WORLD TRADE

Trade war leads to plummeting US polymer exports to China / Imports to Europe continue to grow / EU considers imposing punitive tariffs on US plastics

CHINA

Plans to add major new PP capacities in the next two years / Significant reduction of import dependency expected

PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS

Styrene: Explosion disrupts Hanwha Total's production in South Korea

GLASS FIBRE PRODUCTS

GlassFibreEurope again takes action against dumping by Chinese producers / EU starts investigation / CPIC and Jushi concerned

FRANCE

Plastics processing sales set a record in 2018 / Profitability of companies weak in a European comparison / Great hopes for recyclate / Voluntary initiatives versus national roadmap

TUPPERWARE

Sabic's polymers from post-consumer waste used in plastic household goods / Reusable on-the-go coffee cups

EVONIK

Radiopaque PEEK material for medical implant technology

BIOPLASTICS

EUBP disputes basis of UK plastic bag study / Results throw doubt on biodegradability performance / Need for clearer labelling and certification

HENKEL

Detergent and cosmetics packaging made entirely of recyclate / "Social Plastic" rPET in collaboration with Plastic Bank

AMCOR

Launch of recyclable flexible polyolefin film for food and non-food packaging

LOGISTICS

BASF invests in storage and ship capacities / Prevention measures in case of Rhine river becoming too shallow again

MANAGEMENT

Global insolvencies forecast to rise in 2019 led by China / Western Europe a key contributor to top business failures / North America to plateau / Euler Hermes report

UNITED KINGDOM

UK corporate insolvencies likely to rocket in the face of a "no-deal" Brexit / Atradius report

LOGISTICS

Massive increase in road freight costs in Germany

LOGISTICS

Cost relief for rail freight in Germany expected / European Commission approves subsidies