Markets

EU27 competitiveness expected to erode further by 2030 amid rising energy costs / Bloc's global market shrinks over 15 years – Cefic

RecyClass updates guidance for labels and adhesives on PET bottles

EU considers higher anti-dumping duties on South Korean imports

Registrations continue higher in November / EVs dominate / BYD nears Tesla in market share

Government sets out plan for minimum 55% reclaim rate for SUP packaging

European Commission launches programme to support recycling sector / “Unfair and harmful import competition” to be addressed

PA specialist's German companies file for insolvency / 585 employees affected

Additives manufacturer discusses sustainability and investment strategy / CEO Arne Schulle sees structural location disadvantages in Europe

Polyolefin group acquires stake in BlueAlp

Plasma-based recycling process for glass fibre-reinforced plastics under development in Germany

ABS: Fire at Elix in Spain causes plant shutdown / Possible force majeure

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

Boost for Grangemouth cracker / London guarantees GBP 150 mn investment support package for UK's last remaining ethylene production

Freight rates on a roller coaster / Will the Suez Canal soon reopen to major traffic?

Acquisition in Catalonia strengthens recycling segment / Takeover of Spanish rubbish bag manufacturer Plasticbag

Europe's reclaim sector faces its toughest year yet / Cheap virgin plastics squeeze recyclates / Strain continues

Brussels lifts ban on combustion engines / Industry groups offer lukewarm responses / German car lobby calls changes 'disastrous'

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

VDMA sees bottoming out after declines in order intake, revenues / 5% drop in turnover expected for 2025

GBP 14 mn investment programme completed at HQ / Firm set for further expansion

No plans to scale back Covestro's European operations / Talks of 'Arab BASF' dismissed

Imported PTA boosts PET volumes, not profitability / EU mandates support virgin PET as market shrinks / Global PE, PP oversupply caps prices / Packaging, construction, automotive demand subdued

Brussels introduces eighth omnibus / Newest legislation package focused on cost savings for industry / NGOs call environment label Trojan Horse

German distribution group expands competence centre in Scandinavia