Markets Regions and Countries German-speaking Countries

IK member companies optimistic about 2016 / Selling prices likely to be increased

Sales after first nine months of 2015 match those of last year / Packaging products perform above average / Construction and semi-finished goods barely move / Technical parts and consumer goods looking up / Positive mood despite feedstock upheaval

German plastics fair meets expectations / Rising internationality among visitors / Movers and shakers attend / Aside from VW crisis, sector mood mostly upbeat

Feedstock price swings reflected in the statistical H1 balance sheet / Depressed sales at the start of the year gradually lifted by cost rises / Full-year revenues could set new record

First-half of 2015 better than expected / Polymer supply shortage burdens converters / Digital revolution “Industry 4.0” not yet a topic / Outlook for second half deteriorates / Readership survey

First national sorting centre for plastics bottles opened in Frauenfeld / Müller Recycling invests more than EUR 9m

Plastics sector recovers slightly in 2014 / Rise in revenues and processed volumes put an end to previous downtrend / Recovery short-lived / Franc revaluation brakes economic development

Market liberalised in early 2015 / ARA faced rising competitive pressure / ELS Dual launches collection and recycling system for retail packaging / Recycling quota for lightweight packaging up slightly

Slight reduction in output in 2014 / Market's current zigzag movements prove exhausting

Pressure exerted by franc's strength results in portfolio optimisations and longer working hours / Very few packaging producers consider outsourcing an option / SVI industry poll

Franc's strength puts massive pressure on packaging sector / SVI organises events aimed at dealing with currency issues

Swiss franc's gains hit plastics industry particularly hard / Exports cave in

Swiss film producer announces drastic salary cuts / Workforce on strike

Wales says it will place a moratorium on fracking / Regional parliament seeks devolved powers / German debate ramps up again / Ineos sees to clarify Grangemouth remarks

Robust start to the new year / Sector characterised by cautious optimism / More stable material and energy costs could help improve profit

IK industry association says sector's mood has improved / Poor investment raises concerns

New TDI line in Dormagen now officially on stream / Position as global market leader reinforced

Weak August dampens Q3 results / Sector nevertheless expected to grow in 2014 / Many businesses still operate at high output rates / Improvement in September

2013 production levels slightly up year-on-year / Processing also shows positive trend / Still shy of 2011 levels / E&E usage down / Rise in medical applications / New records for plastics recycling / Latest Consultic study

Building products are most dominant application / Recycling quota reaches nearly 100% / Consultic study

VDMA forecasts 2014 sales to fall slightly below 2013 level / EU 28 sees increase while exports abroad tumble / 2015 expected to record 4% rise / Sustainability initiative at "Fakuma"

German plastics fair opens its doors in Friedrichshafen / Close to 1,800 exhibitors / Organiser extends show opening times / Injection moulders still dominate

Solid growth in H1 2014 / Mild winter shifts construction season / Packaging and consumer goods remain stable / Technical parts producers report good business

German environment agency remains sceptical on fracking / Latest expert opinion recommends tight restrictions / Draft legislation expected in autumn

Solid half-year performance / Positive development / Exports improve / Expectations for H2 somewhat lower / Players continue to suffer from renewable energy surcharges