Markets Polymers General

Industry ends 2023 on “a weak note” / Production, exports, imports down compared with 2022 / Uptick in investor confidence

Plastics producer still in the red / Full-year revenues sink one-fifth as cost cuts partly arrest profit decline

Business confidence stuck at low level – ifo / Thin backlog remains a problem

Morale in German plastics industry deteriorates – ifo / Manufacturers voice further concerns / Brighter outlook for services in Germany, Europe

Antwerp industry summit proposes revised climate goals for EU / Brudermüller: “Urgent need to enhance Europe's competitiveness“ / Complement or counterweight to green agenda?

Polyethylene film prices trend higher / Biaxial-oriented materials move sideways / Demand remains muted

World's first bio-based aniline pilot plant starts operation / Process to be tested together with German academic partners

Takeover talks with Adnoc reportedly stalled

Distributor launches sales company in Vietnam

Rising concerns about surcharges due to Red Sea crisis / Importers lose price leadership

US court reinstates air quality permit for Sunshine Project / Path to realisation remains long

What influence does the conflict in the Middle East have on the supply situation and polymer prices? / Interview with PIE price expert Martin Bäcker

Global initiative issues recommendations for plastics packaging use

Construction of US compounding plant on schedule / Production to start earlier than planned

Two Belgian sites achieve zero pellet loss certification

Onset of winter cripples plants in Texas, Louisiana / Exports to Europe only affected to a small extent

Construction of MTO polymer complex moves forward / Resin demand poised for growth / First bans on SUPs could come in 2026

Little output growth seen for 2024 / Plastics buyers to continue struggling / Competition with US and China a challenge

Firms seek to decarbonise ethylene glycol process / Saudi government joins carbon capture and storage thinktank

Adnoc increases takeover bid again / Middle Eastern petchem group continues push for acquisitions

The plastics industry continues to work in a state of emergency / Slumps in demand, cheap imports and ever-new regulations make life difficult for producers and processors / Producers on the other side of the Atlantic also face more difficulties

High costs and weak economy are increasingly causing problems for plastics manufacturers - Plastics Europe

Veil of gloom remains / Sales, output fall in 2023 / More declines expected in coming year

Moscow attacks, Europe adapts / Future impact as hard to predict as the outcome of the war

Low-carbon group cuts ties with World Economic Forum / CEOs line up to accelerate journey to net zero targets