crystal growth and formulation instability remain persistent issues in crop protection products. These problems can lead to product recalls, shortened shelf life, and increased manufacturing costs. To overcome these challenges, Syensqo developed Geropon® D2566 to provide reliable crystal growth inhibition and improved stability.

As a result, formulators can achieve more consistent performance, while manufacturers benefit from enhanced product quality and reduced operational risks.

Versatile Performance Across Complex Formulations

In addition to stability, Geropon® D2566 offers high formulation flexibility. Its advanced design allows formulators to work with a broad range of active ingredients, including low-melting or partially water-soluble compounds. Furthermore, the dispersant performs effectively in complex formulations such as high-load and multi-active systems.

This versatility enables formulators to create robust crop protection products while maintaining efficiency in formulation processes.

Supporting Simpler and More Efficient Formulation Development

Commenting on the launch, Amanda Montiel, Global Marketing Director for Syensqo’s Agricultural Specialties business, stated, “As crop protection formulations become more complex, formulators need solutions that deliver both performance and simplicity. Geropon® D2566 reflects our commitment to helping customers navigate these challenges with innovative dispersant technology that supports formulation robustness, operational efficiency, and long-term product reliability.”

Commitment to Agricultural Innovation

With the introduction of Geropon® D2566, Syensqo reinforces its commitment to developing advanced solutions that support innovation in agriculture. The product is now available globally and is backed by expert technical assistance and regional supply networks to ensure reliable customer support.

Showcasing Innovation at CAC 2026

As per the press release, Syensqo will also present its latest innovations, including Geropon® D2566, at the China International Agrochemical & Crop Protection Exhibition (CAC). The event will take place in Shanghai, China, from March 17 to 19, 2026, bringing together industry leaders to explore the latest developments in agrochemical technologies.

The WACKER Group is presenting two new impact modifiers for composites—GENIOPERL® W37 and GENIOPERL® W38—at JEC World 2026, the international composites show taking place in Paris, France, from March 10 to 12. These products represent a new generation of silicone-based additives designed to significantly enhance the mechanical performance of thermosetting resins.

Impact modifiers play a crucial role in improving the shock and impact resistance of composite components. In this context, WACKER developed GENIOPERL® W37 and GENIOPERL® W38 to optimize the durability and performance of thermosetting resins such as epoxies and vinyl esters. Their tailored molecular structure, based on functional silicone building blocks, promotes efficient phase separation and forms nanoscale elastomeric domains within the resin matrix. Consequently, the additives increase matrix toughness and help prevent composite materials from breaking under impact.

Enhanced Performance with Sustainable Design

Both modifiers support demanding applications in composites, adhesives, and coatings where mechanical reliability, fatigue resistance, and strong low-temperature performance are essential. At the same time, WACKER incorporated sustainability considerations during development by significantly reducing the cyclics content in both products.

Furthermore, GENIOPERL® W37 and GENIOPERL® W38 disperse easily, remain compatible with organic resin systems, and deliver reliable performance even at low dosages. Manufacturers can process them using simple stirrers or rotor-stator systems without negatively affecting mechanical strength, viscosity, or heat resistance.

GENIOPERL® W37 improves impact strength particularly in low-temperature environments. The recommended dosage ranges from 2 to 8 percent by weight of the unfilled resin-hardener system. Similarly, GENIOPERL® W38 enhances low-temperature impact resistance and additionally contains defoaming additives, making it especially suitable for casting processes conducted under reduced pressure.

POWERSIL® Resin 710 for High-Temperature Applications

In addition to the new modifiers, WACKER is highlighting POWERSIL® Resin 710, a silicone resin compound designed for heat-resistant molded parts. Manufacturers can process this material using compression molding, pressure gelation, or injection molding techniques. Molded components made from POWERSIL® Resin 710 meet thermal class R standards and can withstand temperatures of up to 220°C for extended periods.

As per the press release, the material offers an alternative to high-temperature polymers such as PTFE and PEEK. It provides strong electrical insulation, mechanical durability, and UV stability while remaining solvent-free and easy to process due to its low viscosity.

Additional Highlights for the Composites Industry

At JEC World 2026, WACKER is also presenting several high-performance materials for composites manufacturing. These include SILRES® silicone resins for enhanced insulation and flame retardancy, HDK® pyrogenic silica for rheology control, VINNAPAS® low-profile additives to minimize shrinkage and improve dimensional stability, and GENIOSIL® organofunctional silanes that promote adhesion and enable effective treatment of fillers and fibers.

KT-Kinetics Technology (MAIRE’s Integrated E&C Solutions business unit) participated in the official ceremony marking the completion of the Rijeka Refinery Upgrade Project in Croatia, after successfully executing the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) activities.

The project represents a significant step toward modernizing Croatia’s energy infrastructure and improving the operational performance of the Rijeka Refinery.

Advanced Infrastructure and Processing Capabilities

As part of the project, the team installed a new delayed coking unit designed to process heavy residues and eliminate the production of fuel oil. This upgrade will significantly improve refinery efficiency and increase processing capacity.

In addition, the project included the revamping of several process units and the utility network. The team also implemented advanced solutions for coke handling and storage. Furthermore, they constructed a sea jetty and developed shipping loading facilities to support smoother logistics and operations.

Execution Amid Global Challenges

As per the press release, the project progressed during a period marked by major global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions linked to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Despite these challenges, the teams maintained steady progress.

Through flexibility, strong coordination, and close collaboration among all stakeholders, the project continued without major setbacks. As a result, the successful completion highlights the team’s strong execution capabilities, technical expertise, and commitment to delivering complex projects under demanding circumstances.

High-Level Participation at the Completion Ceremony

Several prominent dignitaries attended the completion ceremony. These included Ante Šušnjar, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Croatia; Zsuzsanna Ortutay, President of the Management Board of INA; Hrvoje Šimović, INA Management Board Member; József Molnár, CEO of MOL Group; and Levente Magyar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.

In addition, Iva Palmieri, the Italian Consul in Rijeka, and representatives from the MAIRE Group were present at the event.

Strengthening Croatia’s Energy Infrastructure

Commenting on the milestone, Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, said, “We are proud of this achievement, which marks an important step in strengthening Croatia’s energy infrastructure while enhancing the efficiency and environmental performance of the Rijeka Refinery.”

He further added, “We are also pleased to have contributed to significant value creation for the country by involving numerous Croatian companies. In doing so, we supported the development of local capabilities that will benefit both the domestic market and export activities.”