Polysulfone and PVDF polymer (membrane substrate)

Arkema S.A. (Colombes, France; Euronext: AKE; ~€11B revenue 2023; specialty chemicals and advanced materials) is the world's largest producer of tert-butyl mercaptan (TBM), the primary natural gas odorant compound used across North America and much of Europe. Arkema's Lacq, France facility — located in the historic Lacq natural gas field in the French Pyrenees — is the dominant global TBM production site. Arkema also produces ethyl mercaptan (EM) and other thiol compounds. TBM production at Lacq leverages proximity to historic sulfur byproducts from the local natural gas field; Lacq was France's primary natural gas production region from the 1950s through the 1990s. Arkema also supplies mercaptans for industrial chemical synthesis (pharmaceuticals, rubber additives, lubricant additives) through its Thiochemicals business line. Arkema's broader portfolio includes high-performance polymers (PEBA, PVDF), adhesives (Bostik), and coating solutions (Coatex).

World's largest chemical company by revenue; dominant Western producer of food-grade sodium nitrite. BASF expanded sodium nitrite production capacity in Germany specifically to meet growing demand for high-purity pharmaceutical and food applications. Primary production at Ludwigshafen (world's largest contiguous chemical complex). Also produces sodium nitrite catalysts, sulfuric acid, and intermediates for pharmaceutical synthesis. BASF sells food-grade sodium nitrite to meat processors globally through distribution networks and third-party channels.

Japanese specialty chemicals; produces bead-shaped activated carbon (BAC) for high-performance water treatment; Iwaki Japan facility

Specialty chemicals company spun off from Solvay SA on December 9, 2023; inherited Solvay's specialty chemicals portfolio including the Aroma Performance business unit (vanillin + hydroquinone). Self-described 'world's largest integrated producer of synthetic and natural vanillin.' Holds ~18% global vanillin market share. Filed 2024 US antidumping/countervailing duty petitions against Chinese vanillin imports. Announced intent to divest the Aroma Performance unit (no buyer named as of early 2026). Saint-Fons, France plant mothballed May 2024 due to Chinese competition; restarting late 2025 after EU imposed 131% anti-dumping duties on Chinese vanillin.