Japanese pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Peptistar has integrated Asahi Kasei’s innovative forward osmosis–membrane distillation (FO–MD) system into its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility. The company has begun operating the system at manufacturing scale as part of its evaluation for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) production.

Asahi Kasei first announced the development of the FO–MD system in 2018. The technology dehydrates and concentrates liquids without applying heat or pressure, significantly reducing the number of freeze-drying batches and shortening overall API manufacturing time.

Growing Demand for Advanced API Manufacturing

The pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a major shift in API demand, moving beyond traditional high-volume small molecules to biologics, peptides, oligonucleotides, viral vectors, and other next-generation therapeutics. As these APIs become increasingly complex and highly specific, manufacturers require advanced production technologies that can preserve product quality while improving efficiency.

Many next-generation APIs, particularly peptides and oligonucleotides, are highly sensitive to heat. Consequently, manufacturers have relied on freeze-drying to remove solvents without exposing these compounds to high temperatures. However, freeze-drying remains a costly, energy-intensive, and time-consuming process.

Although manufacturers can shorten freeze-drying by concentrating raw material solutions beforehand, conventional concentration technologies such as vacuum distillation expose materials to heat, increasing the risk of quality degradation. In addition, changes in solvent composition during concentration may lead to unwanted precipitation.

FO–MD Technology Overcomes Manufacturing Challenges

Asahi Kasei’s FO–MD system addresses these limitations by concentrating pharmaceutical raw material solutions without using heat or pressure. The forward osmosis (FO) process removes water through an osmotic pressure difference across a membrane, enabling highly concentrated API solutions under mild operating conditions.

Unlike the tangential flow filtration (TFF) process commonly used in API manufacturing, FO maintains concentration efficiency even at higher API concentrations, where fouling and leaks can affect recovery rates.

Meanwhile, the membrane distillation (MD) process removes volatile components such as acetonitrile, alcohol, and ammonia by utilizing a vapor pressure difference across a membrane at or below room temperature.

As per the press release, combining FO and MD technologies enables manufacturers to prepare highly concentrated solutions for freeze-drying while maintaining ingredient composition and preventing precipitation.

Improved Productivity and GMP Readiness

The integrated FO–MD system significantly reduces freeze-drying time, enabling manufacturers to produce APIs with high purity, high yield, and improved productivity. The system installed at Peptistar’s manufacturing facility can process batches of up to 100 liters and has been designed to support GMP-compliant operations.

Peptistar is currently operating the system at manufacturing scale as part of its evaluation for future GMP production.

Supporting Future Commercialization

Looking ahead, Asahi Kasei plans to further evaluate the commercialization potential of its FO–MD technology. The initiative aligns with the company’s broader structural transformation strategy, which identifies Life Science as a key Growth Potential business under its medium-term management plan.

NEXTCHEM, a subsidiary of MAIRE, has completed the acquisition of the Ballestra Group, including Ballestra S.p.A. and its Mazzoni brand, BUSS ChemTech AG (Switzerland), and Ballestra Engineering and Projects Pvt. Ltd. (India). The acquisition strengthens NEXTCHEM’s technology portfolio and expands its presence in sustainable fertilizers, advanced materials chemistry, and bio-based detergents.

Expands Capabilities in Strategic Materials

The deal broadens NEXTCHEM’s proprietary technologies across the full nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizer spectrum while adding expertise in sulfuric, phosphoric and hydrofluoric acids, fluorine derivatives for lithium-ion batteries, and gas-liquid reactors for specialty chemicals.

Additionally, the acquisition integrates around 460 employees across Italy, Switzerland, and India, enhancing the company’s global process engineering capabilities and expanding its European innovation network with laboratories and demonstration plants.

Creates New Growth Opportunities

As per the company’s press release, the integration also opens new cross-selling opportunities with Tecnimont, MAIRE’s Integrated Engineering & Construction Solutions (IE&CS) business unit, particularly in industrial plant projects, revamping and material transformation.

Ballestra’s expertise also strengthens NEXTCHEM’s position in strategic materials for electrification, including technologies for lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic applications, while reinforcing its leadership in sustainable detergents, surfactants, soaps, and oleochemical process technologies through the Mazzoni brand.

Transaction and Leadership

NEXTCHEM acquired Ballestra for €148.2 million through a combination of cash and dedicated bank financing. Ballestra will continue to operate under the leadership of Paolo Iengo.

Commenting on the acquisition, MAIRE CEO Alessandro Bernini said the deal marks a strategic milestone that strengthens NEXTCHEM’s position in high-growth markets while accelerating the development of its global technology platform.

Henkel has appointed Pradhyumna Ingle as the Country President for India, reinforcing its commitment to one of its fastest-growing and most strategically important markets. Based in Navi Mumbai, Ingle will lead the company’s growth strategy, strengthen its market presence, and drive innovation across its businesses in India. In addition, he will continue to serve in his global leadership roles as Global Head – Infrastructure Protection & Repair and IMEA Head – Manufacturing & Maintenance within Henkel Adhesive Technologies.

India Remains a Strategic Growth Market

Henkel announced the appointment at a time when India continues to emerge as one of the world’s most promising growth markets. Large-scale infrastructure investments, rapid industrialisation and the expansion of an upwardly mobile consumer base are creating significant opportunities for innovation and business growth.

As per the press release, these favourable market trends align with Henkel’s long-term strategy to strengthen its presence and expand its operations in India.

Experienced Leader to Drive Growth

With more than 25 years of leadership experience across India, Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East & Africa, Ingle brings extensive global expertise to the role. Throughout his career, he has accelerated business growth, built high-performing organisations, led acquisitions and integration initiatives, and advanced digital business models.

He succeeds S. Sunil Kumar, who successfully led Henkel India over the past five years. Kumar will now relocate to Dubai, where he will take on an expanded role leading strategic projects across the IMEA region while continuing as Director – Packaging, IMEA.

Henkel Highlights India’s Strategic Importance

Commenting on the appointment, Ashraf Elafifi, IMEA President, Henkel, said, “India is a key growth engine for Henkel globally. Pradhyumna brings a unique combination of global perspective, deep market understanding, customer-centricity and proven leadership in driving transformation and sustainable growth. His extensive experience across multiple regions and industries positions him exceptionally well to lead Henkel India’s next chapter of growth.”

Pradhyumna Ingle on His New Role

Speaking about his appointment, Pradhyumna Ingle said, “India is at the forefront of a remarkable economic and consumer transformation. With accelerating investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, mobility, electronics, energy and digital technologies, alongside a young and aspirational consumer base, the opportunities for innovation and value creation are significant. Henkel is uniquely positioned to contribute to this growth through our strong brands, leading technologies, deep customer and consumer understanding, and partnerships across both Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands.”

He added, “I am excited to work with our talented teams across India to further strengthen our market position, expand our local innovation capabilities, and deliver sustainable growth for our customers, employees, partners, and communities. Together, we will continue advancing solutions that help build, maintain, and improve the industries that power India’s future.”

Educational Background

Pradhyumna Ingle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from Government Engineering College, Ujjain, and an MBA from the Institute of Management Studies, Indore.

Pradhyumna Ingle, Country President, Henkel India.

Dow has strengthened its global innovation and manufacturing footprint through targeted investments aimed at accelerating specialty silicones growth. The company is focusing on expanding capacity, improving supply chain resilience, and speeding up commercialization of advanced materials.

Strategic Investments in Specialty Silicones

To begin with, Dow is investing approximately $100 million by the end of 2027 to expand its global specialty silicones capabilities across the United States, China, and Japan. These investments will enhance production capacity for advanced silicones used in mobility, electronics, and healthcare applications.

Moreover, the expansion is designed to improve operational flexibility. It will also enable Dow to respond faster to rising customer demand in high-growth markets while maintaining consistent product availability.

Strengthening Innovation and Supply Chain Resilience

In addition, Dow is reinforcing its innovation ecosystem by improving its ability to move new products from development to commercial scale more efficiently. This includes upgrading manufacturing capabilities and enhancing technical expertise across key regions.

As a result, the company aims to reduce supply chain bottlenecks and increase reliability for customers who depend on high-performance materials.

Focus on High-Growth End Markets

Furthermore, Dow is prioritizing sectors that are experiencing strong structural growth. These include electronics, mobility, and healthcare, where advanced silicones play a critical role in enabling performance, durability, and efficiency.

Consequently, the investments are expected to support both customer innovation and Dow’s long-term growth strategy.

Alignment with Dow’s Innovation Strategy

Notably, the initiative reflects Dow’s broader commitment to materials science leadership and customer-centric innovation. The company continues to align its portfolio with evolving industrial needs while advancing scalable, high-value solutions.

BASF has announced the commissioning of new world-scale production facilities, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across its global operations.

Expansion of Aroma Ingredients Portfolio

The company has launched three new production plants for menthol, linalool, and citral in Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Zhanjiang, China. These investments strengthen BASF’s Aroma Ingredients business and enhance its global supply capabilities. The new facilities also support the company’s broader strategy of integrating advanced manufacturing with sustainable growth.

Advancing Industrial-Scale Catalyst Innovation

In addition, BASF has started operations at the world’s first production plant for 3D-printed catalysts in Ludwigshafen. This development marks a major milestone in chemical process innovation. The facility uses X3D® technology to design catalysts with improved geometries that reduce pressure drop and enhance reaction efficiency.

Industry Applications and Benefits

As per BASF news release, this breakthrough technology enables higher reactor throughput while lowering energy consumption. It also improves product quality by optimizing how raw materials interact within chemical processes. Consequently, BASF strengthens its position as a leading provider of high-performance catalyst solutions.

Broader Business Impact and Strategic Direction

Furthermore, BASF continues to align these innovations with its long-term “Winning Ways” strategy, which focuses on strengthening core businesses and improving operational efficiency. The company aims to enhance competitiveness while driving sustainability across its value chain.

Conclusion

Overall, BASF’s latest developments reflect a strong focus on technological advancement and industrial transformation. By investing in new production capabilities and next-generation catalyst technologies, the company continues to reinforce its leadership in the global chemical industry.

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking solid-state material that converts visible light into ultraviolet (UV) light, potentially unlocking new ways to harness solar energy. Because UV light carries more energy than visible light, it plays a critical role in applications such as artificial photosynthesis, photocatalysis, hydrogen production, and sterilization.

However, UV light accounts for only about 4% of the sunlight that reaches Earth’s surface. As a result, scientists have long searched for ways to transform the abundant visible portion of sunlight into higher-energy UV radiation.

Overcoming Long-Standing Challenges

To address this challenge, a team from Tokyo Institute of Technology created a solid material capable of “upconverting” low-energy visible light photons into high-energy UV photons. The process, known as photon upconversion, allows the material to generate UV light from sunlight-intensity visible light.

Previous upconversion systems typically relied on liquid solutions that required oxygen-free environments and airtight containers. Moreover, these materials often degraded quickly when exposed to air and performed poorly under natural sunlight conditions.

In contrast, the newly developed solid film remains stable in air while efficiently converting visible light into UV light. This breakthrough significantly improves the practicality of photon upconversion technology.

Record-Breaking Stability and Efficiency

The research team demonstrated that the material maintains its performance for more than 100 hours in air, setting a new benchmark for photostability in this class of materials. Additionally, the film operates under light intensities lower than natural sunlight and achieves impressive conversion efficiency.

As reported by Interesting Engineering, the material combines an ultralow excitation threshold with a high upconversion quantum yield, enabling it to function effectively even under weak visible-light conditions.

Innovative Manufacturing Process

The researchers created the film by melting together two key components—a sensitizer, which absorbs visible light, and an annihilator, which facilitates the energy-transfer process. They then cooled the mixture using a temperature-gradient-controlled technique to form a solid thin film.

Importantly, this manufacturing method offers high reproducibility and compatibility with industrial-scale production. Consequently, the technology could move more easily from the laboratory to real-world applications.

Demonstrating Real-World Applications

To validate the material’s capabilities, the team exposed the film to simulated sunlight containing only visible light. The generated UV light successfully cured and solidified a resin that would normally require direct UV exposure.

This demonstration highlights the material’s potential in industries that depend on UV-driven chemical reactions. Furthermore, it could enhance technologies used in environmental purification, green hydrogen production, and advanced manufacturing.

A Step Toward More Efficient Solar Energy Use

The development marks an important advance in solar-energy utilization. By transforming abundant visible light into useful UV radiation, the material broadens the range of reactions and processes that sunlight can power.

Looking ahead, researchers believe the technology could support a new generation of UV-light-generating materials and help industries make better use of low-intensity sunlight and indoor lighting. As a result, the innovation may contribute to cleaner energy systems and more sustainable industrial processes.

Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON), in collaboration with the MIT Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy, has released a new report, Accelerating Energy Expansion, highlighting how digital and AI-enabled technologies can help increase energy supply while significantly reducing fuel production costs.

According to the research, AI-driven solutions could lower annual production costs for traditional oil-based fuels by up to $225 billion and for liquefied natural gas (LNG) by up to $80 billion by 2050.

Focus on Energy Security and Affordability

The report outlines three key priorities for strengthening energy security and affordability:

• Increasing energy supply
• Managing energy demand more efficiently
• Diversifying energy resources and feedstocks

Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Technology, said that meeting rising global energy demand will require both investment in new technologies and more efficient use of existing infrastructure. He added that AI, automation, and digital solutions can help improve reliability, throughput, and overall operational efficiency.

AI Can Deliver Significant Cost Savings

Based on Honeywell’s analysis and modelling by the MIT Centre for Sustainability Science and Strategy, the study found that AI-enabled technologies could reduce global annual production costs for oil-based fuels by up to $55 billion within five years and as much as $225 billion by 2050.

Similarly, LNG production costs could fall by approximately $15 billion annually within five years of implementation and reach savings of up to $80 billion by 2050.

Upgrading Existing Infrastructure Can Meet Growing Demand

As electricity demand rises, improving the performance of existing infrastructure offers one of the fastest ways to increase available energy supply.

Jim Masso, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Automation, said on-site power generation and energy storage can help organizations add capacity faster, improve reliability, and support the growing energy needs of AI infrastructure.

As per the press release, emerging technologies such as fuel-cell-based systems are becoming increasingly attractive because they can be deployed more quickly and produce lower carbon emissions than conventional alternatives.

Diversifying Energy Sources Will Strengthen Energy Security

The report also stresses the need to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), to meet growing energy demand.

By leveraging local feedstocks such as biomass, waste oils, and non-edible crops, regions can build more resilient energy systems, reduce dependence on imports, and better withstand geopolitical disruptions.

Honeywell released the report during its 2026 Future of Energy Summit, which brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to discuss strategies for improving energy security, affordability, and competitiveness.

LIMA, June 24, 2026 — Peru’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Waldir Ayasta, announced that mining investment in the country is expected to reach approximately US$6.3 billion in 2026. He attributed this positive outlook to investor confidence in Peru’s geological potential, macroeconomic stability, and government efforts to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness.

Ayasta made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the 27th World Mining Congress (WMC 2026), which is being held in Lima and has attracted business leaders, government officials, academics, experts, and investors from around the world.

“The results achieved so far allow us to project mining investment of around US$6.3 billion this year,” Ayasta said. “This reflects investors’ confidence in Peru’s geological potential, macroeconomic stability, and the opportunities our country offers.”

Peru’s Mining Project Pipeline Exceeds US$64 Billion

During his address, Ayasta underscored Peru’s strategic role in the global mining industry. As one of the world’s leading producers of copper, silver, and zinc, the country continues to attract significant investment interest.

He also highlighted Peru’s mining project portfolio, which is valued at more than US$64 billion.

“This demonstrates Peru’s vast geological potential and the opportunities it presents for responsible and sustainable investment,” Ayasta said. “The portfolio will strengthen our contribution to the global supply of strategic and critical minerals.”

Government Advances Modernization Agenda

The minister noted that the government is actively implementing measures to facilitate investment by modernizing state institutions and technical processes.

As per the press release, these efforts form part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency and create a more attractive environment for mining investment.

“We are convinced that the future of mining depends on progress built on three fundamental pillars,” Ayasta said, identifying technology, sustainability, and trust as the foundations of a modern mining industry.

Mining Remains a Key Driver of Peru’s Economy

Ayasta also emphasized the mining sector’s significant contribution to the national economy. Currently, mining accounts for approximately 12% of Peru’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and more than 60% of the country’s exports. In addition, the industry continues to generate employment and economic resources across the country’s regions.

According to the minister, the sector created an average of 278,000 direct jobs during the first four months of 2026. Meanwhile, mining-related fiscal revenues exceeded PEN 15 billion during the same period.

Furthermore, transfers from mining royalties, mining canon, validity rights, and penalties surpassed PEN 4.1 billion, reinforcing the sector’s importance to regional development and public finances.

World Mining Congress Brings Together Global Industry Leaders

The World Mining Congress 2026 officially opened on June 24 and will run through June 26 at the Lima Convention Center. The event has brought together participants from more than 50 countries.

The program features keynote speeches, technical sessions, a technology exhibition, and ministerial roundtables. Representatives from nine countries will discuss key issues shaping the industry, including critical minerals, the energy transition, competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability.

Paris, June 24, 2026 — TotalEnergies has officially entered the Bab Gas Cap Concession in Abu Dhabi, acquiring a 10% participating interest. The company joins a consortium that includes ADNOC (60%), bp (10%), CNPC (8%), JODCO/INPEX (5%), ZhenHua (4%), and GS Energy (3%).

Operated by ADNOC Onshore, the concession will develop the substantial gas cap resources of the Bab onshore field. The partners aim to achieve a production rate of 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day.

Building on a Long-Term Partnership

This new concession builds on the 40-year renewal of Abu Dhabi’s onshore oil concession in 2015, formerly known as ADCO. Since then, TotalEnergies has worked closely with ADNOC and other partners to advance the development of the Bab Gas Cap project, which offers significant growth potential.

Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Energy Expansion Goals

As per the press release, the project aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategy to increase both condensate and natural gas production. In addition, it strengthens the emirate’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain, particularly through the Ruwais LNG project, where TotalEnergies also holds a 10% stake.

Commitment to Low-Cost, Low-Emission Growth

Commenting on the agreement, Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, thanked the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs of Abu Dhabi for its continued confidence in the company.

He noted that the new concession reinforces TotalEnergies’ long-standing partnership with ADNOC and highlights the company’s commitment to supporting the development of the United Arab Emirates’ hydrocarbon resources. Furthermore, he emphasized that the Bab Gas Cap project aligns with TotalEnergies’ upstream strategy by adding low-cost, low-emission resources with strong production growth potential.

Clariant Oil Services has successfully deployed HYTREAT™ ECO, an anti-agglomerant low-dosage hydrate inhibitor (LDHI-AA), in offshore fields in Norway and the United Kingdom. The technology is the first of its kind to meet OSPAR’s stringent environmental requirements for North Sea operations while delivering reliable hydrate control in challenging deepwater conditions.

Unlike conventional methanol or monoethylene glycol (MEG)-based treatment programs, HYTREAT™ ECO achieves effective hydrate management at significantly lower dosage rates. As a result, operators can reduce chemical consumption, offshore logistics, and operational complexity.

Tackling a Key Flow Assurance Challenge

Gas hydrate formation remains a major challenge in subsea oil and gas production, where high-pressure and low-temperature conditions can create ice-like blockages that disrupt operations and threaten asset integrity.

To address this issue, HYTREAT™ ECO keeps hydrate particles dispersed and flowing through production systems. During North Sea field trials, the technology delivered effective hydrate control at dosage rates of less than 1% to 2% by volume on water—far lower than traditional treatment methods.

Consequently, operators benefited from reduced chemical usage, lower transportation requirements, and a smaller operational footprint. The solution is also fully compliant with OSPAR, the international framework for protecting the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic.

Proven in Norway and the UK

As per the company press release, HYTREAT™ ECO was developed through years of research and collaboration with major North Sea operators.

In Norway, the technology supported hydrate management in a mature offshore asset and enabled a successful well restart following a 24-hour shut-in within the hydrate stability zone. The performance earned the technology a Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL7), confirming its effectiveness under full-scale operating conditions.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, HYTREAT™ ECO replaced subsea methanol injection in a gas condensate field operating under extreme subcooling conditions. The technology maintained effective hydrate control during both normal operations and cold restart scenarios.

Supporting More Sustainable Offshore Operations

Beyond flow assurance, HYTREAT™ ECO reduces storage and handling requirements and can help lower emissions associated with chemical transportation and deployment.

As offshore operators seek to improve environmental performance while maximizing production from existing assets, HYTREAT™ ECO sets a new standard for sustainable hydrate management in offshore oil and gas operations.