Matix Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, bagged two major distinctions at the 2025 Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) Annual Seminar. The company received the awards for ‘Best Production Performance for a Nitrogenous Fertiliser Plant’ and ‘Improvement in Overall Performance of a Company’—underscoring its rapid rise as one of India’s most efficient fertiliser manufacturers. The awards were presented by Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Fertilisers, to Manoj Mishra, Managing Director, and Mr Giridhar Mishra, Chief Operating Officer of Matix.

Celebrating a Milestone in Matix’s Growth Journey

“This recognition belongs to every Matixian who helped turn a bold vision into a record-breaking reality. Thank you for setting a new benchmark; we are just getting started.”

Driving a Greener, More Efficient Fertiliser Future

Leadership Praises Team Excellence and Operational Discipline

Manoj Mishra, Managing Director, Matix, said, “Receiving FAI’s ‘Best Production Performance for a Nitrogenous Fertiliser Plant’ for the second year running, along with the award for ‘Improvement in Overall Performance,’ is a proud moment for us. It reflects the exceptional dedication of our team at Panagarh, whose technical excellence and operational discipline drive our performance every day.” He further acknowledged the professional freedom and support extended by the Chairman, enabling the organisation to consistently pursue excellence and sustainable growth.

Panagarh: A High-Performance Engine for Eastern India’s Fertiliser Supply

Matix has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most efficient nitrogen fertiliser producers. It is powered by operational excellence and energy-focused productivity at its Panagarh facility. The plant plays a critical role in meeting rising fertiliser demand across Eastern India. In FY2025, Matix produced 1.47 million tonnes of urea, exceeding its 1.27 MTPA capacity and achieving 115 percent utilisation. This performance strengthens India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduces dependence on volatile global gas markets. Today, the Panagarh plant supplies nearly 20 percent of Eastern India’s urea, supporting timely nutrient availability for farmers.

A Fast-Growing Player in India’s Fertiliser Landscape

Despite being one of India’s youngest fertiliser producers, Matix is among the fastest-growing. As per the press release, the company operates across nine states, serving farmers through over 1,000 dealers and 60,000 retailers. Its expanding portfolio spans urea, non-urea, and speciality fertilisers, positioning Matix as a trusted partner in India’s agricultural growth.

IDE Technologies bagged a milestone Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to build a large-scale seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant at Manori on Mumbai’s western coastline. Designed to produce 200 million litres per day (MLD) of potable water in its first phase, the plant aims to enhance the city’s long-term water reliability amid rising demand and increasing climate variability.

Looking ahead, the project team will construct the intake–outfall infrastructure and product water storage to reach an ultimate capacity of 400 MLD, enabling future expansion with minimal interruption.

Energy-Efficient Technology Tailored to Coastal Conditions

To execute the project, IDE will collaborate with GVPR Engineers Limited, deploying advanced, energy-efficient desalination technologies suited to Mumbai’s marine environment. The design features an offshore seawater intake located several kilometres from the coast — an approach that not only enhances water quality but also supports marine protection while ensuring a drought-resilient supply.

Long-Term Operations Secured Through 20-Year O&M Agreement

As part of the project scope, IDE will operate and maintain the facility for 20 years after commissioning, ensuring consistent performance and long-term reliability of Mumbai’s newest water source.

A Strategic Investment in Climate-Resilient Water Infrastructure

“By combining IDE’s global leadership in seawater desalination with strong local execution capabilities, the flagship project will provide Mumbai with a resilient and sustainable new water source that is independent of monsoon variability,” said Alon Tavor, CEO, IDE Technologies Group.

He added that the Manori project represents a strategic investment in Mumbai’s water future and a demonstration of how large-scale desalination can support megacities facing climate stress. IDE also reinforces its long-term commitment to India, actively using desalination to address regional water scarcity, protect communities, and enable continued economic growth.

Expanding IDE’s Growing India Portfolio

“The Manori project is a significant addition to IDE’s growing portfolio of design-build-operate-maintain desalination projects in India, including our recently secured project serving SIPCOT in Tamil Nadu,” said Nayan Shah, Director – Sales and Marketing, IDE India. As reported by filtsep.com, Shah noted that these initiatives bring world-class desalination expertise closer to Indian cities and industries, delivering reliable, high-quality water at competitive costs while keeping sustainability and environmental stewardship at the centre of every decision.

Celanese Corporation, a global player in specialty materials and chemicals, achieved Carbon Footprint Certification (CFC) from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) for its Hostaform® and Celcon® POM ECO-C grades manufactured at its Frankfurt (Germany) and Bishop (Texas) sites. This milestone expands the company’s network of certified facilities and empowers customers to reduce product carbon footprints while accelerating the shift toward a circular economy. The achievement reinforces Celanese’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible manufacturing.

Driving Lower-Carbon Material Innovation Through CCU Technology

The certification builds on Celanese’s significant investment in Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technology at its Clear Lake, Texas plant, operated through its Fairway Methanol joint venture with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. The site is one of the world’s largest active CCU facilities. It captures CO₂ emissions and converts them into methanol, reducing reliance on fossil-based feedstocks while maintaining polymer performance.

Key Highlights of the Certification

Verified Sustainability: ISCC CFC certification provides independent, third-party validation of the reduced carbon footprint of POM ECO-C grades.

High Performance Maintained: Despite its lower carbon impact, POM ECO-C retains hallmark properties including high stiffness, thermal stability, sliding behavior, and wear resistance—making it the lowest-footprint POM offering to date.

Global Expansion: Certification of the Frankfurt and Bishop sites strengthens Celanese’s position as a global leader in sustainable engineering plastics.

Enhancing Transparency with Chemille® Digital Assistant

Celanese now offers Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) letters through AskChemille.com, its AI-enabled digital assistant for material selection and customer support. As per the press release, Celanese integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data into the Chemille® platform. This provides customers with transparent and reliable sustainability information. It enables more informed decisions and supports broader GHG emissions awareness across the value chain.

Henkel Adhesive Technologies, a global player in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, joined the Global Impact Coalition (GIC) — a CEO-led platform focused on developing collaborative, scalable solutions for a net-zero and circular economy. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to unlock new pathways to cut emissions and close material loops across the chemical value chain. Henkel’s entry significantly extends GIC’s downstream reach by bridging raw-material innovation with deep industrial and customer insights.

Expanding GIC’s Influence Beyond Producers

Founded by major global chemical producers and incubated at the World Economic Forum. Major chemical producers established GIC to convert sustainability challenges into commercially viable solutions. With Henkel becoming a value chain partner, the coalition now moves beyond raw-material producers. It now includes leading industrial users of chemical products, effectively strengthening the bridge between molecules and markets.

A Turning Point for Industry Alignment

“At a time when the industry is redefining itself under the weight of climate commitments and cost pressure, collaboration is the only credible path forward,” said Charlie Tan, CEO of the Global Impact Coalition. “Henkel’s participation marks a turning point — connecting upstream innovation with downstream demand to make sustainability a source of competitive advantage, not a cost,” Tan added.

Advancing Circularity, Safer Chemistry, and Scope 3 Reductions

Through GIC, Henkel Adhesive Technologies will expand its work with chemical producers and recyclers. The goal is to design and deploy scalable, cross-industry initiatives. These projects will focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions, promoting safer chemistry, and keeping valuable materials circulating longer.

Turning Collaboration into Scalable Action

“Circularity and decarbonization are no longer just environmental imperatives,” Tan added. “They’re also economic enablers — and partnerships like this show how the industry can respond with both purpose and pragmatism.” According to the press release, Henkel and GIC will convert their joint commitment into action. They will launch pilot projects, scale successful models, and strengthen the business case for a circular, low-emission chemical industry.

Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation (BVFCL) and Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company (AVFCCL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize land-use rights at Namrup for the proposed Ammonia–Urea Complex.

Leadership at the Signing Ceremony

Boosting Fertiliser Production and Regional Growth

The project aims to:

*Increase fertiliser availability for local farmers

*Strengthen agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods

*Contribute to regional industrial growth and economic development

Samir Shantilal Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries Ltd. (GBL), honoured with the Plinio Nastari Sugar Excellence Award by the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) at the 34th ISO International Seminar in Westminster, London. Instituted under the theme “Sustainable Solutions for Sugar & Energy”, the award recognises outstanding achievements in sugar and bioenergy. Somaiya is the first Indian to receive this prestigious recognition. It marks a significant milestone for India’s sugar, ethanol, and bioenergy sectors on the global stage.

Linking Economic Progress with Social Development

Somaiya reflected on the connection between economic growth and social development. He highlighted the legacy of his grandfather, who founded the Somaiya family’s first school in 1942 to ensure education advanced alongside industry.

He emphasised the importance of soil health, agricultural ecosystems, and farmer livelihoods in creating a sustainable future. Experts note that the green transition is essential for meeting climate goals while securing incomes for small farmers.

“Today, the green transition is essential to mitigate climate change, and in countries like ours with so many small farmers, it directly strengthens their income security and long-term resilience. I am humbled to receive this award on behalf of my company, my organisation and my country. Business is an agent of social change — financial growth must move together with social and environmental progress,” he said.

Building India’s Integrated Biorefining Ecosystem

Key Initiatives and Recognitions

1. Renewable Bio-Chemicals: GBL commissioned a multi-purpose specialty bio-chemical plant in Maharashtra to produce renewable, bio-based ingredients for coatings, resins, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fragrances.
2. Biotechnology Advancements: Through Sathgen Therapeutics, the company conducts advanced research on therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers and established Sathgen Therapeutics LLC in Princeton, USA, to foster global collaboration.
3. CO₂-to-DME Pilot Plant: GBL launched a scalable pilot plant with ICT Mumbai to convert industrial CO₂ emissions into clean fuel and chemical feedstock, advancing circular and low-carbon solutions.
4. Industry Recognition: In addition to the Plinio Nastari Award, Somaiya was awarded the Rasayan Udyog Ratna Award by the Indian Chemical Society for his contributions to sustainable chemistry.

Driving Sustainability, Innovation, and Farmer-Focused Growth

These initiatives reflect a leadership approach rooted in scientific depth, sustainability, and farmer-centric development. As per the press release, Somaiya and GBL are driving innovation, renewable energy solutions, and integrated biorefining. They are aligning India’s bioeconomy with global sustainability priorities while creating long-term value for farmers and communities.

Asahi Kasei honoured with the 2025 TSMC Excellent Performance Award for “Excellent Technology Development and Production Support” in Advanced Packaging materials. The award was presented at the 2025 Supply Chain Management Forum hosted by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The recognition highlights suppliers who demonstrate exceptional performance in developing innovative technologies. It also honors those providing strong production support for advanced packaging materials.

PIMEL™ at the Forefront of Innovation

The award acknowledges Asahi Kasei’s PIMEL™ photosensitive dielectric as a key technology for advanced packaging applications. Asahi Kasei developed the product to meet diverse customer requirements, leveraging years of expertise in electronics materials.

Nobuko Uetake, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei, said, “Our electronics business, including PIMEL™, is a First Priority in Asahi Kasei’s ‘Trailblaze Together’ medium-term management plan for fiscal 2025–2027. We have developed PIMEL™ products that cater to evolving customer needs while investing proactively to ensure stable supply, including the launch of a new plant.”

Supporting the Future of Advanced Semiconductors

As per the press release, Asahi Kasei continues to drive innovation in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry, particularly in AI-related applications. By combining advanced technology development with reliable production support, the company aims to empower customers in building next-generation electronic solutions. “We look forward to continuing to support the advanced semiconductor field and contributing to the growth of emerging technologies,” added Uetake.

Graphite India Limited (GIL), one of India’s most established graphite materials companies, entered into an exclusive distribution and commercial partnership with Kivoro, a corporate spin-off of Graphenea and a global leader in graphene-based industrial additives. This collaboration aims to bring Kivoro’s next-generation Graphene-based Heat Transfer Additive (HTA) technology to the Indian corrugated paperboard industry.

Exclusive Distribution to Serve India’s Growing Corrugated Sector

Under the agreement, GIL will act as the sole distributor of Kivoro’s HTA solutions across India, focusing on corrugated paperboard manufacturers. This sector continues to grow rapidly due to rising demand for high-quality packaging and more energy-efficient production processes. Thermal performance directly affects corrugator plant efficiency. The new HTA technology is expected to help manufacturers reduce steam consumption. It can also lower operational costs and improve overall board quality.

Advanced HTA Designed to Boost Efficiency and Reduce Energy Use

Kivoro engineers its proprietary HTA to significantly enhance heat transfer within corrugation systems. By improving thermal conductivity, the additive supports:

*Higher machine throughput

*Lower energy requirements

*More consistent production performance

With GIL’s extensive distribution network and strong customer relationships, both companies aim to accelerate nationwide adoption and modernize corrugated plants across India.

Driving Sustainability and Competitive Advantage

The GIL and Kivoro partnership comes at a time when the packaging industry is pushing for more sustainable, cost-efficient manufacturing solutions. As energy costs rise and quality expectations increase, the ability to run machines at faster speeds, reduce defects, and shorten startup times gives manufacturers a clear competitive edge. As reported by businessupturn.com, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation, operational efficiency. It will lead long-term value creation for India’s industrial customers.

Automation Fair 2025 in Chicago welcomed over 10,000 attendees, 120 interactive exhibits, 450 hours of advanced training, and 250 educational sessions, showcasing how industrial automation and digital transformation are shaping the future. From keynote insights to the latest innovations on the expo floor, here’s what we learned about creating what’s next in 2026 and beyond.

Keynote Insights: Big Ideas Driving the Future of Automation

AI is powerful, complex, and constantly evolving—but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. The keynote on How to Innovate in an Era of AI encouraged organizations to rethink the future, which will be increasingly mechanized and AI-driven. Ryan Enockson, Executive Account Manager, highlighted the importance of breaking rules, testing boundaries, and embracing failure. “Being intentional about creative time and trying things differently may feel awkward, but it helps us grow and transform as an organization,” he said.

The Future of Industrial Automation is Here

Industrial automation is moving toward industrial autonomy, and many of the enabling technologies are already available. The keynote Creating the Future of Industrial Operations showcased next-generation innovations designed to expand human potential and operational efficiency. Jackie LaFleur, Design and Implementation Services Manager, noted that AI, robotics, and software-defined architecture solutions on display prove that the future is already here.
“The Logix SCA will elevate multi-discipline control, enabling customers to do more within the classic Logix framework,” she said.

People Make the Biggest Difference

Technology is critical, but people remain the most important factor for success. The keynote The State of Smart Manufacturing emphasized that people account for 80% of solving problems, while technology contributes around 20%.

Josh Reitz, Business Consultant, highlighted three takeaways:

*Avoid automating inefficient processes.

*Measure outcomes beyond traditional metrics.

*Focus on agility, awareness, and competitiveness in a fast-changing market.

*Flexible manufacturing will be key as both technology and customer expectations evolve rapidly.

Innovations and New Products Shaping 2026

The Expo floor featured an impressive demonstration combining OTTO Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) with the beRobox robotic palletizer. Doosan collaborative robots, vision systems, and a no-code programming interface power the beRobox system, which operators can set up in just five minutes. After loading or unloading pallets, the OTTO AMR autonomously navigates the plant floor, creating a fully autonomous palletizing workflow. This solution addresses rising demand, labor shortages, high turnover, knowledge gaps, and safety challenges.

OEMs Gain Flexibility with Panel Optimization Solutions

As manufacturing complexity grows, Rockwell Automation’s panel optimization solutions simplify panel design for OEMs. New devices such as the M100 motor starter, Ethernet/IP in-cabinet solutions, and PointMax I/O help reduce panel footprint, lower engineering complexity, and accelerate production efficiency.

A New Generation of ControlLogix PLCs

For the first time in nearly a decade, the L9 series ControlLogix PLC was showcased. Compared to the L8 series, it offers:

*Double the memory and processing power

*Dual Ethernet/IP ports

*Enhanced CIP security and built-in redundancy

*Integrated safety and process control

With fewer SKUs and simplified hardware requirements, the new PLC series improves reliability and reduces operational complexity. As reported by vanmeterinc.com, Automation Fair 2025 highlighted how industrial automation, digital transformation, and human ingenuity are converging to create what’s next. AI-driven innovations, autonomous robotics, and advanced PLC solutions are shaping the path toward 2026. These developments empower manufacturers to become faster, smarter, and more resilient.

Enlight Metals Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading AI-driven metal aggregator, expanded into the chemical trading market with the launch of its subsidiary, Enlight TradeHub Pvt. Ltd. The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s plan to become a diversified, multi-commodity supply partner for industrial businesses across India and Asia.

New Division to Supply Industrial Chemicals Across Key Sectors

Enlight TradeHub focuses on trading industrial-grade chemicals including solvents, acids, and speciality intermediates. These products cater to key sectors such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and agriculture. The business, which began operations in Q3 2025, is now scaling nationwide by using Enlight Metals’ strong procurement capabilities and logistics network. The company also plans to enter regional export markets in the near future.

Unified Sourcing Ecosystem for Enhanced Efficiency

The chemicals vertical is designed to work closely with Enlight Metals’ core metal aggregation operations. By integrating both verticals, the company aims to offer customers simple and unified access to a broader range of raw materials. Shared logistics, a common customer base, and strong procurement systems are expected to drive higher operational efficiencies. It opens new cross-selling opportunities across industries.

Vision for Integrated Growth

Vedant Goel, CEO and Co-founder of Enlight Metals, said, “With Enlight TradeHub, we are strengthening our commitment to building a cohesive, technology-enabled supply ecosystem for industrial India. Enterprises today expect reliability, transparency, and consolidated access to essential raw materials. This expansion empowers us to serve that need with greater scale, precision, and responsiveness.”

Strong Focus on Sustainability and Green Products

Sustainability remains central to the new division’s strategy. Enlight TradeHub is prioritising low-emission feedstocks and bio-based alternatives to support cleaner industrial operations. As per the press release, the company is also developing a green product line that includes recyclable industrial cleaners, scheduled for launch by mid-2026. In addition, ongoing initiatives around waste reduction and circular supply chains aim to further strengthen the company’s environmental commitments.