Base Petrochemicals, Aromatics and Feedstocks: February/March 2020

Polyethylene February 2020: Purchasing restraint keeps price rise in check / Development of demand uncertain due to coronavirus epidemic / Producers will aim to pass on only part of C2 cost reduction

Polypropylene February 2020: Market still without momentum / Inventory drawdowns curb demand / Rising demand could keep March prices stable

PVC February 2020: Demands for an increase partially pushed through towards end of month / Slightly reduced supply / Producers aiming for rollover in March / Supply situation worsens

Styrenics February 2020: Prices continue to rise along with the SM reference / Ample supply / Markup level softens somewhat over the course of the month / Prices will begin to decrease again in March

PET February 2020: Market remains in miserable state / Weak demand set against good supply / Coronavirus crisis further depresses situation / Doubts about recovery in March / Price pressure remains

Engineering thermoplastics February 2020: Price stability on a broad front / Quarterly agreements provide support / Demand slightly above expectations / Differing trends likely in March

US engineering plastics compounding expanded / Start-up in 2021

Polyolefins from bio-based feedstock to be made in Cologne / UPM's "Bio Verno"

Paste PVC production commissioned in Germany

Joint development with Blend+ of additives for recycled polyolefins

Spanish additives group plans growth in Europe

Debottlenecking of antioxidants plant in Italy

Fiscal 2020 outlook improves after first-half results / Bemis integration gives boost / HPRC partnership to improve medical plastics recycling

Acquisition of Fusion Packaging in the pipeline

Expansion of production plant in Germany

Partnership to develop food packaging applications for recycled PS

Envicco JV with PTT Global finalised / Recycling plant due online in late 2021

Ineos teams up with Italian recycler / Hybrid plastics from PE bottle caps

Joint venture for reusable cups set up in Belgium

European flexible foam production could see “make or break” year / Weaker demand of late / China subdued in global comparison / Rigid foams make up ground

Q4 sales fall led by Polyurethanes segment / Icynene-Lapolla acquisition seen closing in Q1 2020

Sales and earnings down sharply in 2019 / MDI expansion at Baytown “paused” as cost-savings programme accelerated

Global production capacity to climb to 2.43m t in 2024 / Growth driven by rising bio-based PP and PHA capacities / New reports from European Bioplastics and IfBB

Wrap publishes guidance for compostable packaging

Food-grade films with chitosan barrier layer

Three bioplastics launched / Biodegradable in water

Compostable cling film for fresh-food packaging developed with Italy's Fabbri

Sustainable packaging innovation programme selects three start-ups / Bio-based and reusable containers

Major decline in German-speaking Europe / Development index falls to ten-year low / Automotive crisis leaves considerable scars / Plastic bashing begins to impact business / Glimmer of hope with first signs of an upturn