Godavari Biorefineries Limited expanded its intellectual property portfolio in antiviral research by securing a patent from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). The patent covers the company’s invention titled “Use of Compounds for Treating Viral Infections.” The latest grant follows a similar patent secured earlier in Japan, expanding the jurisdictions where Godavari Biorefineries has protected this class of antiviral compounds.

Patent Targets V-ATPase in Viral Infections

The patented invention focuses on compounds that inhibit Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), a cellular mechanism that certain viruses use during infection. The patent covers the use of these compounds in medicines intended to treat viral infections. Unlike conventional antiviral approaches that directly target viruses, this research explores host-cell mechanisms involved in viral infection. As a result, the work could support the development of new approaches to antiviral drug research.

China Patent Strengthens Life Sciences Portfolio

Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said the patent represents another step in the company’s research into V-ATPase and its potential applications in addressing viral infections. He added that securing intellectual property protection in China strengthens the company’s position in this research area while supporting its efforts to develop original molecules through science-led research.

Researchers Behind the Invention

The patent names Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Dr Sandip Gavade, Dr Maithili Athavale and Dr Prashant Kharkhar as the four inventors. Godavari Biorefineries also acknowledged the contribution of Dr Prashant S Kharkar, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Dean, Students and Alumni Affairs, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, whose guidance has supported the company’s research into V-ATPase-inhibiting compounds and their potential applications in viral infections.

Expanding Antiviral Research and IP

With patent protection now secured in China and Japan, Godavari Biorefineries has further expanded its intellectual property around this antiviral compound class. As per the press release, the development also strengthens the company’s broader life sciences portfolio and supports its continued research into novel molecules for potential human health applications.

India’s activated carbon industry is facing growing pressure in international markets as buyers in Europe, the CIS region and Russia increasingly shift towards lower-cost alternatives such as coal. At the same time, competitively priced Chinese activated carbon products are gaining market share.

Rising Logistics Costs Add to Export Pressure

According to Joshy Joseph, Vice-President of the Activated Carbon Manufacturers Association of India, geopolitical tensions, container shortages and higher freight rates have increased logistics costs for Indian exporters. As a result, Indian activated carbon has become more expensive in several international markets, adding to the competitive pressure faced by domestic manufacturers.

Strong Global Demand Across Key Markets

Activated carbon continues to see significant demand across the US, UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea and African markets. Water treatment remains a major application in the US and Europe, while manufacturers also supply activated carbon for gold extraction in Africa. However, proposed changes in US trade tariffs could further affect Indian exports. Industry representatives have raised concerns that a proposed 100% tariff could significantly impact shipments to the US, which currently accounts for about 18% of India’s activated carbon exports.

Chinese Products Intensify Price Competition

Industry representatives have also highlighted the growing presence of lower-priced Chinese activated carbon in global markets. According to Joseph, Chinese manufacturers procure whole coconuts in bulk from Indonesia and the Philippines and use them as feedstock for activated carbon production. This access to lower-cost raw materials enables Chinese producers to offer competitive prices in markets such as Europe and Africa, thereby increasing pressure on Indian manufacturers.

Lower Demand and Raw Material Prices Affect the Market

Meanwhile, weaker demand for water-treatment carbon, combined with higher production and logistics costs, has put additional pressure on market prices. According to industry estimates, coconut shell charcoal prices have fallen below ₹100 per kg, while coconut shell prices have declined to around ₹35 per kg.

India’s Activated Carbon Exports Remain Significant

Despite these challenges, India’s activated carbon industry recorded an export turnover of approximately ₹4,700 crore, with exports reaching around 1.80 lakh tonnes in the last financial year. The industry expects exports to exceed ₹5,000 crore in the current financial year. However, continuing global price competition and market uncertainties could influence the pace of growth.

Coconut Shell Charcoal Imports Increase

At the same time, industry sources have reported a sharp increase in coconut shell charcoal imports during April–July 2026–27. Imports from Sri Lanka through the Kochi, Chennai and Tuticorin ports have increased. However, the average import price of the material stands at around ₹80–90 per kg, compared with approximately ₹100–103 per kg for domestic material. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the combination of global price competition, changing trade conditions, higher logistics costs and raw material dynamics is therefore shaping the outlook for India’s activated carbon industry.

Coal India signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Limited (HURL) to explore the production of urea using coal gasification technology at Sindri, Jharkhand. Under the agreement, Coal India and HURL will conduct a technical and commercial evaluation of the proposed urea production process. The companies will also work together to prepare an initial feasibility report to assess the project’s potential. The evaluation will examine the viability of converting coal into synthesis gas through gasification and subsequently using it for urea production.

Sindri Infrastructure to Support the Initiative

The partnership combines Coal India’s expertise as a major coal producer with HURL’s experience in fertiliser manufacturing. Together, the companies will assess the potential for integrating coal gasification with urea production. Furthermore, the proposed location at Sindri, Jharkhand, could leverage existing infrastructure associated with HURL’s operations in the region.

Project Remains at Exploratory Stage

Currently, the MoU is non-binding, and the initiative remains focused on technical evaluation and feasibility assessment. As reported by scanX, the findings from these studies will help determine the project’s technical and commercial viability before any further development decisions are taken.

The Renewable Energy India Expo (REI) 2026 is expected to unlock more than Rs. 2,800 crore in fresh investments for India’s bioenergy sector, according to the Indian Biogas Association (IBA). The expo will take place from October 22 to 24, 2026, at India Expo Mart & Centre in Greater Noida. According to the IBA, biogas will take centre stage at this year’s event as India seeks to expand clean energy solutions and strengthen its bioenergy ecosystem.

Bioenergy Investment Pipeline Gains Momentum

The expected Rs 2,800 crore investment pipeline represents nearly 12% of the Rs. 23,731 crore outlay under the GOBARdhan scheme, the IBA said. IBA President A R Shukla said biogas is increasingly moving beyond its traditional rural applications and becoming an important part of India’s clean energy economy. It can help reduce carbon emissions, create additional opportunities for farmers, support cleaner transport fuels and contribute to green hydrogen production. Moreover, the IBA said the GOBARdhan scheme’s long-term pricing certainty and offtake assurance could support the transition from pilot projects to larger-scale commercial deployment.

REI 2026 to Showcase Bioenergy Technologies

Supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), the bioenergy pavilion at REI 2026 will showcase technologies and solutions across the sector. These will include waste-to-energy systems, compressed biogas (CBG) technologies, co-digestion models and digital monitoring solutions. As a result, the event is expected to connect technology providers with investors, project developers and other stakeholders across the bioenergy value chain.

GOBARdhan Scheme Strengthens Sector Outlook

The momentum in India’s bioenergy sector has also been supported by the Union Cabinet’s approval of the Rs. 23,731 crore GOBARdhan (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) National Circular Bioenergy Scheme in August 2026. The scheme took effect on September 1, 2026. Furthermore, the IBA said REI 2026 could help convert policy support into scalable bioenergy projects by bringing together investors, developers, technology providers and policymakers. As reported by deccanchronicle.com, the event is also expected to support the government’s ambition of achieving nearly ten-fold growth in domestic compressed biogas (CBG) production, further strengthening India’s transition towards a circular and low-carbon energy economy.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has invited proposals to select executing agencies for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for green hydrogen hubs in India under Component-B1 of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The online bid submission deadline is October 30, 2026.

Identifying Potential Green Hydrogen Hub Locations

The selected agencies will assess and identify suitable locations for green hydrogen hubs based on hydrogen demand, infrastructure availability and techno-commercial viability. In addition, they will evaluate renewable energy potential, water availability, industrial demand, pipeline networks, logistics and overall financial feasibility. The agencies will also engage with state nodal agencies, industries, power utilities, ministries and research institutions to gather relevant data and develop comprehensive assessments.

Assessing Hydrogen Infrastructure and Energy Integration

The DPRs will evaluate potential green hydrogen and derivative demand and supply centres. They will also assess the feasibility of co-located renewable energy capacity, grid connectivity and energy storage systems to manage renewable energy intermittency. Furthermore, the studies will cover land and water availability, hydrogen refuelling facilities, compression, liquefaction and storage systems. Where applicable, the DPRs will also assess port, jetty and bunkering infrastructure to support hydrogen-related logistics.

Developing Project Plans and Financial Models

The selected agencies will prepare detailed project layouts along with capital expenditure estimates, implementation phases and financial models. They will also identify the required regulatory approvals, clearances and key public and private stakeholders. In addition, the DPRs will establish a structured roadmap for phased development and implementation of the proposed green hydrogen hubs.

Risk, Environmental and Regulatory Assessment

The scope will further include project risk assessment, environmental and social impact analysis, and legal and regulatory evaluation. These assessments will help identify potential challenges and establish the requirements for developing viable and scalable green hydrogen hubs in India. As reported by renewablewatch.in, SECI has set October 30, 2026, as the deadline for online submission of proposals for the DPR preparation assignment.

puren and Covestro are working together to improve the environmental performance of purenit®, a functional material based on rigid polyurethane foam. As part of this effort, puren has certified its entire purenit® production at its Obermarchtal site under the ISCC PLUS standard. The certification enables puren to use Desmodur® CQ MS from Covestro, a binder based on bio-circular attributed raw materials. The companies announced the development during the inauguration of a new production line at the Obermarchtal facility, with the market launch of the first product based on the new approach planned for 2027.

Bio-Circular Raw Materials to Lower Carbon Footprint

According to Dr Andreas Huther, Managing Director of puren gmbh, the ISCC PLUS certification provides the foundation for using Desmodur® CQ MS as a binder with bio-circular raw materials. The companies aim to maintain the material’s existing performance while reducing its carbon footprint. Consequently, the initiative integrates sustainability into the product’s performance profile without requiring changes to the processing approach.

Hermann Dörholt, Head of the Performance Materials business entity at Covestro, said Desmodur® CQ MS uses MDI based on bio-circular feedstocks and is certified through the mass balance approach. This allows puren to use a raw material with a lower carbon footprint while maintaining its existing processing conditions.

purenit® Combines Performance with Material Recovery

purenit® is a highly compressed functional material made from rigid polyurethane (PUR/PIR) foam, with a density of approximately 550 kg/m³. Despite its relatively low weight, the material offers pressure resistance, moisture resistance and dimensional stability. It also provides insulation and can be sawn, milled, drilled and glued using standard woodworking equipment. Therefore, manufacturers use purenit® in applications such as windows, doors, facades and base areas in construction, as well as bathrooms, wellness areas, outdoor kitchens and interior fit-outs for motorhomes, commercial vehicles and ships.

Upcycling PU Residual Materials

puren produces purenit® through an adhesive-press process that converts polyurethane residual materials into homogeneous boards. This approach effectively upcycles residual material from PU production into a standalone functional product. As a result, the material concept itself already incorporates circularity by recovering and reusing polyurethane production residues.

ISCC PLUS Supports Certified Mass Balance Approach

The use of Desmodur® CQ MS relies on the ISCC PLUS mass balance system. Under this approach, bio-circular feedstocks enter the production process and are physically blended with other raw materials. The corresponding amount is then mathematically allocated to the certified final product. Importantly, ISCC PLUS independently verifies this allocation across the supply chain. Full certification of purenit® production therefore enables puren to substantiate the use of bio-circular raw materials and the associated sustainability benefits.

Collaboration Across the Polyurethane Value Chain

The collaboration combines Covestro’s lower-carbon-footprint raw material with puren’s approach to recovering PU residual materials. In this way, circularity is incorporated at two stages of the value chain: the raw material and the material production process. As per the press release, the companies announced the first purenit® product using Desmodur® CQ MS as a binder at the inauguration of puren’s new production line. The product is scheduled for market launch in 2027, marking another step towards certified circular and lower-carbon polyurethane-based materials.

Pramod Narang, Director (Technical) of Petronet LNG Limited (PLL), received the Sustainability Global Changemakers Award 2026 in the Individual Category for his contribution to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The award recognises individuals who promote sustainable practices, environmental responsibility and climate-conscious development across industries.

Pramod Narang Recognised for Sustainability Leadership

Narang received the Individual Category award in recognition of his work in advancing sustainable practices and strengthening environmental stewardship within the corporate sector. The Sustainability Global Changemakers Award 2026, presented as part of the Prithvi Awards, highlights individuals and organisations contributing to sustainability, environmental responsibility and climate-focused development. The recognition underscores the growing importance of sustainability leadership as companies seek to reduce their environmental impact while improving operational performance.

Petronet LNG Strengthens Focus on Sustainable Operations

The award also reflects Petronet LNG’s continued focus on sustainable operations, corporate responsibility and the low-carbon transition. The company has been working to align its operations with broader sustainability objectives while supporting developments in India’s evolving clean energy landscape. Through its focus on operational efficiency, environmental responsibility and cleaner energy solutions, Petronet LNG continues to address emerging sustainability priorities within the energy sector.

Recognition Highlights Growing Role of Sustainability

As reported by indianmasterminds.com, Narang’s recognition highlights the increasing role of sustainability leadership in shaping corporate strategies. As industries work towards lower-carbon operations, environmental stewardship and responsible resource management are becoming increasingly important components of long-term business development.

The Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI) has re-elected Aditya A. Shriram, Deputy Managing Director of DCM Shriram Ltd., as its President. Prashant J. Mahale, Senior Executive Vice President at Reliance Industries Ltd., has also been re-elected as Vice President. AMAI represents India’s alkali industry, which has a value of approximately ₹30,000 crore and plays an important role in the country’s broader chemical sector.

Aditya A. Shriram Continues as AMAI President

Aditya A. Shriram has held various responsibilities across businesses and functions within the DCM Shriram Group. During his leadership, he has focused on promoting safe and sustainable industrial development. He also advocates responsible business growth, with an emphasis on ethical practices and the adoption of high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.

Prashant J. Mahale Re-elected as Vice President

Prashant J. Mahale has over 35 years of leadership experience across several industrial sectors. His professional experience spans petroleum downstream operations, petrochemicals, chlor-alkali, specialty and bulk chemicals, and pulp and paper. His industry experience covers multiple areas of manufacturing and chemical operations, supporting AMAI’s representation of the diverse alkali manufacturing sector.

AMAI Represents India’s Alkali Industry

AMAI represents manufacturers of caustic soda, chlorine, soda ash and other related products. These chemicals form an important part of India’s chemical manufacturing ecosystem and serve as essential inputs for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. Alkali products are used across diverse sectors, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, pulp and paper, water treatment, detergents, glass and several other manufacturing industries. As reported by business-standard.com, with Shriram continuing as President and Mahale as Vice President, AMAI will continue to represent the interests of India’s alkali manufacturers while supporting the development and growth of the sector.

Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases bagged a ₹481 crore contract from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to design and build a 1,200 tons per day (TPD) cryogenic Air Separation Unit (ASU) for a coal-gasification project in Odisha. The ASU will support BHEL’s 2,000 TPD Coal to Ammonium Nitrate project at Bandhabal in Jharsuguda district. The order also marks Ellenbarrie’s entry into the emerging large-scale coal-gasification opportunity in India.

Ellenbarrie to Execute Turnkey Air Separation Project

Ellenbarrie will undertake the complete execution of the air separation plant. Its scope includes design, engineering, equipment supply, installation, testing and commissioning. The company will also conduct trial operations, train plant operators and demonstrate that the facility meets specified performance guarantees. In addition, Ellenbarrie will supply the required spare parts as part of the project. The project will be executed over eight quarters and is expected to achieve commissioning in FY29.

Cryogenic ASU to Support Coal Gasification

The plant will be developed on a Build and Transfer basis. Therefore, Ellenbarrie will construct the facility but will not own or operate it over the long term. Air Separation Units play an important role in commercial-scale coal-gasification projects because they produce large volumes of oxygen and nitrogen required for the gasification process. The BHEL project will therefore require a reliable supply of these industrial gases to support its coal-to-ammonium-nitrate production process.

Project Supports India’s Coal Gasification Goals

The contract comes as India expands its focus on coal gasification under the government’s National Coal Gasification Mission. India has set a target to gasify 100 million tons of coal annually by 2030. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imports while supporting domestic production of products such as ammonia, urea, methanol and hydrogen. Against this backdrop, Ellenbarrie expects the growing coal-gasification sector to generate additional demand for large-scale air separation plants in the coming years.

Largest Air Separation Plant for Ellenbarrie

According to Ellenbarrie, the BHEL contract represents the largest air separation plant the company has undertaken to date. The project also places the company among the limited number of players capable of developing ASUs with capacities exceeding 1,000 TPD. Furthermore, the order expands Ellenbarrie’s engineering capabilities beyond its traditional merchant and onsite industrial gas businesses. As reported by cnbctv18.com, by taking on the 1,200 TPD ASU project, the company is strengthening its presence in large-scale industrial gas infrastructure and positioning its engineering business to participate in emerging opportunities linked to India’s coal-gasification and energy transition initiatives.

Cosmo Speciality Chemicals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cosmo First Limited, launched CosmoFlex, an advanced printable coating system designed to improve printability and ink adhesion on films used in flexible packaging and label applications. The coating range addresses an important requirement for converters and printers: achieving strong, durable ink adhesion across different film substrates while maintaining print performance during storage, handling and use.

CosmoFlex Enhances Printability and Ink Adhesion

CosmoFlex is an eco-friendly primer designed to improve the printability and adhesion of water-based and UV-cured inks. The ready-to-use coating offers broad compatibility with multiple printing technologies, including water-based and UV flexographic printing, UV offset, thermal transfer, screen and letterpress printing. By supporting different ink systems and printing processes, CosmoFlex provides converters and printers with greater flexibility across packaging and labelling applications.

Two Coating Grades for BOPP and PET Films

The CosmoFlex range currently includes two specialised solutions:

CosmoFlex CB01: Developed specifically for BOPP films.

CosmoFlex CP02: Designed for PET films.

Both grades have demonstrated strong performance in tests covering ink anchorage, rub resistance and print durability. In addition, the coatings have undergone testing under cold-water and deep-freezer conditions. This makes them suitable for applications where printed films and labels may face demanding storage and handling environments.

Designed for Demanding Packaging Applications

The flexible packaging and labelling industry increasingly requires coating solutions that can work with multiple printing technologies while delivering consistent performance across different substrates. CosmoFlex responds to this requirement by combining printability, ink adhesion and durability in solutions designed for BOPP and PET films. The coatings can therefore support applications where printed surfaces need to maintain their performance under challenging conditions.

Cosmo Speciality Chemicals Expands Functional Coatings Portfolio

Piyush Gupta, Business Head, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals said, “The printing and packaging ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with converters increasingly looking for solutions that can offer greater versatility without compromising on print performance. With CosmoFlex, we are introducing a specialised coating solution that enhances printability and ink adhesion across BOPP and PET substrates while also delivering performance in demanding conditions such as cold and deep-freeze environments. The launch reflects our continued focus on developing application-led speciality coating solutions for the evolving needs of the packaging and label industry.” CosmoFlex forms part of Cosmo Speciality Chemicals’ expanding portfolio of functional coatings for packaging, printing and lamination applications. The company’s coating portfolio includes solutions designed to provide properties such as heat sealing, barrier performance, improved printability and specialised surface finishes.

CosmoFlex Strengthens Flexible Packaging Solutions

With the launch of CosmoFlex, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals is expanding its speciality coatings portfolio and strengthening its solutions for converters, printers and packaging manufacturers. As per the press release, the new coating system combines substrate-specific solutions with compatibility across multiple printing technologies, supporting the packaging industry’s growing demand for reliable and application-focused coating technologies.