Tamilnadu PetroProducts Limited (TPL) announced that the expansion of its linear alkyl benzene (LAB) facility is nearing completion. The project will increase the plant’s installed capacity from 120 KTPA to 145 KTPA, marking a significant step in strengthening the company’s manufacturing capabilities.

Planned Shutdown to Enable Final Commissioning

To facilitate the final stages of the expansion, TPL will undertake a planned shutdown of the LAB plant for approximately 8 to 9 weeks, beginning December 11, 2025. During this period, the company will complete critical installation, integration, and commissioning activities.

Expansion to Strengthen Market Position

As reported by tipranks.com, once commissioned, the expanded facility will enhance production efficiency and output, enabling Tamilnadu PetroProducts to better meet market demand. The company expects the capacity addition to reinforce its competitive position in the petrochemical and surfactants value chain.

Eiko LifeSciences Limited, supplier of specialty chemicals and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 51% equity stake in SSM Formulations Private Limited. SSM is a pharmaceutical formulations company based in Hinganghat, Wardha. The strategic acquisition marks a major step in Eiko’s long-term growth strategy.

Strategic Move Toward a Fully Integrated Pharma Model

With this transaction, Eiko moves beyond its traditional role as a specialty chemicals and API supplier and transitions into a fully integrated pharmaceutical company with capabilities in Finished Dosage Forms (FDF). Moreover, the acquisition will be completed in a phased manner, aligned with Eiko’s ongoing strategic fundraising through warrants. This structure ensures financial discipline while supporting scalable growth.

WHO-GMP Facility Positioned for Expansion

SSM operates a WHO-GMP accredited manufacturing facility located on the Nagpur–Hyderabad National Highway. The facility spans 16,400 square metres, with a built-up area of 80,000 sq. ft., and remains expansion-ready, offering an additional 5,000 sq. ft. on the first floor. Importantly, the plant’s infrastructure supports rapid scale-up and compliance with global quality standards.

Significant Capacity Scale-Up Opportunity

Backed by Eiko’s strong marketing network, financial strength, and robust working capital base, the SSM facility has the potential to achieve an annual production capacity of 300 crore tablets and 90 crore capsules. As a result, SSM can scale its manufacturing operations and strengthen its presence in domestic and international formulation markets.

Leadership Commentary on Growth and Integration

Laxmikant Ramprasad Kabra, Director, Eiko LifeSciences Limited, stated, “This is not merely an acquisition—it creates a multiplier effect for Eiko. SSM Formulations brings a strong manufacturing base and an established presence in more than five international markets. By combining Eiko’s financial strength with SSM’s operational excellence, we intend to transform SSM into a global export hub”. He further added that Eiko aims to achieve 90% capacity utilisation in the near term, which is expected to drive significant topline and bottom-line growth for shareholders.

Phased Deal Structure Ensures Financial Prudence

Kabra highlighted the strategic structuring of the transaction. “By executing the deal progressively alongside our warrant issuance, we are maintaining financial prudence while securing a high-growth asset. SSM’s facility meets world-class standards, and when combined with Eiko’s chemical and API expertise, we will offer truly end-to-end pharmaceutical solutions—from molecule to medicine.”

Strengthening Global Pharma Ambitions

As reported by indianpharmapost.com, overall, the acquisition reinforces Eiko LifeSciences’ ambition to build a global pharmaceutical platform. By integrating APIs, specialty chemicals, and formulations under one umbrella, the company is positioning itself for sustained growth across regulated and emerging markets.

Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director at Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL), awarded the Honorary Fellow Title 2025 by the Biotech Research Society of India (BRSI). The honour was presented during the inaugural session of the XXII BRSI Convention, held alongside the International Conference on Advances in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Structural Biology (ICABSB-2025) at IIT Roorkee. BRSI, a non-profit scientific and professional society, works to promote excellence and competence in biotechnology for the benefit of society and national development.

One of BRSI’s Highest Honours Recognising National Impact

The Honorary Fellow distinction stands among the highest recognitions conferred by BRSI. The society reserves this title for eminent professionals whose work has significantly strengthened national biotechnology capabilities, accelerated research translation, and supported the growth of India’s bioeconomy. An expert jury selected Dr. Srivastava in recognition of her sustained contributions to renewable chemicals, industrial biotechnology, bioprocess innovation, and her role in deepening industry–academia collaboration across India.

Advancing Scalable and Sustainable Biotechnology Solutions

Dr. Srivastava said, “Our work has consistently prioritised technologies that can scale efficiently, remain cost-competitive, and deliver measurable environmental benefits,” she said. She added that GBL’s portfolio today spans renewable chemicals, advanced fermentation platforms, and bio-derived molecules with strong future potential. Dr. Srivastava emphasised that circular-economy principles and collaborative research partnerships continue to guide the development and deployment of solutions. The Honorary Fellow title, she noted, reinforces the responsibility to translate biotechnology into practical industrial applications, contribute to India’s energy transition, and generate outcomes that benefit both industry and society.

Driving Circular Economy and Green Energy Innovations

Under Dr. Srivastava’s leadership, GBL has strengthened circular-economy practices and delivered innovations in renewable chemicals, bio-based fuels, and sustainable bioprocesses. These efforts directly support India’s green energy ambitions and energy security goals. With over three decades of experience in research and development, she holds more than 20 patents and has authored numerous scientific publications. Her expertise spans ethanol, chemicals, sugar, power, and integrated biorefining, enabling GBL to adopt a holistic and future-ready biotechnology strategy.

Leadership Beyond Industry and Institutional Contributions

Beyond her role at GBL, Dr. Srivastava actively contributes to national and global policy and advisory platforms. She serves on several prominent committees, including CHEMEXCIL, the Sectoral Expert Committee on Specialty Chemicals and Biopolymers under the Department of Biotechnology, the Energy & Climate Change Leadership Group of ICCA, the Technology and Expert Committee of the Indian Chemical Council, and the National Chemical Committee of FICCI. In addition, she supports knowledge dissemination as a member of the editorial advisory boards of Bharat Bio-Energy Horizon and the Industrial Biotechnology Journal.

Key Breakthrough Initiatives

Over the years, Dr. Srivastava has spearheaded several high-impact initiatives at GBL, including:

*Securing validated patents in the EU, UK, and Spain for novel bio-derived molecules, including an anticancer compound.

*Providing scientific leadership and advocacy for India’s transition to ethanol and bio-based fuels.

*Driving public thought leadership on reducing fossil dependence through bio-based chemicals.

*Advancing circular-economy integration across bioprocesses and operations.

*Accelerating innovation in renewable chemicals, fermentation platforms, and sustainable materials

Recognition Reflects GBL’s Growing Role in Bio-Based Manufacturing

The Honorary Fellow title adds a significant milestone to Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava’s professional journey. At the same time, it underscores the depth of scientific and industrial work shaping GBL’s biotechnology programmes. As per the press release, importantly, the recognition also highlights GBL’s expanding role in research-led innovation, reinforcing India’s position in bio-based manufacturing and sustainable industrial development.

As air pollution continues to choke North India—particularly Delhi and its surrounding regions—the search for practical and sustainable solutions has become urgent. Addressing this challenge, Padma Bhushan awardee and eminent chemical scientist Dr. J. B. Joshi called for large-scale energy generation from crop residue (parali) as a decisive step to curb pollution while strengthening rural incomes. Dr. Joshi was speaking at a programme organised by the Progressive Chambers of Commerce in Mumbai.

Converting Parali into Power Can Reduce Imports and Raise Farm Income

Dr. Joshi noted that India generates nearly 600 million tons of crop residue every year. By deploying modern technologies to convert this biomass into coal and gas, India can significantly reduce its dependence on imported coal and crude oil. More importantly, he stressed that this transition could increase farmers’ annual income by up to ₹5 lakh, creating a strong economic incentive to stop stubble burning. As a result, the initiative would deliver twin benefits—cleaner air for cities and higher earnings for farmers.

Moving from Complaints to Solutions Under ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’

Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ conference, organised in Mumbai on the occasion of Energy Conservation Day, Dr. Joshi emphasised the need to shift from problem identification to solution-driven action.

“Energy forms the backbone of national development,” he said, adding that while coal-based power will remain important, India must aggressively expand alternative and renewable energy sources. To illustrate this approach, Dr. Joshi shared details of an ongoing project in Sindhudurg, Konkan, where energy is being successfully generated from cashew waste. He underlined that indigenous technologies would be critical to achieving long-term sustainability and energy security.

Energy Conservation Must Match Energy Expansion

Prof. Ajay Kapoor, Head of Somaiya University, pointed out that technological investment alone would not be enough to build a developed nation. Instead, he urged policymakers to also focus on simplifying everyday life for citizens. He further emphasised that energy conservation must receive equal priority alongside the adoption of new and emerging energy sources.

Book Release

As per the press release, the event witnessed the release of the book “Food Security by Radiation – The Unreasoned Fear for Irradiated Food.” Co-authored by Dr. Arun K. Nayak, Dr. Satendra Gautam, Dr. Ravindra Bansal, and Dr. Samyak Munot, the book aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding food irradiation and highlight its importance in ensuring food security. In addition, the Achievers Awards were presented to recognise outstanding contributions across sectors.

Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, promoted by Nishant Kanodia, earned two prestigious awards at the 2025 Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) Annual Seminar. The company earned honours for ‘Best Production Performance for a Nitrogenous Fertiliser Plant’ and ‘Improvement in Overall Performance of a Company’, highlighting its operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.

Consistent High Performance

This marks the second consecutive year Matix has secured the Best Production Performance Award, a notable achievement given that the company has reached this milestone within just four years of full operations.

Surpassing Production Targets

In FY2025, Matix produced 1.47 million tonnes of urea, exceeding its 1.27 MTPA rated capacity and achieving approximately 115% plant utilisation. This performance underscores the company’s commitment to efficient and reliable operations.

Energy Efficiency and Strategic Alignment

Matix was also recognised for its energy-efficient, next-generation manufacturing processes, which support India’s climate-responsive strategies and reduce reliance on imports. As per the press release, these awards affirm the company’s dedication to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and alignment with national priorities in the fertiliser sector.

The government notified the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025, aiming to streamline India’s oil and gas sector and boost investment. Issued under the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025, the rules replace multiple licences with a single petroleum lease covering exploration, development, and production of all hydrocarbons, including unconventional resources. Authorities can now grant leases for up to 30 years and extend them for the full economic life of a field, while ensuring safeguards against adverse regulatory changes.

Shift from Criminal Penalties to Fines

To encourage compliance without punitive measures, the rules remove criminal penalties for violations. Instead, companies may face fines of up to Rs 25 lakh, with additional Rs 10 lakh per day for ongoing non-compliance. The rules actively promote joint infrastructure development and mandate time-bound plans to achieve zero routine gas flaring and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Faster Approvals and Dispute Resolution

To expedite sector operations, petroleum lease applications must be decided within 180 days. The rules also introduce a streamlined dispute resolution mechanism. Additionally, the Oil Industry Safety Directorate will oversee offshore safety, audits, and operational standards, ensuring both compliance and operational efficiency. As reported by projectstoday.com, these changes collectively aim to simplify regulatory processes, enhance investment attractiveness, and align India’s oil and gas sector with global best practices.

Nouryon has entered into a strategic distribution agreement with IMCD, a Netherlands-based global distributor and formulator of specialty chemicals and ingredients. This partnership aims to expand the availability of Nouryon’s textile solutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), enhancing access for textile and leather formulators and processors to critical core ingredients.

Enhanced Access for Textile and Leather Manufacturers

Through the collaboration, manufacturers and formulators gain access to Nouryon’s comprehensive portfolio, supported by reliable in-region manufacturing and supply chains. The portfolio includes surfactants and fatty amine derivatives. These serve multiple applications, including antistatic, lubrication, emulsifying, wetting, bleaching, and sizing in various textile processing steps. Also, the portfolio also includes ISCC Plus-certified options. These meet the growing demand for sustainably sourced raw materials and help lower the carbon footprint of finished products.

Combining Expertise for Superior Customer Support

IMCD’s sales and technical experts bring decades of industry knowledge. They provide product selection guidance, application support, and formulation expertise. The combination of Nouryon’s chemical expertise and IMCD’s market know-how benefits customers. It helps optimize processes, improve efficiency, and accelerate innovation.

Driving Growth and Competitiveness in the Industry

Christina Pampena, Vice President, Natural Resources, Nouryon, said, “This partnership represents a pivotal advancement in delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions and expertise to help our customers excel in the competitive textile and leather market. By combining IMCD’s extensive industry knowledge with Nouryon’s chemical expertise, we will strengthen the industry’s capacity to develop innovative solutions that drive growth and competitiveness.”

Accelerating Innovation and Sustainability Goals

Richard Longley, Business Line Director of Textiles at IMCD, added, “Partnering with Nouryon strengthens our ability to supply advanced specialty raw materials to textile and leather formulators and processors across EMEA. Together, we will help customers accelerate development, improve process efficiency, and meet growing sustainability requirements. This collaboration allows us to combine our strengths, drive innovation, and grow together in serving the industry.”

As per the press release, the partnership exemplifies a strategic alignment of product excellence and market expertise. It creates enhanced value for customers and supporting the long-term growth of the textile and leather sectors across EMEA.

Inox Wind Limited announced that it has secured a 102.3 MW wind power order from ABREL EPC Ltd., a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Renewables Limited (ABReL). Notably, this marks the first order Inox Wind has received from Aditya Birla Renewables. It strengthens the company’s presence among leading renewable energy developers in India.

Project Scope and Technology Supply

Under the agreement, Inox Wind will supply its 3.3 MW wind turbine generators for ABREL EPC Ltd. It is developing projects in Karnataka. The order reinforces growing market acceptance of Inox Wind’s advanced turbine platform and its ability to support large-scale renewable energy projects.

Supporting India’s Energy Transition

Commenting on the development, Sanjeev Agarwal, CEO of Inox Wind Ltd., said Inox Wind is pleased to partner with Aditya Birla Renewables, a marquee player in the clean energy space. He highlighted that ABReL plans to deploy long-term, sustainable energy solutions and that Inox Wind proudly contributes to this mission.

Strengthening Customer Relationships and Growth Outlook

Agarwal further noted that Inox Wind continues to make rapid progress in building relationships with new customers while deepening existing partnerships. As reported by saurenergy.com, the company continues to receive a steady flow of new and repeat orders. This reflects the strength of its product portfolio and service capabilities. As a result, these wins are expected to translate into sustained growth and a stronger market position in the coming years.

India’s hydrogen demand is expected to nearly double to around 12 million tons per annum (MTPA) by 2030, according to a report by Nuvama Institutional Equities. The growth will be driven primarily by rising consumption in the fertiliser, refining, and petrochemical sectors.

Fertilisers and Refineries to Lead Consumption

Fertilisers will account for more than half of total hydrogen demand, with consumption projected to reach about 6.1 MTPA by 2030. At the same time, refineries will require around 4.5 MTPA as cleaner fuels and stricter emission norms increase hydrogen usage. In addition, expanding capacities in the petrochemical sector could add another 1.3 MTPA, further strengthening overall demand.

Emerging Long-Term Green Hydrogen Applications

Beyond traditional sectors, the report highlights the long-term potential of green hydrogen (GH2) in new applications. According to Nuvama, steel manufacturing, long-haul heavy-duty transportation, shipping, and power generation could gradually emerge as major GH2-consuming sectors as technology matures and costs decline.

National Green Hydrogen Mission as Policy Backbone

To support this transition, India is building its green hydrogen ecosystem under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which serves as the country’s primary policy framework for hydrogen infrastructure development. The Mission has a total outlay of approximately ₹197 billion.

Most of the funding flows through the SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition) scheme, which incentivises green hydrogen production, consumption, and electrolyser manufacturing. In parallel, pilot projects, research and development initiatives, and other mission components provide essential foundational support.

Strong State-Level Policy Momentum

Since the launch of India’s green hydrogen policy in 2022 and the formal rollout of the Mission in early 2023, 13 states have introduced their own support mechanisms. These measures include power transmission charge waivers, capital subsidies, interest support, skill development programmes, and assistance with land allocation and state taxes.

$61 Billion Opportunity for Industry

Taken together, central and state-level incentives could create a combined policy support pool of nearly USD 61 billion, according to the report. As reported by msn.com, this coordinated policy push, Nuvama notes, opens a significant window of opportunity for industrial participation across the green hydrogen value chain.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, together with its subsidiaries, announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has formally validated its Net Zero commitment. Under the approval, the company has pledged to achieve Net Zero emissions across its entire value chain by FY2045, reinforcing its alignment with global climate science.

Near-Term and Long-Term Emissions Reduction Targets

In the near term, Dr Reddy’s will significantly reduce its operational and value-chain emissions. Using FY2023 as the base year, the company plans to cut absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 80% by FY2030. At the same time, it aims to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 51.6% per INR value added within the same timeframe. Looking further ahead, Dr Reddy’s has committed to achieving a 90% absolute reduction across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by FY2045, underscoring its long-term climate ambition.

Industry Leadership in Net Zero Commitments

Notably, Dr Reddy’s is currently the only Indian pharmaceutical company to commit to an SBTi-approved Net Zero target with a FY2045 timeline. This milestone positions the company as a climate leader within the domestic pharmaceutical sector and among global peers.

Building on Earlier Climate Action

The company first announced its near-term SBTi-aligned targets in 2020. Since then, sustained progress and evolving global climate expectations have prompted Dr Reddy’s to strengthen its approach. As a result, the company has now adopted a comprehensive Net Zero strategy in line with the latest SBTi guidelines.

Operational Progress and Leadership Perspective

Sanjay Sharma, Global Head of Operations and Chief Human Resources Officer, emphasized that sustainability has long been central to the company’s identity. He stated that the FY2045 Net Zero ambition reflects both responsibility and scientific rigor, while also raising the benchmark for the pharmaceutical industry.

As reported by themachinemaker.com, Dr Reddy’s continues to make tangible operational progress. The company remains on track to eliminate coal and furnace oil from its operations by the end of FY2026. In addition, it sourced 68% of its electricity from renewable energy in FY2025, highlighting steady momentum toward its climate goals.