Plastics sector fraught with structural difficulties / Dependence on imported raw materials / Private investments remain low / Upturn through economic stimulus programme / Pagev association demands removal of trade barriers

GCC polymer capacity to reach 34.5m t in 2022 / New capacity located mainly in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait / GPCA report

Plastics industry is accelerating / Rising global importance / Domestic polymer consumption to reach 20m t by 2020 / Two-digit growth anticipated for propylene and PVC

Global market expanding due to rising packaged food demand / Plastics accounted for 39% of market in 2015 / Grand View Research report

India recycles 90% of its PET waste / Plastic turned into apparel, bedding and more

Petrochemicals and plastics: Following earlier rise, former tiger state increasingly under pressure / Expansions in China limit sales outlets / Government-initiated restructuring / Quality over volume / Feedstock partnerships with foreign players

Plastics industry continues on the road to growth / Processing segment gains 3% / Local polymer supply still inadequate / Lack of investment / Strong customer industries / Uncertain political landscape

Appointments to Trump cabinet have ties to industry / ExxonMobil CEO Tillerson to be secretary of state / Fracking proponents at the helm / “Foxes guarding henhouses”

2015 production drops 3% over 2013 / Increase in plastics processing / Growth in packaging, automotive engineering and medical devices / Recycling as key economic factor / Consultic study 2015

High-ranking industry representatives detail their experiences with China / Exclusive KI Group event draws 240 attendees

Plastics processing production reaches 8.6m t in 2015 / Need to increase added value identified / PAGEV sets up EUR 20.6m centre of excellence near Istanbul

Broad decline in plastics industry sales in 2015 / Rise in Swiss franc's value leads to 7.5% fall in revenues / Minimal headcount reduction / Plastics waste exports down / Optimistic outlook for 2016

Plastics industry on growth course / Billions invested in booming automotive and aviation industries / Domestic polymer capacities limited to PVC, PET and PS / Highly dependent on polymer imports

Over half of BPF members predict increasing sales despite “Brexit” vote / Caution on effect of referendum result on profitability / Exports expected to increase as value of pound falls / Investment intentions weaken

Follow-up: “Zhejiang Blue” directive ahead of G20 Summit will impact businesses within a 300km radius / Cracker operating rates to be lowered during two-week period