Shivtek Spechemi Industries Ltd, the flagship company of the Shiva Group of Industries and a leading specialty chemicals manufacturer, nnounced its participation at PlastIndia 2026, currently underway at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from February 5–10, 2026. The mega industry event, brings together leading players from across the plastics and allied sectors, with a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing and innovation. At the exhibition, Shivtek is using the platform to spotlight its growing portfolio of Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) and green biodegradable plasticizers, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable chemistry and import substitution. Visitors can explore Shivtek’s solutions at Booth D5, Hall H5F (1st Floor).

Highlighting CPE to Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing

At the heart of Shivtek’s showcase is Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE), a critical specialty material widely used across wood plastic composites (WPC), construction, wires and cables, automotive components, rubber, plastics, and magnetic materials. Currently, India depends heavily on imports for CPE. To address this gap, Shivtek is actively setting up India’s first domestic CPE manufacturing facility in Rajpura, Punjab.

Once operational, the plant will:

*Strengthen domestic supply chains

*Reduce import dependence

*Improve cost competitiveness

*Support the rapid growth of eco-friendly applications such as wood plastic composites

*By localising production, Shivtek aims to enhance reliability and availability for Indian manufacturers.

Introducing India’s First Biodegradable Green Plasticizer

Complementing its CPE portfolio, Shivtek is also introducing Shivachlor Green Pro, India’s first biodegradable and renewable-source chlorinated plasticizer.

Derived from palm oil-based methyl esters, the product is:

*Phthalate-free

*Non-toxic

*Readily biodegradable

*Based on renewable raw materials

As a result, it offers a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plasticizers. The solution is ideal for applications across flexible PVC, wires and cables, flooring, synthetic leather, adhesives, and sealants. Through this innovation, Shivtek aims to balance performance with environmental responsibility.

Leadership Perspective: Sustainability with Performance

Amitt Nenwani, Managing Director, Shivtek Spechemi Industries Ltd, emphasised, “PlastIndia 2026 provides a timely platform to demonstrate how Indian specialty chemical manufacturers can lead the transition toward responsible and sustainable materials. Through our CPE initiative, we are addressing a critical import gap while supporting eco-friendly applications like wood plastic composites. At the same time, our green plasticizers reflect our belief that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand, without compromise”.

Driving Circular Economy and Responsible Manufacturing

Beyond product innovation, Shivtek continues to invest in eco-centric manufacturing practices. The company has implemented Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, renewable energy integration, and closed-loop processing, ensuring that its operations align with circular economy principles. These initiatives highlight Shivtek’s focus on reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence.

Expanding Global Presence

With exports spanning more than 70 countries, Shivtek is steadily strengthening its international footprint. At the same time, the company is expanding domestic capacity to position India as a reliable hub for specialty and sustainable chemical solutions. As per the press release, by participating in PlastIndia 2026, Shivtek not only showcases its advanced materials portfolio but also reinforces its long-term vision of combining innovation, sustainability, and supply chain resilience to power the next phase of growth in the plastics and specialty chemicals sector.

Tata Chemicals Limited announced an investment of ₹515 crore to set up a new greenfield manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, strengthening its production capacity and supply chain network for iodised vacuum salt. With this move, the company aims to expand its footprint in South India while improving logistics efficiency and regional distribution. The facility will be located at Valinokkam in Ramanathapuram district and will manufacture Iodised Vacuum Salt Dried (IVSD), a key product in Tata Chemicals’ salt portfolio.

Capacity Expansion to Meet Growing Demand

The facility will have an installed capacity of 210 kilo tons per annum (KTPA). Tata Chemicals expects to complete the project within 36 months. The company will fund the investment through a mix of internal accruals and external financing. By adding fresh capacity, Tata Chemicals plans to address rising demand and ensure uninterrupted supply across domestic markets.

Building a Second Manufacturing Hub

Currently, Tata Chemicals operates a large IVSD production unit at Mithapur in Gujarat, with a capacity of 1.6 million tonnes per annum. However, by establishing a second major manufacturing base in South India, the company intends to diversify its production footprint and reduce regional dependency on a single location. This dual-location strategy will help the company create a more balanced and resilient manufacturing ecosystem.

Strengthening Supply Chain and Reducing Logistics Costs

Importantly, the facility will bring production closer to key southern markets. As a result, Tata Chemicals expects to shorten transit times, improve delivery efficiency, and lower logistics costs. Moreover, the proximity to customers will enable faster distribution, better service levels, and improved operational agility — all of which are critical in the competitive FMCG and industrial salt segments.

Supporting Long-Term Growth and Regional Development

Through this expansion, Tata Chemicals continues to reinforce its focus on strengthening core businesses and investing in long-term growth opportunities. The project aligns with the company’s broader strategy to build resilient infrastructure, enhance cost competitiveness, and meet sustained demand across geographies. At the same time, the facility is expected to contribute to Tamil Nadu’s industrial ecosystem by creating local employment and supporting regional manufacturing development. As per the press release, with this investment, Tata Chemicals not only scales its IVSD capacity but also positions itself for stronger, more efficient growth in India’s southern markets.

Tata International has entered into a strategic joint venture with Mercuria Energy Group, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and commodities companies, to expand its footprint in global commodities trading and supply chain solutions. Together, the partners aim to scale operations across energy, metals, agricultural products, oil and gas, and environmental products. The proposed venture will begin operations once it secures the required regulatory approvals.

Combining Global Reach with Advanced Trading Expertise

Through the partnership, both companies will combine their complementary strengths to create a powerful global trading platform. Tata International brings decades of market presence, trusted relationships, and deep operational expertise across international markets. Meanwhile, Mercuria contributes its global scale, cutting-edge trading platforms, technology-driven risk management systems, and extensive commodity market knowledge. By integrating these capabilities, the joint venture will deliver reliable, efficient, and high-quality trading and supply chain solutions to customers worldwide.

Diversified Commodities Portfolio to Drive Growth

The new entity will trade a broad and diversified basket of commodities in international markets. Leveraging the geographical and product strengths of both partners, the platform will enhance sourcing, distribution, and market access across multiple sectors. At the same time, the venture is expected to strengthen Mercuria’s trading operations in India while expanding its global reach. As a result, the partnership will significantly scale the combined platform’s presence and competitiveness.

Leadership Views: Focus on Scale and Opportunity

Noel N. Tata, Chairman of Tata International Limited, highlighted, “We are looking forward to this partnership and are immensely excited about the multi-fold opportunities that open up in global trading. By combining Tata International’s reach and credibility with Mercuria’s global capabilities, we believe the joint venture is well-positioned to build a high-quality, scalable, and compliant trading platform”.

Marco Dunand, Chief Executive Officer of Mercuria, mentioned, “India represents a compelling
long-term opportunity within global trade. Our partnership with Tata International creates a robust platform to expand across priority products and geographies, while leveraging Mercuria’s global trading, risk management, and technology capabilities to support the continued development of markets”.

Commitment to Responsible and Sustainable Growth

Importantly, the joint venture reflects both companies’ shared commitment to responsible business practices, strong governance, and sustainable growth. By prioritising compliance and transparency, the partners aim to build a globally competitive and resilient commodities trading franchise. As per the press release, with this move, Tata International and Mercuria are positioning themselves to capture new opportunities in global trade while delivering greater value to customers and stakeholders alike.

Henkel has agreed to acquire Netherlands-based Stahl Group in a €2.1 billion deal, marking a significant step in expanding its specialty coatings and Adhesive Technologies business. Stahl, currently majority-owned by French private equity firm Wendel SE, is a global leader in high-performance specialty coatings for flexible materials. Through this acquisition, Henkel aims to diversify its portfolio, enter adjacent high-growth categories, and strengthen its innovation capabilities across key end markets.

Expanding into High-Performance Specialty Coatings

Stahl develops and supplies specialty coatings used in automotive, fashion and lifestyle, and packaging applications worldwide. Its portfolio includes leather finishing coatings, performance coatings, and high-performance coatings for paper packaging and graphics. By integrating these offerings, Henkel will broaden its solutions for both existing and new customers while deepening its presence in value-added, technology-driven segments.

Driving Growth in Adhesive Technologies

Henkel’s leadership highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition for long-term growth. “With the acquisition of Stahl, we will further strengthen our Adhesive Technologies business unit in line with our strategic agenda for purposeful growth,” said Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel. “It enables us to expand into the attractive adjacent category of specialty coatings and broaden our product offerings across both core and new end markets,” Knobel added.

He added that, together with the recently announced plan to acquire ATP Adhesive Systems, Henkel has initiated two major M&A transactions that will collectively add nearly €1 billion in additional sales and significantly enhance the growth potential of its Adhesive Technologies business.

Technology Synergies and Innovation Gains

Beyond market expansion, Henkel expects strong operational and technological synergies. Stahl brings complementary technologies, advanced R&D capabilities, and specialized expertise that will help accelerate innovation and product development. “Stahl operates an asset-light, know-how-based and service-driven business model with a high degree of customization, making it a great strategic fit for our business,” said Mark Dorn, Executive Vice President, Adhesive Technologies at Henkel. “The complementary portfolio and strong technology base will allow us to deliver greater value and innovation to our customers.”

Supporting Sustainability Goals

Importantly, sustainability remains a key driver behind the deal. A majority of Stahl’s revenue comes from environmentally responsible, water-based solutions, which align closely with Henkel’s sustainability commitments. By adding these eco-friendly technologies, Henkel plans to further reduce its environmental footprint while offering customers more sustainable product alternatives.

Strengthening Henkel’s Competitive Edge

Overall, the acquisition reinforces Henkel’s strategy to build a high-growth, innovation-led adhesives and coatings business. By combining Stahl’s specialty expertise with Henkel’s global scale, the company aims to create a stronger, more resilient platform for future growth. As per the press release, once completed, the transaction is expected to enhance Henkel’s leadership in specialty materials while opening new opportunities across automotive, packaging, and consumer markets worldwide.

Apollo Tires announced plans to invest ₹5,810 crore by FY29 to expand manufacturing capacity for passenger car radial (PCR) and truck and bus radial (TBR) tyres at its Andhra Pradesh plant, as it gears up to meet growing domestic and export demand. The company said it will fund the investment through a mix of internal accruals and debt.

“This investment will be funded by way of a mix of internal accruals and debt. The company anticipates healthy short- to medium-term growth in both PCR and TBR categories. Accordingly, the investment is planned to incrementally expand capacity in line with expected demand,” a company statement revealed.

Planned Capacity Addition

As part of the expansion, Apollo Tyres will significantly scale up output at the facility.

The company plans to add:

*3.7 million tyres per annum in the passenger car radial (PCR) segment

*1.3 million tyres per annum in the truck and bus radial (TBR) segment

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, currently, the Andhra Pradesh plant has an annual capacity of 7.1 million PCR tyres and 1.6 million TBR tires. With this expansion, Apollo aims to strengthen its supply capabilities across replacement markets, OEMs and exports.

The Global Industry Services division of the American Petroleum Institute (API) is set to open a formal representative office in India, marking a significant step in the organisation’s efforts to expand its engagement with the country’s rapidly evolving energy sector. The move comes as India strengthens its position as the world’s third-largest energy consumer and advances discussions around a proposed US–India trade deal, creating new opportunities for collaboration in standards, safety and infrastructure development.

First Physical Presence in New Delhi

Although API standards and certifications have long been adopted across India’s oil, gas and energy industries, this will be the institute’s first physical office in the country. API plans to establish the office in New Delhi to remain close to policymakers and regulators. From there, the organisation intends to work more closely with government agencies, public sector undertakings (PSUs), manufacturers and academic institutions. As reported by economictimes.indiatimes.com, by creating a local base, API aims to accelerate coordination, improve compliance with global best practices and support the modernization of India’s energy infrastructure.

Supporting India’s Energy Transformation

According to Anchal Liddar, Senior Vice President, Global Industry Services at API, India’s ongoing energy transition has created a need for deeper collaboration and internationally aligned standards. “We have been present in India for a very long time through our standards and certifications. What has changed now is the scale and speed of India’s energy transformation,” Liddar said. She added that India will require upgraded infrastructure, stronger safety frameworks and globally harmonised standards — areas where API’s technical expertise and global experience can play a critical role.

Focus on Standards, Safety and Compliance

Through its expanded presence, API plans to help Indian stakeholders enhance operational safety, improve quality benchmarks and align projects with international standards. As India ramps up investments across refining, petrochemicals, natural gas, and emerging energy segments, globally recognised standards are expected to become increasingly important for ensuring reliability, competitiveness and export readiness. By setting up a representative office, API signals its long-term commitment to supporting India’s energy growth story while helping industry players adopt world-class standards and certifications.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries announced an investment of ₹500 crore to set up a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Assam, strengthening its domestic production capacity while creating significant employment opportunities in the region. The upcoming facility is expected to provide a major boost to the state’s industrial and healthcare manufacturing ecosystem.

Two-Phase Rollout Focused on Formulations

The company will execute the project in two phases, with the primary focus on establishing drug formulation manufacturing units to meet growing domestic demand. Confirming the development, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said the state government held discussions with senior Sun Pharma officials to facilitate the project’s smooth implementation. During the meeting, both sides reviewed key infrastructure requirements, including land availability, water supply, power connectivity, logistics access and skilled workforce support.

Strengthening Assam’s Pharma Manufacturing Ecosystem

The investment is expected to enhance Assam’s position as an emerging pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, while also supporting India’s broader push for localised drug production and supply chain resilience. With improved infrastructure and policy support, the project could attract additional investments into the state’s life sciences and healthcare sectors.

Focus on Sustainable Operations

Alongside capacity expansion, Sun Pharma has committed to adopting sustainable manufacturing practices at the new facility. The company plans to prioritise efficient water usage, renewable energy adoption and responsible waste management to minimise environmental impact. These measures will help ensure compliance with environmental norms and promote long-term operational sustainability. As reported by projectstoday.com, by combining investment, job creation and green manufacturing practices, Sun Pharma’s Assam plant is set to contribute to both regional economic growth and India’s expanding pharmaceutical production base.

The Government has accelerated the rollout of policy, financial and infrastructure measures under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to position the country as a global hub for the production, consumption and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. With a clear focus on lowering costs and ensuring stable demand, the Centre aims to scale India’s green hydrogen production capacity to 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) by 2030.

Incentives Drive Domestic Electrolyser Manufacturing

To strengthen the local supply chain, the government has introduced production-linked incentives for electrolyser manufacturing. So far, 15 companies have been awarded a combined manufacturing capacity of 3,000 MW per annum, backed by incentives worth ₹4,440 crore. This push is expected to reduce import dependence and bring down the cost of green hydrogen production over time. By expanding domestic manufacturing, the government aims to create a robust ecosystem for large-scale deployment.

Production and Offtake Commitments Take Shape

At the same time, the government is focused on building demand visibility through assured offtake. Authorities have allocated green hydrogen production capacity of 8.62 lakh tons per annum to 18 companies. Additionally, two companies have secured 20,000 tons per annum for supplying green hydrogen to refineries, supporting industrial decarbonisation. Further strengthening the market, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has discovered prices for 7.24 lakh tonnes per annum of green ammonia supply to 13 fertiliser plants. These long-term contracts provide predictable demand for one of the most important green hydrogen derivatives.

Transmission and Duty Benefits to Lower Costs

To improve project viability, the government has introduced several cost-reduction measures. Green hydrogen and green ammonia projects commissioned on or before December 31, 2030, and powered by renewable energy, will receive a 25-year waiver on Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges from the date of commissioning. Additionally, duty benefits under the SEZ Act, 2005, have been extended to renewable energy equipment installed exclusively for captive consumption, further reducing capital costs for developers.

Renewable Energy Expansion Supports Hydrogen Scale-Up

Recognising that low-cost renewable power is critical for competitive hydrogen production, the government is rapidly expanding clean energy capacity.

Key measures include:

*Standard bidding guidelines for tariff-based procurement of solar, wind, hybrid and firm renewable energy projects

*Exemptions from ALMM and RLMM requirements for renewable energy plants supplying power exclusively to hydrogen units in SEZs and EOUs

*Allowing up to 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) under the automatic route

In parallel, authorities are developing large solar parks, ultra-mega renewable energy projects and strengthening grid infrastructure through the Green Energy Corridor Scheme. A comprehensive transmission plan through 2030 has also been prepared to support future renewable capacity growth.

Enabling Industrial Decarbonisation

Together, these measures aim to create a competitive and investment-friendly green hydrogen ecosystem. As reported by knnindia.co.in, by combining manufacturing incentives, assured demand, lower transmission costs and expanded renewable supply, the government seeks to accelerate industrial decarbonisation, attract global investments and establish India as a leading exporter of green hydrogen and green ammonia. As policymakers intensify their push, green hydrogen is emerging as a central pillar of India’s clean energy transition and long-term energy security strategy.

India will require 60.63 GW of energy storage capacity by 2029–30 to support its fast-expanding renewable energy base and ensure grid reliability, according to a report by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). The projected requirement includes 18.98 GW from Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and 41.65 GW from Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), underlining the growing importance of both hydro and battery-based solutions in balancing intermittent solar and wind power.

Government Rolls Out Policy Support and Incentives

To meet this ambitious target, the government has introduced a series of policy and financial measures aimed at accelerating storage deployment across the power value chain. Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik mentioned that the government has issued guidelines for the procurement and use of BESS across generation, transmission and distribution segments. Authorities have also launched a national framework to promote energy storage systems and separate guidelines to fast-track pumped storage projects. In addition, the government has announced a 100 percent waiver of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges for PSPs awarded by June 30, 2028, and for select co-located battery storage projects commissioned within the same timeline — a move expected to improve project economics.

Financial Push for Battery Storage Expansion

Alongside regulatory support, the Centre has strengthened funding mechanisms to attract private investment. In March 2024, the government approved a viability gap funding (VGF) scheme with an outlay of ₹3,760 crore to support 13,220 MWh of large-scale battery storage projects. Building on this, another VGF scheme was launched in June 2025 to back 30 GWh of storage capacity, supported by ₹5,400 crore from the Power System Development Fund. Further, 10 GWh of grid-scale stationary storage capacity has been earmarked under the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage, reinforcing domestic manufacturing and deployment.

Shift Towards Storage-Linked Renewable Procurement

Meanwhile, India’s renewable energy procurement strategy is also evolving. As of December 31, 2025, renewable energy implementing agencies (REIAs) — including SECI, NTPC, NHPC and SJVN — have issued letters of award for nearly 69 GW of capacity, while power purchase agreements (PPAs) have been signed for about 24.3 GW. In parallel, states and commercial and industrial consumers are adding capacity through open access and captive routes.

With renewable power costs declining and storage becoming more competitive, distribution companies and bulk consumers are increasingly opting for solar and wind projects bundled with storage or firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) solutions. Recognising this shift, the government has advised REIAs to move away from standalone renewable tenders and prioritise storage-linked and peak power supply bids.

Steps to Accelerate Project Execution

To speed up project implementation, the Centre has urged states to meet their renewable consumption obligations and encouraged agencies to aggregate demand before issuing tenders, improving offtake certainty. Additionally, regional workshops have been conducted with key states to address execution bottlenecks and fast-track renewable and energy storage deployment. As reported by knnindia.co.in, with policy support, financial incentives and evolving procurement strategies now in place, energy storage is set to become a cornerstone of India’s clean energy transition, enabling higher renewable penetration while ensuring grid reliability.

The government has officially notified the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), paving the way for the operationalisation of India’s domestic carbon market and accelerating efforts to reduce, remove, and avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Minister of state for power Shripad Naik announced the development, outlining the steps taken to implement the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) and establish a structured carbon trading ecosystem.

Building the Indian Carbon Market

To fast-track implementation, the government has established the required institutional and regulatory framework. It has also notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets for seven energy-intensive sectors under the compliance mechanism. These targets will require industries to improve operational efficiency and adopt low-carbon technologies to curb emissions.

At the same time, approved methodologies under the offset mechanism have been finalised. Authorities have also put in place a robust monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system to ensure transparency and accountability. Procedures for accrediting carbon verification agencies have been notified to maintain the integrity of emission reductions.

How the Carbon Credit Mechanism Will Work

Under the scheme, obligated industrial entities must meet their assigned emission intensity targets. Companies that outperform their targets will earn Carbon Credit Certificates (CCC), which they can trade on power exchanges. This market-based approach is expected to create financial incentives for industries to invest in cleaner technologies. Meanwhile, non-obligated entities — including renewable energy producers and other low-carbon project developers — can voluntarily register emission-reduction activities to receive carbon credits, further expanding participation in the carbon market.

Financial and Regulatory Support

To ensure smooth execution, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will fund the scheme through fees and charges collected from participating entities, supplemented by its own resources. Regulatory oversight of carbon credit trading activities will rest with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), which will supervise transactions and maintain market discipline.

Institutional Structure in Place

The government has also established a multi-tier institutional framework to manage the scheme effectively.

A National Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Secretaries of the Power and Environment Ministries, will guide policy and implementation. Grid Controller of India Limited will function as the registry, while BEE will serve as the scheme’s administrator. Together, these institutions will oversee registration, certification, trading, and compliance activities under the Indian Carbon Market. As reported by knnindia.co.in, by notifying the CCTS and operationalising the carbon market, the government aims to create a transparent, market-driven system that rewards emission reductions and supports India’s broader climate and net-zero goals.