Emirates Biotech and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) launched a two-year research project to develop the UAE’s first integrated organic-waste valorization pilot plant. The facility will process food waste and compostable packaging to produce renewable biogas and nutrient-rich compost. The pilot plant will be located near the UAEU campus in Al Ain and will process up to 40 kg of organic waste per day. The project will run from August 2026 to August 2028, while installation and commissioning are expected to be completed by August 2027.

Pilot faciliy to Combine Anaerobic Digestion and Composting

The integrated facility will combine anaerobic digestion and composting technologies to recover useful resources from organic waste. First, the anaerobic digestion process will break down the organic feedstock and generate renewable biogas. The resulting digestate will then undergo composting to produce nutrient-rich compost. In parallel, researchers will conduct a laboratory-scale study to determine whether the biogas generated through the process can be further converted into renewable hydrogen.

Addressing Food Waste and Packaging Challenges

Food waste accounts for nearly 40% of the UAE’s daily municipal solid waste, with a significant proportion currently going to landfills. At the same time, conventional plastic packaging contaminated with food residues can be difficult to recycle. Therefore, the pilot project will investigate whether food waste and compostable packaging can be processed together. By combining these waste streams, the researchers aim to recover valuable resources while reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Research to Assess Technical and Economic Performance

Over the two-year project, researchers will evaluate the technical, environmental and economic performance of the integrated system. The findings will help determine the feasibility of expanding the technology across the UAE and potentially into other markets. The project brings together several organisations, including the Emirates Environmental Group, Hotpack, AW Rostamani Group’s VerraPak, Tadweer Group, the University of Sharjah and Pacogreen.

Developing Local Waste-to-Resource Expertise

Students and researchers from UAEU will participate in the project and gain practical experience in waste-to-resource technologies. This involvement will also help develop local expertise in organic-waste management, resource recovery and circular-economy solutions. Professor Zafar Said Sher, UAEU project lead, said the initiative will evaluate an end-of-life pathway for food waste and compostable packaging while supporting the UAE’s circular economy, food security and Net Zero objectives.

Biorefinery Model Could Support Green Hydrogen

Emirates Biotech Chief Technology Officer Dr. Aman Kulshrestha said the project will test an integrated biorefinery model that converts organic waste into biogas, with potential upgrading to green hydrogen. Meanwhile, the resulting digestate can be converted into compost. This approach could create multiple resource-recovery pathways from a single organic-waste stream and improve the overall value of the process.

Pilot Could Reduce Landfill Emissions

If successfully scaled, the project partners estimate that an integrated organic-waste valorization plant could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 89% compared with conventional landfilling. Ultimately, the pilot is expected to generate technical and operational data on system performance. As reported by fastcompanyme.com, in addition, the results could provide a modular framework for scaling integrated organic-waste valorization across the UAE and potentially other markets.

Germany’s BASF, one of the world’s largest chemical companies, has approached fellow German chemicals producer Evonik over a potential takeover. The proposed deal could strengthen BASF’s portfolio as European chemical companies face increasing competition from China. BASF said it continuously evaluates acquisitions that strengthen its core businesses, offer a strong strategic fit, support profitable growth and create value. The company confirmed that it is currently holding exploratory discussions with Evonik. Meanwhile, Evonik said it had received a non-binding approach from BASF regarding a voluntary public takeover offer for all of its shares. The RAG Foundation, which holds a 43% stake in Evonik, also confirmed that BASF had contacted it regarding a potential takeover.

Complementary Chemical Product Portfolios

A potential BASF-Evonik combination would bring together complementary product portfolios. Evonik produces high-tech plastics, feed additives and ingredients used in coatings and household products. BASF, meanwhile, manufactures engineering plastics, superabsorbent polymers, vitamins and a broad range of chemicals for industrial applications. The complementary businesses could help BASF strengthen its position in specialty chemicals while potentially improving capacity utilisation. Arne Rautenberg, head of equities at Union Investment, said the proposed acquisition could provide a sound business case by strengthening BASF’s specialty chemicals position and increasing capacity utilisation.

European Chemicals Industry Faces Pressure

Both companies operate extensively in Europe, which remains an important market for their businesses. However, the European chemicals industry has faced pressure from high energy costs and weak demand. At the same time, BASF has been seeking to increase the contribution of Asia and other international markets to its revenue. BASF CEO Markus Kamieth said in June that the company was facing its most difficult business environment in at least 25 years. He also pointed to the continuing shift in global industrial power towards Asia.

Competition from Chinese Chemical Producers

The potential Evonik acquisition comes as European chemical companies seek ways to strengthen their global competitiveness. BASF is also facing the possibility of losing its long-standing position as the world’s largest chemical company by revenue to China’s Sinopec. Against this backdrop, a potential combination with Evonik could reshape BASF’s portfolio and strengthen its presence in selected specialty chemical markets. As reported by reuters.com, the BASF-Evonik discussions remain at an exploratory stage, and the final outcome of the potential takeover is yet to be determined.

Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) issued a Request for Selection (RfS) to select green ammonia producers for the production and supply of 54,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of green ammonia in India. The tender falls under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Scheme, Mode-2A, Tranche-II. SECI will select producers through cost-based competitive bidding. The selected producers will supply green ammonia to Madhya Bharat Agro Products Limited-III at its plant in Dhule, Maharashtra. The plant requires 54,000 metric tonnes of green ammonia annually, with a maximum consignment size of 5,000 metric tonnes per month. The deadline for online submission of bids is October 27, 2026.

Green Ammonia Production and Supply Requirements

Under the tender, the selected green ammonia producer must establish the required production facilities at its own cost. The producer will manufacture and supply green ammonia to SECI while also managing the associated storage and transportation requirements up to the designated delivery point.

Furthermore, the successful bidder will be responsible for:

Identifying suitable land for the project

Constructing and owning the green ammonia production facility

Obtaining all required approvals, permits and statutory clearances

Setting up and managing green ammonia storage facilities

Producing and supplying the awarded green ammonia capacity

Arranging transportation up to the delivery point

Bearing all costs related to storage and transportation

The successful bidder must produce and supply the green ammonia capacity awarded under the RfS. Trading or arbitrage of green ammonia for supply to the procurer will not be permitted.

Financial Eligibility Criteria

SECI has also specified financial eligibility requirements for participating bidders. Each bidder must have a minimum net worth of Rs 50 million for every 1,000 MTPA of tendered green ammonia capacity as of the end of financial year 2025-26. The net worth will be calculated based on one year of production and supply capacity. In the case of a consortium, bidders can meet the net worth requirement through the cumulative net worth of the bidding company, consortium members and eligible affiliates. These entities must undertake to provide the required equity funding and performance security if the bidder fails to meet its obligations.

Tender Fees and Earnest Money Deposit

As part of the bidding process, applicants must pay a document fee of Rs 25,000 and a bid processing fee of Rs 1.5 million. In addition, bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) for the applicable amount specified under Clause 16. The EMD must be submitted in the form of a bank guarantee along with the response to the RfS.

Green Ammonia Supply to Support India’s Energy Transition

Through the SIGHT scheme, SECI is facilitating the development and supply of green ammonia while supporting India’s broader green hydrogen and clean energy transition. As reported by renewablewatch.in, the tender will enable dedicated green ammonia production capacity to meet the requirements of the identified industrial off-taker in Maharashtra.

The Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI), which represents more than 220 domestic agrochemical manufacturers, has opposed demands by multinational companies (MNCs) and importer groups to introduce Regulatory Data Protection (RDP) or Data Exclusivity for agrochemicals in India. The association urged the government of India and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to reject proposals seeking to include a five-year RDP provision in the upcoming Pesticide Management Bill (PMB).

PMFAI Cites Previous Government Reviews

According to PMFAI, the issue of Regulatory Data Protection has been examined by multiple government ministries over the past 16 years, with the reviews consistently advising against its introduction. The association also referred to the 36th Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing, submitted to the 17th Lok Sabha in December 2021.

PMFAI said the committee noted that India’s existing 20-year patent protection period, under its TRIPS-compliant patent regime in effect since January 2005, provides innovators with sufficient time to recover research and development investments. The committee also noted that India’s large arable land base and expanding market provide strong incentives for domestic and international companies to introduce new innovations without additional data protection, according to PMFAI.

PMFAI Questions Need for Additional Data Exclusivity

PMFAI has argued that new molecules introduced under India’s patent system already receive up to 20 years of patent protection. Therefore, the association maintains that an additional five-year data exclusivity period could extend market protection beyond the existing patent framework. The association further claims that many of the molecules for which MNCs are seeking RDP are already off-patent and have been commercialised and registered in international markets before their introduction in India. PMFAI has consequently questioned whether granting additional exclusivity to such products would encourage new research and development in India.

Domestic Industry Highlights Process Innovation

PMFAI has highlighted the capabilities developed by India’s agrochemical manufacturing industry over several decades. According to the association, domestic manufacturers have built expertise in process chemistry, manufacturing innovation and cost-efficient production technologies. Following the expiry of product patents, Indian companies often develop alternative manufacturing routes, improve process efficiency, increase yields and adopt more sustainable production methods. PMFAI said some of these process improvements can also result in independently patentable innovations. The association believes this manufacturing and process-innovation ecosystem has contributed to India’s position as a competitive producer and exporter of crop protection products.

PMFAI Raises Concerns Over Farmer Costs

PMFAI has identified several concerns regarding the proposed five-year RDP provision:

Potential Impact on Agrochemical Costs

The association claims that post-patent data exclusivity could delay the entry of generic agrochemicals into the market. According to PMFAI, this could increase crop protection costs for small and marginal farmers and potentially affect farm profitability.

Additional Market Exclusivity

PMFAI has described the proposed RDP provision as a potential TRIPS-plus measure, arguing that additional market exclusivity could restrict competition beyond the existing patent protection period.

Access to Off-Patent Molecules

The association maintains that many molecules covered by the RDP demand are already off-patent and commercially established in other markets. It therefore argues that additional exclusivity would provide protection for previously developed products rather than directly incentivising new discoveries.

Impact on Domestic Manufacturing and Exports

PMFAI has also expressed concerns that delayed access to off-patent molecules could affect India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities and crop protection exports. The association argues that timely access to such molecules supports process innovation, cost-efficient manufacturing and India’s participation in international markets.

PMFAI Urges Government to Reject RDP Provision

PMFAI has urged the government not to include provisions for Regulatory Data Protection or Data Exclusivity in the Pesticide Management Bill. The association said the registration framework should not be used to introduce protections that, in its view, have previously not received legislative support. As per the press release, PMFAI has called for the government to consider the interests of domestic agrochemical manufacturers and farmers while finalising the proposed pesticide regulatory framework.

Technip Energies received the Equipment Manufacturer Award at the ET Energy Leadership Awards 2026 for its Modular Manufacturing Yard (MMY) in Dahej, Gujarat. The jury recognised the company for its engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, innovation and focus on quality.

Dahej Yard Supports Complex Manufacturing

Located in Dahej, Gujarat, Technip Energies’ Modular Manufacturing Yard integrates engineering and manufacturing for large-scale modules and equipment used in complex energy and industrial projects. The facility also features a captive jetty, which enables the efficient movement of large modules. As a result, the integrated setup helps improve efficiency, reliability and project execution control. Furthermore, the facility supports Technip Energies’ large-scale projects across global markets by enabling the manufacturing and transportation of complex modules from India.

Focus on Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence

Amit Gupta, Director, Modular Manufacturing Yard, Technip Energies, said the award marks an important milestone for the facility and the teams that have developed its expertise and scale over the years. He added that the company remains focused on quality, safety and disciplined execution while aiming to strengthen India’s position as a hub for complex manufacturing and global project delivery.

Third Recognition at ET Energy Leadership Awards

The Economic Times Energy Leadership Awards recognise organisations and professionals contributing to different segments of the energy sector. This marks the third time Technip Energies has received recognition at the ET Energy Leadership Awards. As per the press release, the latest award highlights the company’s continued focus on engineering, technology, innovation and manufacturing capabilities in the energy sector.

Dhanuka Agritech Limited launched Polin, a new-generation fungicide designed to protect paddy crops against Leaf Blast and Neck Blast diseases. The company developed Polin through a strategic technical collaboration with Japan-based Nippon Soda Co. Ltd. (NISSO). The fungicide aims to provide farmers with longer-lasting protection against rice blast while reducing the need for repeated crop protection applications.

Polin Uses New DHODHI Mode of Action

Polin is powered by KINIPROL Technology and uses a novel DHODHI mode of action classified under FRAC 52. The formulation provides both translaminar and systemic mobility, allowing the active ingredient to penetrate plant tissues. As a result, Polin can protect unsprayed areas of leaves as well as newly emerging plant growth. Farmers can apply the product at a calibrated dose of 100 ml per acre in 200 litres of water. When applied at the first signs of infection during critical crop growth stages, Polin provides residual protection against rice blast. Moreover, its extended protection window can help reduce the frequency of fungicide applications.

Focus on Reducing Crop Protection Costs

By extending the protection period, Polin can help farmers reduce repeated spraying requirements. Consequently, growers may lower labour and chemical costs associated with managing Leaf and Neck Blast in paddy crops. The product is particularly aimed at supporting farmers in protecting crop health during critical stages of rice cultivation.

Polin Launched in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Dhanuka Agritech has launched Polin across several parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Alongside the launch, the company has started farmer awareness programmes in paddy-growing regions. These initiatives aim to educate farmers about Leaf and Neck Blast management and promote timely and effective crop protection practices. Rahul Dhanuka, Managing Director of Dhanuka Agritech Limited, said Polin brings patented Japanese chemistry and a new mode of action for managing rice blast. He added that the product is designed to provide durable protection against blast while helping farmers reduce repetitive spraying costs. As per the press release, Dhanuka Agritech also plans to introduce additional crop protection solutions in the coming months as it expands its product portfolio for Indian farmers.

Vikram Solar has been recognised as a Top Brand PV India 2026 in the module category by
Germany-based EUPD Research. The company has secured the recognition for the second consecutive year, based on independent feedback from solar installers. The recognition highlights Vikram Solar’s performance in areas including customer relationships, customer satisfaction and distribution.

Recognition Based on Installer Feedback

EUPD Research awards the Top Brand PV Seal based on an independent survey of solar installers. The evaluation considers factors such as customer relationships, satisfaction and distribution. Because installers work directly with solar products and manufacturers, their feedback provides insights into brand performance and market experience.

Vikram Solar Highlights Quality and Service

Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director of Vikram Solar, said the company values the recognition because it reflects the trust of installers and partners who work with its modules. He added that maintaining the recognition for a second consecutive year demonstrates the company’s continued focus on quality, product performance and customer service. Furthermore, as Vikram Solar expands in domestic and international markets, the company aims to strengthen its position in advanced solar manufacturing.

EUPD Research Recognises Brand Standing

Daniel Fuchs, Chief Customer Officer at EUPD Research, congratulated Vikram Solar on receiving the Top Brand PV Seal 2026 in India in the module category. According to Fuchs, the recognition reflects installer assessments based on their experience of working with solar brands over time. He added that the award highlights Vikram Solar’s established position among installers and its contribution to India’s clean energy transition.

Sustainability Recognition Adds to Recent Achievements

The latest PV brand recognition adds to Vikram Solar’s recent achievements. The company also received the EcoVadis Platinum Medal at the group level for the second consecutive year. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, together, these recognitions highlight the company’s focus on solar manufacturing, customer relationships and sustainability as it expands its presence in India and international markets.

India has the potential to become a competitive exporter of green hydrogen and green ammonia, supported by its abundant renewable energy resources, particularly solar power, according to Matthew Hodgkinson, Senior Analyst at S&P Global Energy. Hodgkinson said India has some of the lowest-cost renewable energy resources globally. This cost advantage could help Indian producers manufacture green hydrogen at competitive prices. Moreover, using renewable power to produce green hydrogen could enable India to monetise its abundant solar and other renewable energy resources while supporting the development of a low-carbon energy economy.

Overseas Buyers Show Interest in Indian Projects

India’s renewable energy cost advantage is already attracting interest from international buyers. Indian green hydrogen and ammonia projects have secured emerging offtake agreements with buyers in overseas markets. Furthermore, India has signed agreements with buyers in Europe and the Far East for hydrogen and ammonia. These agreements could support the development of international markets for green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Green Ammonia Could Reduce Domestic Imports

The opportunity extends beyond exports. Indian project developers have also entered into agreements to supply green ammonia to the domestic market. These projects aim to replace imports of grey ammonia with domestically produced green ammonia. Consequently, India’s relatively low renewable energy costs could provide an important advantage over major energy-importing markets such as Europe, Japan and South Korea.

International Partnerships to Support Green Hydrogen Growth

Hodgkinson also highlighted the importance of international partnerships in developing India’s green hydrogen industry. In particular, European buyers have shown interest in Indian projects producing green hydrogen and its derivatives. As reported by tribuneindia.com, as international demand develops, such partnerships and offtake agreements could help Indian producers establish export markets while supporting the broader growth of the country’s green hydrogen and ammonia ecosystem.

L&T Technology Services (LTTS) entered into a strategic partnership with Cognite to jointly develop and deliver industrial AI and data solutions for asset-intensive industries worldwide. Through the collaboration, the companies will combine LTTS’ engineering expertise with Cognite’s industrial data and AI capabilities. The partnership will focus on helping enterprises adopt AI-powered applications and transform complex industrial operations.

LTTS Establishes Cognite Centre of Excellence

As part of the partnership, LTTS has established a dedicated Cognite Centre of Excellence and initially certified more than 50 engineers. The centre will support the development and deployment of industrial AI and data solutions across multiple sectors. Furthermore, LTTS and Cognite are co-developing industry-specific solutions for customers in Oil & Gas, Chemicals, LNG, CPG/FMCG, Mining and Industrial Manufacturing.

AI to Transform Mechanical Integrity Processes

As part of their first joint project, LTTS and Cognite have begun working with a global top-10 oil and gas company to transform its manual mechanical-integrity process. The project aims to create a contextualised and scalable digital workflow that enables engineers to work more efficiently and identify potential risks faster. Consequently, the solution is expected to help companies reduce downtime and prevent safety-related events.

Focus on Industrial AI and Digital Transformation

Through the partnership, LTTS and Cognite aim to accelerate the deployment of AI-powered industrial applications, digital twins, predictive maintenance solutions and operational intelligence platforms across asset-intensive enterprises. The companies will also focus on helping organisations move AI initiatives beyond pilot projects and into scalable production environments.

Combining Engineering and Industrial AI Expertise

Girish Rishi, CEO of Cognite, said that Cognite’s growing scale across industries complements LTTS’ domain and engineering expertise. He added that the companies will combine their capabilities to deliver value to joint customers as AI becomes increasingly important in modern manufacturing. Amit Chadha, CEO and Managing Director of L&T Technology Services and a member of the Nasscom Executive Council, said that industries are increasingly looking to scale AI beyond experimentation, making connected and contextual industrial workflows critical. He added that the partnership combines LTTS’ engineering expertise with Cognite’s AI-native industrial capabilities. By integrating Cognite’s technology with LTTS EIOne, the companies aim to develop solutions for complex industrial challenges and accelerate the transition from AI pilots to production. As reported by business-standard.com, together, LTTS and Cognite will focus on helping enterprises improve productivity, asset performance, operational resilience and overall business value.

India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of glycine from China following a complaint by a domestic manufacturer. Glycine is widely used as a flavour enhancer and as an ingredient in pharmaceutical applications. Avid Organics filed an application with the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, seeking an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese glycine imports. The company has alleged that dumped imports from China are causing material injury to the domestic industry. Therefore, it has requested the imposition of anti-dumping duties on the imported product, according to a DGTR notification.

DGTR to Examine 2022–2025 Data

As part of the investigation, the DGTR will examine relevant data covering the period from 2022 to 2025. The authority will assess whether glycine from China was dumped in the Indian market and whether these imports caused material injury to domestic producers. If the investigation establishes both dumping and the resulting injury, the DGTR may recommend the imposition of anti-dumping duties on the imports. However, the Ministry of Finance will take the final decision on whether to impose the recommended duties.

Concerns Over Cheap Chinese Imports

The latest investigation comes amid concerns over China’s industrial overcapacity and ongoing US-China trade tensions. These developments have raised concerns that surplus Chinese production could increasingly enter other markets at competitive or low prices. In recent years, India has initiated several anti-dumping investigations involving products imported from China. Such investigations aim to determine whether imported goods are being sold below their normal value and consequently harming domestic producers.

Anti-Dumping Duties Aim to Ensure Fair Competition

Countries conduct anti-dumping investigations to protect domestic industries from the adverse effects of unfairly priced imports. If authorities establish dumping, material injury and a causal link between the two, governments can impose anti-dumping duties in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. These duties are intended to promote fair trading practices and provide a level playing field for domestic manufacturers competing with foreign producers and exporters. India and China are both members of the WTO. As reported by rediff.com, India has previously imposed anti-dumping duties on several products imported from China and other countries to address concerns over dumped imports and protect domestic industries.