Nearly a hundred senior executives from the polyurethane industry, representing nearly 30 countries worldwide, gathered together to discuss industry trends and a sustainable green future.

On June 25, 2025, during the 7th PTlF - Polyurethane Technology International Forum 2025, the highly anticipated "PTIF CEO Roundtable Forum" was successfully held in Shanghai. The forum attracted over a hundred industry leaders from nearly 30 countries from different regions. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on two key topics: "Chalenges & Opportunities for the Polyurethane Industry Under Current Tariff Policies" and "The Future Path of the Polyurethane Industry Under Global Carbon Neutrality Policies."

Dr. Enshan Sheng, Executive Director of Huntsman Asia-Pacific R&D Center

This year’s roundtable was chaired by Dr. Sheng Enshan, Executive Director of Huntsman’s Asia-Pacific R&D Centre, commenced with a speech by Mr. Cheng Guowen, CEO of PUdaily. In his address, Mr. Cheng Guowen stated that due to the rising volatility of the global landscape, the polyurethane industry now more than ever requires cross-border collaboration and continuous innovation. He expressed hope that this forum would serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas, enabling CEOs to share experiences and explore new pathways for industry development.  

The roundtable brought together representatives from leading global companies and industry organizations across the polyurethane supply chain, including renowned enterprises such as; Wanhua Chemical, Huntsman, BASF, Covestro, DOW, Huayi Group, Maysta, Xiangyuan, Tosoh, Dexton, Changhua Chemical, Woodbridge Group, Oriental Yuhong, Sleemon, Sinomax, Parat, CSPC, Sheela Foam, IKEA, ALFA, and Qbex. Also in attendance were leaders from global industry associations, including the China Polyurethane Industry Association (CPUIA), the Indian Polyurethane Association (IPUA), the Asia Pacific Polyurethane Association (APBA), the Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA), and the European Isocyanate and Polyol Producers Association (ISOPA). Additionally, experts and scholars from top ranking national universities such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University, East China University of Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Sichuan University, and Wuhan University provided intellectual support for industry advancement.  

The forum cultivated a dynamic and professional environment that encouraged in-depth dialogue. Participants examined the industry’s prevailing challenges and emerging transformation opportunities, particularly in the context of international trade friction and the growing pressures of carbon neutrality. These discussions were framed through the lenses of national policy developments, regional market dynamics, and advancements in technological trends. There was a consensus that the polyurethane industry is positioned at the crossroads of global cooperation and green transformation. Technological innovation, policy support, and international collaboration were identified as key drivers of its sustainable development.

The participants jointly signed the "Polyurethane Industry Low-Carbon Action Initiative," marking a substantive step forward in promoting the green transformation of the industry.

During the concluding session of the forum, all participating guests jointly signed the "Polyurethane Industry Low-Carbon Action Initiative," co-launched by the Shanghai Polyurethane Industry Association, the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, and PUdaily. This marks a significant step forward for the global polyurethane industry chain as it moves toward a greener, low-carbon future in a more united and systematic manner.

Over the next two days, the 2025 PTIF conference will officially commence. Nearly 300 industry leaders from around the world will engage in exchanges and collaborations on hot topics in industrial development through various formats, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and exhibition booth interactions.

This year conference has notably included the "PTIF Buyer Group Exchange" session, aim to establish a professional, efficient, and direct exchange platform for both suppliers and buyers across the polyurethane industry’s upstream and downstream sectors. It also provides industry professionals with greater opportunities for knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and business networking.

The successful hosting of this CEO roundtable forum has not only established a high-level international exchange platform but also provided concrete directions and actionable consensus for advancing the sustainable development of the global polyurethane industry.

“Focusing on the globe, connecting the future.” The new journey of the polyurethane industry has officially begun.

(PUdaily Media Centre, Shanghai Report)