Management General Management

A year of volatility and transition / Spot prices stay high amid weather extremes and grid bottlenecks / Germany anchors regional dynamics as renewables expand unevenly

A year of consolidation and a ‘new normal' comes to an end / Market stable after end of dramatic fluctuations from energy crisis / Political framework to continue to force players into further optimising diversification, storage, emissions strategies

German business climate weakens / Processors' mood worsens / European manufacturers send mixed messages

Industry on the brink – BPF / Shutdowns continue / Shops face multiple problems

Plastics converters could be eligible for industrial electricity price / Recyclers likely left in limbo / EUR 3 bn of taxpayers' money to provide relief / Many details still to be clarified

Surveys show moody manufacturers / German processor morale brightens – Ifo / UK producers more upbeat

Business failures to grow in 2025, 2026 / US, Chinese companies drive trend / Four key vulnerabilities highlighted / Better outlook for 2027

Ifo business climate index turns upwards again / Plastics industry less pessimistic

First fall in German business morale this year / Plastics firms more negative / European managers send mixed signals

Number of failing companies remains high / Only brief recovery in Q2 / Automotive suppliers particularly affected

Ifo business climate improves but only for technical reasons / Mood in plastics segment remains low

'Urgent action' needed in reclaim industry – BPF official / Plant closures highlight problems / Viridor for sale?

Q2 growth surprises to upside / Production activity contracts / Concerns remain about months ahead

Business climate index rises again / Upward trend seen among plastics processors

Major challenges ahead for plastics traders / Increasing dependence on China, US

US plastics association lauds UK agreement / Deal supports US trade surplus / EU shops at competitive disadvantage

GDP drops for second straight month / Industrial production falls again / Construction indicator hits 30-month low

Polymer industry to benefit from new industrial strategy / Key sectors include advanced manufacturing / Composites set for gains

Business confidence improves again / Plastics processors more pessimistic

Government support fuels growth of plastics processing sector

Economists raise growth outlook / Government spending to boost output / Investors look to Europe

Trade group demands cheaper electricity / ‘Security of country' at risk / Processors worry about competitiveness

Development banks invest EUR 3 bn in Clean Oceans Initiative 2.0

Mood among plastics, rubber processors brightens / Ifo business climate index rises

US, UK unveil tariff changes / Trump's 10% levy remains largely in effect