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Industry news on coronavirus situation

Coronavirus situation

Across the globe, the plastics industry is feeling the drastic effects of the coronavirus crisis. Supply chains are facing disruptions, automotive suppliers are struggling to survive and plastics producers are reporting declining production figures. Everywhere, the accuracy of annual forecasts is called into question. In contrast, manufacturing of packaging materials is booming and companies across the value chain are working together to provide urgently needed medical supplies.

To keep you up to date, we are bundling essential news about the coronavirus crisis here.
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POLYMER PRICES
North America March 2023: Mixed price development despite subdued demand / Propylene, PP continue upward trend, PA 6 loses further ground / April expected to be generally weak
13.04.2023
POLYMER PRICES
PET December 2022: Downward trend slows despite weak demand / Curtailments take effect / Imports decline / Calm expected in January
03.01.2023
POLYMER PRICES
North America August 2022: Polymer prices plummet / Trend turnaround for PS, PA 6 / Falling feedstock costs, weak market base to push prices lower
14.09.2022
POLYMER PRICES
PET August 2022: Prices fall across the board / Strong imports ensure plentiful supply / Demand considerably below customary seasonal level / Producers curtail production / Uncertain outlook for autumn
02.09.2022
WESTLAKE
US resin maker with record results / Acquisitions, high prices provide impetus
10.08.2022
POLYMER PRICES
PET June 2022: Seasonal demand clearly picking up / Higher feedstock costs raise prices / Attractive imports boost supply / Further increases expected in July
04.07.2022
CHINAPLAS
Postponed: 35th edition of the event will now take place in April 2023
22.04.2022
HONG KONG
Report urges government to ban single-use plastics / Pandemic worsens waste issues
22.04.2022
POLYMER PRICES
PET March 2022: Unique situation as pandemic, war boosts prices / Start of spring, tight supply situation cause run on resin / Little change likely in April
04.04.2022
BRASKEM
Strength of Brazil economy spurs return to profit / More investments planned this year
29.03.2022
DOW
Collaboration with Südpack, Sartorius / Bioprocessing bags for Covid-19 vaccines
07.03.2022
POLYMER PRICES
PET February 2022: Upward pressure increases / Supply situation tightens / Pre-seasonal rise in demand / Ukraine war casts pall / Price hikes coming
02.03.2022
UPDATE - TRADE FAIRS
“JEC World” composites show, “World Pultrusion Conference”postponed to May / Both events to be held in Paris
26.01.2022
FACE MASKS
Sabic PP now used in local N95 mask production
24.01.2022
PETCORE
Annual conference postponed to June 2022
24.01.2022
POLYMER PRICES
PET December 2021: Notations increase again / A very quiet end of year keeps high demands in check / Signs of a turnaround on world markets / Increased imports in sight again
04.01.2022
GERMAN PLASTICS INDUSTRY
DZ Bank survey: Processor margins under pressure / Nearly one in five shops have rejected orders
17.12.2021
TRADE FAIRS
Swiss Plastics Expo postponed to 2023 / New date for SVI Annual Conference
16.12.2021
RAW MATERIALS
Economic institute HWWI says energy resource index nearly 10% lower in November / Uncertainty around Omicron variant puts pressure on prices
13.12.2021
POLYMER PRICES
PET November 2021: Brief respite at the beginning of the month gives way to panic due to new coronavirus variant / Gaping emptiness in supply / Spot prices already exploding / Contracts could follow suit
02.12.2021
POLYMER PRICES
North America October 2021: Polyolefin markets calmer / PVC unaffected by events in Europe / Engineering thermoplastics move sideways, but situation remains tense
09.11.2021
POLYMER PRICES
PET October 2021: Cost of raw materials and energy causes sharp rise in prices / Supply set to be extremely tight / Hedging purchases predominate as of mid-month / No improvement in sight
02.11.2021
UPDATE - PLASTINDIA
Indian trade fair postponed again due to Covid-19 / New dates in 2023
22.10.2021
CREDIT RISKS
State support cuts insolvency risk for European SMEs / Automotive, transport equipment among sectors most exposed / France loses export share as China expands / Euler Hermes reports
11.10.2021
POLYMER PRICES
PET September 2021: Picture dominated by moderate increases / Subdued supply with an unexpected pickup in demand / Rising cost pressure due to high energy prices brings uncertainty for October
04.10.2021
LOGISTICS
New record prices for container freight / Coronavirus renaissance hangs over trade routes like Damocles' sword
12.08.2021
OMV
Borealis boosts results of Austrian parent / Polymer margins expected to decline in Q3
10.08.2021
PLASTICS ECONOMY
Cautious optimism for companies in German-speaking Europe / Focus on supply bottlenecks and raw material prices / Expansion of supplier base and search for alternative materials
09.08.2021
POLYMER PRICES
PET July 2021: Only slight corrections to pricing / Rising petrochemical costs keep reductions in check / Demand still below expectations / Upward price pressure set for clear increase in August
03.08.2021
PLASTIC PACKAGING
German processors straining under current raw material situation / Covid challenges: winners and losers / Consumer preferences vs. the power of trade / Composite packaging as a problem
06.07.2021
POLYMER PRICES
North America May 2021: Notations race from one high to the next / Product shortages everywhere / Numerous forces majeures still in place / Benzene price gives reason for hope / Only PS situation likely to improve in June
09.06.2021
POLYMER PRICES
PET May 2021: Price increases coming to an end / Record rates already trimmed / Production situation improves / Demand remains slack due to weather / Across-the-board reductions seem possible in June
02.06.2021
RÖCHLING
German plastics group with weak results / Robust industry business / Material bottlenecks until third quarter
27.05.2021
WESTLAKE
Buoyant economy and higher prices help boost Q1 sales and earnings
18.05.2021
BRASKEM
Operating profits soar in Q1 on strong PP sales in Europe, US
17.05.2021
CELANESE
Improved earnings dynamics in sight for engineered materials segment / Portfolio focused on high-growth markets and sustainability / Acquisitions for access
11.05.2021
GRAMMER
Situation improves after poor 2020 / Joint venture with Chinese truckmaking giant
06.05.2021
BASF
Outlook revised higher / Strong end of 2020 continues into Q1 / Sales up 16%
04.05.2021
POLYMER PRICES
PET April 2021: Notations clearly rising / Market tightening continues / Very poor availability of PTA feedstock / Imports still absent / Demand lull preventing worsening of situation
04.05.2021
R&P POLYPLASTIC
Distribution agreements in Poland, Slovakia / Compounding capacity to be expanded
04.05.2021
SPAIN
National report: Coronavirus-related economic slump impacts plastics processing / CEP association expects massive drop in production value in 2020 / Supply bottlenecks exacerbate current situation
30.04.2021
RÖHM
Antimicrobial PMMA offers protection against droplet infections
22.04.2021
HELLA
Automotive segment shows slight improvement / Situation to turn more critical in coming months
22.04.2021
CHINAPLAS
First in-person trade fair since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis / Very few international impulses expected
13.04.2021
MANAGEMENT
Sale-and-leaseback financing / Opportunity to increase liquidity and free up the balance sheet / Consideration needed for asset values, running times and “rights to separate satisfaction”
12.04.2021
POLYMER PRICES
North America March 2021: Prices race from one high to the next / Shortage of material leads to stoppages in processing / Slight easing of the situation with PP / Further increases on the cards for April
09.04.2021
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
Heard of the Cone of Silence? Here comes the Cone of Sustenance
09.04.2021
EMS
Investments of CHF 300m in five years / Construction of tallest Swiss high-bay warehouse
08.04.2021
TURKEY
Plastics demand rises in 2020 on higher domestic sales / Import and export volumes grow / Economic woes continue
07.04.2021
POLYMER PRICES
PET March 2021: European prices skyrocket / PTA outage in Belgium severely reduces availability as bottle season begins / Imports still scarce / Distinct hikes continue worldwide
06.04.2021
AVANTIUM
Carlsberg brewery strengthens PEF collaboration / Covid-19 negatively affects 2020 financial results / Delay in negotiations on FDCA plant construction
31.03.2021
CHINA
PE market 2020: Covid-ravaged year ends with significant growth / Imports cover around half of demand / Russian shipments on the rise
24.03.2021
CORONAVIRUS
Researchers call for fast action to address pollution from disposable face masks
23.03.2021
BRASKEM
Q4 operating results improve as volume and prices climb / Full-year net income shows loss due to environmental damage of salt-mining activities
19.03.2021
BERLIN PACKAGING
US packaging company continues buying spree / UK-based Roma adds to range of cosmetics containers / Lofty sales goal for Europe
15.03.2021
CARBONLITE RECYCLING
US plastics recycling giant files for bankruptcy protection / Company says impact of pandemic to blame
11.03.2021
MOL
Polyol plant start-up delayed / 2020 earnings down sharply / Profits expected to rise 10% in 2021 / Downstream expansions planned
10.03.2021
RECTICEL
Annual turnover, earnings show third straight drop / CEO laments price increases for raw materials / Sale of bedding division
09.03.2021
TRADE FAIRS
Industry events JEC, Plast, Utech Europe and FIP moved to new dates / Impact of coronavirus vaccine-related uncertainties
03.03.2021
HUHTAMAKI
Q4 sales ease 7% on Covid-19 impacts / Food service in Europe and Asia worst hit / Only fibre packaging segment posts growth
03.03.2021
INDORAMA
Covid-19 and oil-price collapse squeeze 2020 profits / Record sales volume of 14m t / Expansion of four-year cost-cutting programme
02.03.2021
ELECTROLUX
2020 marked by extreme fluctuations / Cautious outlook for Europe
23.02.2021
PLASTICS ECONOMY
PIE Readers Survey: Mostly optimistic business mood in Europe's plastics industry / Increasing willingness to invest / Feedstock costs and availability main issues / Return to pre-pandemic levels not before 2021
19.02.2021
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
Recycling rules!
19.02.2021
EMS
2020 revenues fall due to Covid-19 / Full-year operating margin stable at high level / 2021 operating income expected to improve
16.02.2021
UK REACH
Chemicals industry says cost of signing up to new post-Brexit regulatory regime will be huge
15.02.2021
TRINSEO
Out of the red thanks to strong fourth quarter / Profit hikes for PS and ABS / Group CEO Bozich expects “exciting times with significant increases in earnings”
15.02.2021
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
Alone together in concert in the time of Covid-19
12.02.2021
CORONAVIRUS
Global economic development forecast of 4.6% in 2021 / Buoyant H2 growth expected on vaccine rollouts despite bottlenecks / Return to pre-pandemic levels only by 2022 / Euler Hermes report
11.02.2021
EASTMAN
Q4 growth in plastics-related businesses partly offset declines in other segments / Q4 adjusted EBIT jumps 18% / USD 250m investments for recycling facility in Tennessee
11.02.2021
POLYMER PRICES
North America January 2021: Unceasing upward movement in all segments / Rising feedstock prices and supply bottlenecks reinforce the trend / Slight easing of the situation expected in February
10.02.2021
DOW
Revenue increase in Q4 first time since start of pandemic / One-offs propel net income to profit versus 2019 loss / Strong PE and PU margins
10.02.2021
BOREALIS
Q4 net profit soars 52% on strong polyolefin markets / Thomas Gangl appointed CEO to replace Alfred Stern
09.02.2021
AUTONEUM
Group turnover for 2020 collapses by almost one-fourth / Two candidates for board of directors
09.02.2021
PLASTICS ECONOMY
Turbulent business development in German-speaking Europe due to coronavirus crisis / Diversification pays off / Exports weaken slightly / Investments pick up / Considerable opposition to “EU plastic tax”
08.02.2021
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
…And it was all yellow.
05.02.2021
POLYMER PRICES
PET January 2021: Rising feedstock costs push prices up significantly / Import situation still tense due to high costs / Further hikes possible despite weak demand
02.02.2021
SUPPLY CHAINS
Companies introduce strategies to protect against Covid-19-related disruptions / Survey shows 30% of firms considering near-shoring / Euler Hermes report
01.02.2021
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
A warm hug of normalcy…
29.01.2021
ASIA
Economic activity set to rebound in 2021 / Slow, partial decoupling from China / New US administration to have positive effect on Chinese relations / Atradius report
27.01.2021
CORRECTION - MARINE LITTER
Alliance to End Plastic Waste's project Renew Oceans collapses / Pandemic and technical problems blamed for breakdown of multi-company clean-up effort in India
26.01.2021
VICTREX
New year starts solidly after Covid-19 dents 2020 financial results / Challenges in Aerospace and Energy seen to persist / 2021 capital expenditure raised
26.01.2021
BASF
Q4 operating profit soars 32% year-on-year / Sales jump 8% / Earnings for materials, chemicals and industrial solutions beat market consensus
22.01.2021
PLASTICS INDUSTRY
Pandemic hits economy / Global plastics production nears 370m t in 2019 / European output loses market share / Full recovery expected in 2022 / PlasticsEurope report
21.01.2021
SCG PACKAGING
Acquisition of British foodservice packaging solutions provider Go-Pak
21.01.2021
ITALY
Italian plastics and rubber machinery output craters in 2020 / Exports plummet / 2021 rebound "likely"
21.01.2021
RECYCLING UK
Operational recycling capacity of BPF members seen at 74% in 2021 / Government funding needed for reclaim infrastructure / UK trade group publishes first sustainability report
19.01.2021
RADICI
PA specialist invests EUR 15m in production line for meltblown nonwovens / Aim to reduce dependence on imports for face masks
18.01.2021
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
Fashionability, sustainability, lip-readability
15.01.2021
POLYMER PRICES
North America December 2020: High feedstock prices, tight supply situation and recovery tendency in plastics processing combine to drive up prices / Significant increases with few exceptions / Tension unlikely to ease
13.01.2021
UK
Government says pandemic could affect country's ability to reduce plastic waste
13.01.2021
TRADE FAIRS
“Interplas” now scheduled for end of September 2021
12.01.2021
NPE 2021
Trade fair cancelled due to coronavirus concerns / Plastics association names Hall of Fame inductees
07.01.2021
POLYMER PRICES
Polyethylene December 2020: Pandemic-related stockpiling boosts demand / Significant rise in prices / Upward trend unlikely to turn around in January / Ordering could see a small dip
06.01.2021
POLYMER PRICES
PET December 2020: Notations remain unchanged in slack environment / Imports still thin on the ground / Disappointing demand as pandemic flares up again / Firming of precursor products could drive prices in January
05.01.2021
CORONAVIRUS
More materials innovation needed to meet demand for face masks / Fastest growth in coatings / Lux Research report
04.01.2021
PLAST 2021
Italian plastics trade fair postponed to June 2021
04.01.2021
UK
Recoup survey shows upward trend in household plastics collection / Pandemic changes lifestyles, increases recycling rate
18.12.2020
PLASTICS MACHINERY GERMANY
Sales down 10%-15% in 2020 / Jan-Oct revenue off 14% / Return to pre-crisis levels likely in 2023 / Waste and recycling business down
17.12.2020
POLYMER PRICES
China standard thermoplastics November 2020: Prices of polymers and feedstocks rise across the board / Low supply levels support bullish sentiment / Futures market strong due to vaccine optimism
15.12.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America November 2020: Prices stable to firmer / PE and PVC cool down / PP still rising / High feedstock costs push up styrenics / Further increases expected
15.12.2020
FORMOSA PLASTICS
Work on US “Sunshine Project” suspended due to coronavirus / Petrochemical and plastics complex still faces lawsuits
15.12.2020
COMPOSITES INDUSTRY
50% of companies optimistic about future / Majority operating at 76% capacity or better / JEC poll
14.12.2020
LOGISTICS
Container freight rates rise / High demand for Asian products in Europe and US / Shipping business not expected to slow before February 2021
10.12.2020
PACKAGING RECYCLING
UK cuts targets for plastics packaging recycling in 2021 and 2022 / Decision follows Valpak warning that pandemic could bankrupt some recyclers / Coronavirus impact may extend through 2022
08.12.2020
TRADE FAIRS
World's leading packaging show “interpack” 2021 cancelled / High numbers of coronavirus infections raise uncertainty among companies
07.12.2020
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
German industry accustomed to success faces declining sales for the first time / Covid-19 sparks irreversible upheavals / Spectaris survey
07.12.2020
GERRESHEIMER
Expansion of small-batch plastics production / Packaging manufacturer adds medical devices to portfolio
07.12.2020
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
Weaker demand dampens investment sentiment / Pandemic exacerbates downturn / Ethylene utilisation rates will likely remain weak / McKinsey report
02.12.2020
BREXIT
Outcome of UK-EU trade negotiations remains uncertain / Time is running out / Plastics industry prepares / Coronavirus pandemic and supply bottlenecks add to problems
01.12.2020
LEONI
Cable and wiring specialist expects stabilisation of business development / CEO says situation still fragile
27.11.2020
PLASTPOL
Low exhibitor turnout this year / Next event planned for May 2021
27.11.2020
FRANCE
Decrease in overall plastic packaging sales / Elipso members expect increase in revenues in 2021 / Majority believes circular economy is the way forward
26.11.2020
COMPOSITES
European production slumps by almost 13% / Volume falls below 1m t for the first time / Loss of global market share / Best performance from flat panels and pipes
25.11.2020
PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT
Companies in UK and France launch face-mask recycling initiatives / Next waste crisis due to Covid-19?
25.11.2020
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
German plastics packaging association stresses on importance of to-go packaging / Composite solutions more difficult to recycle
23.11.2020
CELANESE
Chemical group delays expansion of German POM capacity due to Covid-19
19.11.2020
TRADE FAIRS
“interpack” set for 2021 / JEC, Plast Eurasia postponed
18.11.2020
EASTMAN
Highest free cash flow ever for first nine months / Q3 sales, EBIT down year-on-year / Rise in Covid-19 infections clouds outlook
18.11.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Standard recyclate November 2020: Prices trending horizontally / Only rPET continues downward trend / Increased demand for rPE and rPP / No major movements expected for rest of year
17.11.2020
WESTLAKE
Q3 earnings and sales slide due to Hurricane Laura / Restructuring charges for European vinyls business
16.11.2020
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Carmakers and OEMs must reinvent organisations to survive / Recommendations for five key changes / Window of opportunity is closing / McKinsey report
13.11.2020
LANXESS
Corridor for 2020 guidance confirmed and narrowed / Q3 year-on-year sales and net income fall
13.11.2020
PLASTICS ECONOMY
Industry recovery in German-speaking countries still slow / Is the low point behind us? / “Lockdown light” provokes criticism / “Work from home” divides employers and employees / Second Covid-19 survey
12.11.2020
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
UNEP calls on investors to back circular economy / More scrutiny of potential clients in financial industry's own interest / Plastics suppliers play important role / Pandemic has sent “mixed signals”
10.11.2020
BOREALIS
Q3 net profit rises versus Q2 but shrinks year-on-year due to coronavirus / Polyolefins sales volumes increase
09.11.2020
LYONDELLBASELL
Impact of coronavirus on refinery products lowers Q3 net income / Higher polymer demand from automotive and durables boosts quarterly sales growth
06.11.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Engineering thermoplastics October 2020: No price increases at start of new quarter / Demand remains weak / Producers utilise lull for maintenance work / Delivery delays until start of 2021
05.11.2020
POLYMER PRICES
PET October 2020: Notations slightly firmer despite weak demand due to pandemic / Supply trending low / Price pressure still prevails / Plants restarting after maintenance
03.11.2020
SPAIN
Covid-19 crisis hits economy / Q3 GDP down year-on-year / Weakness follows pressure on sales by plastics processing sector in 2019 / Volume decline for machinery imports
02.11.2020
RECYCLATE
Market in “very uncertain phase” / Some Chinese plastics recyclers stop imports / BIR report
30.10.2020
CIRCULAR ECONOMY AUSTRIA
Confidence declining in circular transformation / ARA barometer reveals less commitment among smaller companies / Coca-Cola launches recycling incentives for consumers
30.10.2020
UK
After delay, English ban on sale of single-use plastic items begins
29.10.2020
DOW
US chemical group reports small loss in Q3 / Cost-cutting fails to compensate for margin losses
29.10.2020
NOLATO
US purchase marks biggest in history of Swedish converter
29.10.2020
INEOS
Q3 earnings under pressure / Plastics group tightens cost-control
26.10.2020
TURKEY
PVC imports by weight seen up over 9% in 2020 / Domestic production volume set to drop more than 10% / PVC foreign trade deficit forecast to rise
22.10.2020
COMPOSITES
3D-printed fibres detect mask leaks / Multiple application areas expected
21.10.2020
LIFOCOLOR
Investment at headquarters plant / French unit to double capacity
20.10.2020
BASF
Huge Q3 net loss on impairments / Margin pressure expected to continue
16.10.2020
ITALY
Introduction of plastics tax in January 2021 increasingly unlikely / Trade associations warn of double burden
15.10.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America September 2020: Price explosion in polyolefins, PVC, ABS and PA 6 / Hurricanes drive up prices / PS, PC and PA 6.6 more relaxed / Situation expected to calm down in October with the exception of PE
15.10.2020
PARX PLASTICS
EU certifies Covid-19 mask made with material resistant to viruses and bacteria
15.10.2020
HELLA
Automotive supplier reports Q1 declines for sales and earnings / Provisions made for austerity programme
09.10.2020
EUMBC
2020 annual conference in webinar format
08.10.2020
TRADE FAIRS
“Plastpol” in Kielce and “Plast Eurasia” in Istanbul to open doors despite coronavirus crisis / Measures taken to protect visitors
05.10.2020
POLYMER PRICES
PET September 2020: Prices plunge surprisingly heavily / Second Covid-19 wave depresses demand / Consequences of US hurricane season stabilise in the second half of the month / Minor consolidation in sight
02.10.2020
FACC
Composites specialist announces massive job cuts
01.10.2020
OFFICE MANAGEMENT
UK report says pandemic has companies considering renting and cutting floorspace / Over 10 times more people now working at home in UK
29.09.2020
POLYMERS FOR EUROPE ALLIANCE
Poll of European plastics consumers ranks Repsol top overall supplier / “Best Polymer Producers Awards for Europe 2020” provides rankings for materials companies
28.09.2020
UK PLASTICS INDUSTRY
Report says good deeds during pandemic can help plastics / PPE production and packaging upswing soften Q2 demand drop
28.09.2020
GERMANY'S PLASTICS MARKETS
New Conversio study looks at material flows in 2019 / Decline in raw material production and plastics processing / Upward trend for recycling comes to a sudden halt / Corona crisis leaves major scars
25.09.2020
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
New dimensions in friendship in the age of Covid-19
25.09.2020
PLASTIC PACKAGING
Technology constraints drag on growth of mono-material films / Asia-Pacific dominates global market / PP fastest growing polymer / Smithers report
23.09.2020
VINNOLIT
PVC maker proposes closure of Schkopau plant
23.09.2020
ROBUST PLASTICS
Austrian packaging manufacturer applies for insolvency
21.09.2020
WHITE GOODS TURKEY
Difficult time due to Covid-19 / Sales fall 9% in H1 on weak European demand / Leading supplier country
18.09.2020
TRADE FAIRS
Sign-up open for “NPE 2021” plastics show in Orlando / Dates set for Russia's “interplastica 2021” / “Plastindia” pushed to 2022
17.09.2020
EVENTS
Coronavirus sparks postponements of further plastic events in Europe
16.09.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America August 2020: Season's first hurricane triggers pronounced hikes for polyolefins and PVC / Engineering plastics predominantly firmer / Restart of polymer production will determine September prices
15.09.2020
TURKEY
Plastics industry posts fall in demand and output in first half / Contraction predicted for 2020 / Domestic market hindered by taxes and low-value products
11.09.2020
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
Tour de France: Coronavirus edition
11.09.2020
TRADE FAIRS
"Formnext 2020" purely virtual / "Medica/ Compamed" still planned on-site
10.09.2020
GLOBAL ECONOMY
Insolvencies to rise amid Covid-19 crisis / Hardest hit countries in 2020-2021 include US, Brazil, China / Euler Hermes report
08.09.2020
CONTINENTAL
Pandemic spurs rise in cost cuts to over EUR 1 bn / Over 10% of workforce affected / Plant relocations, closings likely / Worst auto sector crisis in 70 years
08.09.2020
BOREALIS
Controlling stake in South Korean compounder / Polyolefins stable in Covid-19 pandemic
08.09.2020
PLASTICS RECYCLING EUROPE
EuPC to augment results of rPM survey with new poll about effects of Covid-19 pandemic
07.09.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Styrenics August 2020: Rollovers predominate for PS and EPS / Slight premiums on ABS / Price corrections in both directions / Demand generally weak / Hardly any change seen for September
03.09.2020
CHINA
PVC capacity of 800,000 t/y added in September / More in planning / Demand decline in H1 due to Covid-19
02.09.2020
USA
Chemicals and polymers steady but still below 2019 / High demand for plastics products used to fight Covid-19 / ACC report
01.09.2020
PLASTICS RECYCLING UK
UK kerbside waste collection jump, despite coronavirus lockdown effect
01.09.2020
RECTICEL
“Hard hit” in the second quarter / But a recent noticeable recovery in the mattresses and construction segments
01.09.2020
ARABPLAST
2021 edition of plastics trade fair in Dubai postponed
31.08.2020
REYNOLDS
IPO launch of group could raise USD 750m / Name change to Pactiv Evergreen
28.08.2020
SUPPLY CHAIN
Steps required to strengthen global value chains as shock events rise / Disruptions could wipe out 45% of annual profits every 10 years / Network restructuring to reshore production / McKinsey report
27.08.2020
BRASKEM
Q2 net income slips into red territory due to one-time charge for Alagoas conflict / Revenue down 16%
26.08.2020
MANAGEMENT
Late payments rise in North America as Covid-19 pandemic bites / Mexico hardest hit / More companies using insurance and guarantees against default / Atradius report
24.08.2020
LEONI
Heavy losses in turnover and earnings / Search for buyer for parts of Special Cables and Wiring Systems divisions
24.08.2020
AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING
Existential threat to aerospace suppliers / Decline in production makes itself felt
21.08.2020
PLASTICS MACHINERY GERMANY
Sales down for the first time in 11 years / Turnover expected to fall by as much as 30% in 2020 / Chinese business and circular economy provide hope
21.08.2020
INDORAMA
Coronavirus pandemic hurts Q2 results / Net profit plunges by half
21.08.2020
POLYTEC
Automotive supplier in severe trouble / Four plants closed already / Reconciliation of interests for German facility
19.08.2020
LOGISTICS
French industry association reports significantly fewer journeys in the first half of 2020 / Price pressure increasing
19.08.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America July 2020: Significant rise for polyolefins / PVC and PS also see strong increases / Engineering plastics move sideways / Fragile recovery in domestic demand / Mixed picture in August
17.08.2020
LANXESS
Full-year financial guidance reaffirmed following in-line Q2 results / Engineering Materials segment badly hit by lockdowns
17.08.2020
WESTLAKE
Q2 revenues drop by a fifth as Vinyls segment sales contract / Profits down due to Covid-19 impact and oil price fall
17.08.2020
EASTMAN
US chemicals group deep in the red / On schedule to cut USD 150m costs / Positive free cash flow
14.08.2020
PLASTIC PACKAGING GERMANY
Sustainability goals are still high on the agenda / Recycled material remains in demand despite coronavirus crisis / IK flash survey
13.08.2020
HEXPOL
Compounder's turnover down 30% due to Covid-19 / Job cuts announced / 100% acquisition of Mesgo
13.08.2020
SIRAP-GEMA
Packaging producer to close plant in Italy / H1 sales fall but net profits up
12.08.2020
CHINA
Polypropylene capacity projected to reach almost 29m t/y this year / Abundant supply and high demand gives boost to PP prices
11.08.2020
GARDENA
Coronavirus generates a windfall for gardening tool specialist / Increased sales for irrigation during lockdown
11.08.2020
BAYERN-FASS
HDPE recyclate from used industrial packaging
11.08.2020
PLASTICS ECONOMY
German-speaking Europe hit hard by Covid-19 / Capital spending halted / Delivery problems eliminated / Liquidity an issue for automotive / Supply chain polarised
10.08.2020
PLASTICS ECONOMY
PIE Readers Survey: European plastics companies withstand Covid-19 in H1 / Many expect better business performance in the second half-year / Sales volumes are and will remain a top concern / Supply chain strategies changing
07.08.2020
HROMATKA
Acquisition of majority stake in Guzmán Polymers
07.08.2020
DSM
Q2 sales drop 25% as volumes plunge 21% / Plans to cut EUR 25-30m annual recurring costs
07.08.2020
IPL PLASTICS
Madison Dearborn to take over packaging company / Interest spurred by poor performance aggravated by Covid-19
07.08.2020
BERRY GLOBAL
Q3 organic sales volume up 2% on RPC acquisition / Covid-19 takes a toll on Engineered Materials
06.08.2020
LYONDELLBASELL
Net profit in Q2 down 69% as sales drop 39% / Higher Asian demand for PE / Completion of PO/TBA plant in Texas delayed by one year
05.08.2020
TRINSEO
Q2 sales and earnings badly dented by Covid-19 / Automotive shutdowns hit Performance Plastics
04.08.2020
ADIENT
Car seat manufacturer plans to close French facility / Exclusive production for Renault
04.08.2020
DUPONT
Q2 EBITDA down 20% / Net loss widens due to Covid-19 impacts and impairment charge in Transportation & Industrial
03.08.2020
ML POLYOLEFINS
Launch of rHDPE blend for extrusion
31.07.2020
BASF
Pandemic leads to quarterly loss / Plastics businesses in slump / Q3 unlikely to bring relief / EU approves construction chemicals sale
30.07.2020
EDITORIAL
Fakuma's organisers eliminate uncertainty
29.07.2020
HUHTAMAKI
Q2 sales drop 8% during virus pandemic / H1 results buoyed by stronger Q1
29.07.2020
CONTINENTAL
Tyre and rubber technology business declines more than 30%
29.07.2020
DOW
Cost reduction programme widened / Plans to slash global headcount by 6% and dispose assets badly hit by pandemic
28.07.2020
AVIENT
Q2 sales down nearly 19% on weak automotive and consumer discretionary markets / Clariant masterbatch core profit up slightly
28.07.2020
BEWISYNBRA
155 jobs saved after EPS firms Jablite and Styropack emerge from administration in pre-pack deal
28.07.2020
COVESTRO
Plastics group records significant losses / PU business particularly hard hit by coronavirus effects
27.07.2020
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TURKEY
Car sector sees severe coronavirus-losses in production and foreign trade / Supply chain problems / VW plans for new plant halted
24.07.2020
FAKUMA
2020 edition of trade fair called off / Exhibitors and visitors speak out against participation
23.07.2020
POLYPIPE
Building products group announces revenue slump and job losses due to coronavirus pandemic
23.07.2020
PLASTICS TAX
EU summit agrees budget and coronavirus recovery fund / Plastics industry criticises levy on non-recyclable packaging
22.07.2020
SEMPERIT
Booming demand for medical gloves / Strong EBIT increase expected
20.07.2020
PLASTICS PROCESSING GERMANY
Well equipped for second Covid-19 wave / Advantages of global and local supply chains / Companies focus on liquidity
17.07.2020
GRAMMER
Automotive supplier slips deep into the red / Massive impact of coronavirus crisis
17.07.2020
UPDATE - FAKUMA
Plastics trade fair can take place / Coronavirus regulations for events in Baden-Württemberg in effect / Several prominent companies minimising attendance
16.07.2020
COVESTRO
Engineering plastics group in the red / Preliminary figures show loss being less than expected
16.07.2020
ENGEL
Injection moulding machinery maker reports 20% decline in orders / Job cuts to be completed by October
16.07.2020
EMS
Significantly lower sales volume due to Covid-19 / Margins and liquidity remain high
15.07.2020
BASF
Coronavirus crisis creates massive slump in EBIT
14.07.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America June 2020: Export business props up PP prices / PP and PVC bottom out / Engineering plastics tread water / Higher feedstock prices / Uncertainty in July in view of infection developments
14.07.2020
TRADE FAIRS
Third edition of "ChemPlast Expo" postponed to 2021
14.07.2020
REHAU
Automotive weakness and coronavirus impact German group / Nearly 1,000 job losses
13.07.2020
BOPP FILMS
Global demand continues to expand despite coronavirus-related slowdown / Strong growth in emerging markets / AMI report
13.07.2020
QUADPACK
Coronavirus crisis curbs strong growth of previous years / Spanish packaging producer "prudently positive"
13.07.2020
UPDATE - FAKUMA
Coronavirus alters attendance plans / Engel, KraussMaffei, Motan-Colortronic and Sumitomo not participating “actively” / Thermoformer Swissplast absent / State ministry to decide on special status of trade fairs
09.07.2020
EVENTS
30th IKV colloquium 2020 to take place in digital format
08.07.2020
TRADE FAIRS
Italy's “Ipack-Ima” moved to 2022 / “Plast” to take place next year as planned
07.07.2020
PLASTICSEUROPE
Subdued mood among German polymer producers / Economic figures for 2019 and pandemic effects / Germany's processors order less material
06.07.2020
AUTOMOTIVE TRADE FAIRS
“Geneva International Motor Show” 2021 also cancelled / Strong commitments for “IAA” in Munich
06.07.2020
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Associations call on EU commission for bold post-crisis recovery plan / Suppliers face falling revenues and rising debt across Europe due to Covid-19
03.07.2020
POLYMER PRICES
PET June 2020: Notations firming / Oil chains have a stabilising effect / Market still subdued / Buyers focusing on European materials / Ongoing coronavirus pandemic dampens expectations
02.07.2020
CORONAVIRUS
Pandemic to lead to major production and supply chain shift in global manufacturing industry / UK university study
01.07.2020
TRADE FAIRS
"Fakuma" to take place in October with caution / Visitor numbers presumably much lower / What does "without active participation" mean? / Video technology will monitor social distancing rules at "Formnext"
30.06.2020
PLASTIVALOIRE
Car component supplier witnessed largely stable turnover / "Brutal decline" in current quarter due to Covid-19
30.06.2020
SOLVAY
Sales drop at chemicals and plastics group / Composites plant closures in UK and US
29.06.2020
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Covid-19 crisis catches up with the sector in Germany / “Dramatic consequences” from second half year onwards / ZDB association expects zero growth at best / Non-residential construction particularly affected
26.06.2020
PLASTICS PROCESSING GERMANY
Industry takes a hard hit from Covid-19 / Many converters need the “ventilation” provided by the government
26.06.2020
MEDICAL ELASTOMERS
Global market to expand by 6% annually to 2025 / Coronavirus pandemic drives up demand / Asia market to overtake Europe / Smithers report
25.06.2020
WIND TURBINE BLADES
Global market set for “critical year” in 2020 / US and China primary drivers of growth / AMI report
24.06.2020
RECOUP
Annual "Plastics Recycling Conference" cancelled this year / Next edition in 2021
24.06.2020
CECIMO
3D printing webinar on 2 July / Supply chain disruptions caused by Covid-19 and new opportunities
23.06.2020
ARTIFICIAL TURF
Global market to recover from Covid-19 impact by 2022 / AMI report
22.06.2020
WITTMANN
Injection moulding machinery maker will not be exhibiting at "Fakuma" 2020
22.06.2020
MITSUI CHEMICALS
PP compounding starts in the Netherlands / Continued demand for automotive lightweighting
22.06.2020
ELASTOMER AND RUBBER INDUSTRY
Historically weak December takes German manufacturers' figures deep into the red / Pressure even before Covid-19 / Three scenarios for the sector in 2020 / Commitment to the “Green Deal”
19.06.2020
PCEP
Polyolefins recycling organisation calls for European recovery focused on circular economy
19.06.2020
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
Variations on a theme
19.06.2020
MANN+HUMMEL
Record high turnover in 2019 / Global restructuring has desired effect / No liquidity bottlenecks due to Covid-19
18.06.2020
PIE SPOT PRICE MONITOR
Reduced production taking effect / Notations moving upwards
16.06.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America May 2020: Polyolefin price slide comes to a halt / PVC could bottom out / Output reductions take effect / Demand subdued despite easing of lockdown / Turnaround in June unlikely
16.06.2020
GURIT
Gurit speeds up closure of aerospace plant in Switzerland due to Covid-19
16.06.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Russia May 2020: Marked reductions in all segments / LDPE and PVC hardest hit / Price increases not in sight as yet / End of PET downtrend in June will depend on weather
12.06.2020
BRASKEM
Effects from Covid-19 pandemic and exchange rate fluctuations depress Q1 earnings / US utilisation rate for PP production reduced
12.06.2020
GAUDLITZ
Injection moulder remains in the red / Crisis in automotive industry a big burden
12.06.2020
CORONAVIRUS
Industry firms continue contributions for plastic masks and shields / Multiple collaborations and networks set up in Spain
11.06.2020
POLYMER PRICES
China standard thermoplastics May 2020: Prices bottoming out / Short supply overall / Demand begins recovery phase / PET should feel the pull of thirst quenchers in June
11.06.2020
ALIAXIS
Plastic pipe producer to focus on core activities / CEO Laurent Lenoir to depart
11.06.2020
ORBIA
Sale of vinyl sector including Vestolit put on ice / Post-crisis times awaited
10.06.2020
POLYMERS FOR EUROPE ALLIANCE
Voting period for "Best Polymer Producers Awards" extended due to Covid-19 / Winners to be announced online in September
10.06.2020
SUPPLY CHAINS
Digitalisation investments can help protect against disruptions in the suplly chains / PwC survey
09.06.2020
AUTONEUM
Automotive supplier back in production / "Healthy profitability" not expected before 2022
09.06.2020
CHINA
Economic growth to decline sharply in 2020 due to Covid-19 and trade dispute with the US / Oil demand looks set to recover in Q2 / Atradius and Wood Mackenzie reports
08.06.2020
SPAIN
Plastic packaging tax to buffer heavy coronavirus spending
08.06.2020
PACKAGING RECYCLING AUSTRIA
Circular economy in danger of collapse due to Covid-19 / ARA collection system calls for millions in aid
08.06.2020
FRANCE
Uncertain post-crisis outlook for plastic packaging sector / Significant drop in April demand and output / Continued commitment to circular economy / Elipso report
05.06.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Engineering thermoplastics May 2020: Significant price cuts with only a few exceptions / Demand from auto production still poor / Producers' output control begins to have effect
05.06.2020
GORENJE
Appliance maker to cut jobs / Order slump due to Covid-19 pandemic
05.06.2020
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
As opposed to summer loving, heat strokes are somewhat less of a blast
05.06.2020
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Supply chains remain unreliable / Volatile demand affecting production more than usual / Suppliers expect at least 20-30% lower sales for the year / Losses inevitable
04.06.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polyethylene May 2020: Situation gradually returning to normal / Unscheduled outages impact supply / Demand presents a mixed picture / Price rises expected in June after ethylene increase
04.06.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polypropylene May 2020: Notations continue downward / Automotive demand still weak / Change of direction in June
04.06.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Styrenics May 2020: Prices bottoming out / Speculation on a trend reversal stimulates demand / Demand remains marked by Covid-19 crisis / Higher notations in June
04.06.2020
HELLA
Automotive supplier under pressure / Dividend could be suspended
04.06.2020
POLAND
Economic mood appears to be at all-time low / Coronavirus puts the brakes on automotive industry / Hard times for suppliers / Investments in packaging sector on schedule
03.06.2020
POLYMER PRICES
PET May 2020: Notations continue to fall / Reductions smaller than the drop in feedstock prices / Demand below expectations / Uncertainty remains as the pandemic lingers
03.06.2020
POLYMER PRICES
PVC May 2020: Notations still under pressure / Cost reductions mostly passed on in full / Prices likely to turn upwards again in June
03.06.2020
AMCOR
Earnings target for 2020 revised upward / Global plants operate with minimal interruptions due to Covid-19
03.06.2020
POLYURETHANE
Foam plants returning to production in May albeit at reduced rates
02.06.2020
PLASTICS ECONOMY
Covid-19 impacts on the European plastics industry / Concerns for business performance change during crisis / Image of plastics appearing less negative / PIE flash survey
29.05.2020
CORONAVIRUS
Plastics industry sets its sights on face protection / “Overnight” mask and shield production scaled up
29.05.2020
SIBUR
Coronavirus pandemic and rouble depreciation dent Q1 results / ZapSib's new PP and PE plant mitigate negative effects
29.05.2020
DSM
Launch of open platform for Covid-19 solutions / Production of masks and nose swabs for Dutch government
29.05.2020
HONEYWELL
Supply of masks to UK health workers fighting Covid-19 / 450 jobs to be created at Newhouse site
29.05.2020
GLOBAL ECONOMY
GDP to contract by 3.3% this year / EU market could see impaired border restrictions until 2021 / Euler Hermes report
28.05.2020
ML POLYOLEFINS
Product range to include new post-consumer recycled resins / “Grayfin PPH30” rPP resin now available
27.05.2020
PETCORE
"Post Covid-19 – Strategy for the Circular PET Economy" conference to take place in February 2021
27.05.2020
BOREALIS
Plans for Kazakhstan cracker complex dropped / Pandemic clouds horizon
25.05.2020
PLASTICS RECYCLING
PRE raises concerns about damage to recycling market / Covid-19 pushes recyclers to close production on lack of demand and cheaper virgin materials
25.05.2020
LANXESS
Earnings forecast for 2020 revised down / Negative effects from pandemic to intensify in Q2 and Q3
22.05.2020
GLOBAL TRADE
Covid-19 lockdowns could wipe out USD 2.4 tn of trade volume / Recovery expected in H2 2020 and 2021 / Rise in protectionism a concern / Euler Hermes report
22.05.2020
EPS
Covid-19 crisis highlights foam's benefits for medical packaging, says Eumeps
22.05.2020
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
University report warns of waste surge if disposable masks are worn during coronavirus pandemic
21.05.2020
NULOGY
Software for packaging firms to combat Covid-19 / Tracing capability allows rapid response to infection
20.05.2020
PIE SPOT PRICE MONITOR
Gap is widening under the influence of Covid-19
19.05.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Engineering recyclate May 2020: Reductions of as much as EUR 300/t / Large-scale cancelling of orders / Most recycling line production cut back or shut down
19.05.2020
CORONAVIRUS
Plastics producers among the European companies coming to the rescue / Face protection and materials for essential workers
18.05.2020
DSM
Plastics division reports Q1 decline in volumes and sales / Losses offset by Nutrition segment
18.05.2020
TURKEY
Pagev asks for plastics industry incentives due to Covid-19 impacts / Downturn in construction, automotive and white goods sectors / Medical supply production ramps up
15.05.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Russia April 2020: Notations fall noticeably / PVC moving upward / Virus pandemic shuts down refineries and production lines / Frequent supply overhangs despite shutdowns
15.05.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America April 2020: Unprecedented plunge in oil price causes thermoplastics prices to tumble / Inventories at record level after plant closures / Producers opt for shutdowns
15.05.2020
ATERMIT
Turkish EPP foam specialist turns to producing face shields during virus pandemic
15.05.2020
NOVARES
Automotive supplier files for insolvency / EUR 115m needed / Nearly all plants worldwide at a standstill
14.05.2020
PLASTIC PACKAGING
IK survey of German manufacturers shows varied coronavirus impacts
14.05.2020
FORMOSA PLASTICS
Covid-19 outbreak at Texas site / Start-up of new polyethylene plant delayed again
14.05.2020
INTERPLAS
Triennial UK plastics trade fair rescheduled to 2021 due to Covid-19
14.05.2020
MEDICAL DEVICES
German manufacturers lament disrupted supply chains during Covid-19 pandemic / Free trade more important than ever / Carmakers' support could worsen component bottleneck
13.05.2020
ITALY
Plastics tax postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19
13.05.2020
VERITAS
German automotive supplier insolvent
13.05.2020
GERMANY
Medical mask production gets going / Two plants for nonwovens poised to come online
12.05.2020
LYONDELLBASELL
Key profits fall on Covid-19 impact and low oil prices / Facilities for automotive idled or running at reduced rates / European crackers operating around 80% in Q2
12.05.2020
DUPONT
Company temporarily shuts 50% of polymer capacity / Q1 EBITDA falls 8% to USD 1.3 bn
12.05.2020
TRINSEO
Unprofitable German assets put styrenics group in the red in Q1 / Weaker styrene margins, lower prices and Covid-19 impacts
12.05.2020
VISTEON
Q1 sales down 12.8% due to coronavirus impact / Shift to face shield production in Portugal and Brazil
12.05.2020
USA
ACC's chemical industry projections show possible rebound in 2021 / Domestic polymer production rises in March
11.05.2020
BOREALIS
Net profit feels Covid-19 effects and slips by a quarter in Q1 / Cost-cutting programme announced
11.05.2020
EUPC
European Plastics Converters reschedules annual meeting to May 2021
11.05.2020
BRITISH PLASTICS FEDERATION
Free webinars in May and June include Covid-19 topics
11.05.2020
LOGISTICS
Sharp decline in container throughput in European ports / Scheduled services suspended / Warehouses largely working at capacity / Truck spot rates plummeting / Increased number of insolvencies expected
08.05.2020
UK
More plastics firms supply health workers fighting Covid-19
08.05.2020
PHILIPS
Hospital ventilator production to quadruple / Waivers for export controls needed to aid global distribution
08.05.2020
INTERVIEW
“Balcony singing for the plastics industry” / Guido Marschall from plas.TV talks about his new video series
07.05.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Engineering thermoplastics April 2020: Small price cuts initially / Hesitant pick-up in demand / Volume planning in price negotiations / Substantial reductions expected in May
07.05.2020
COVESTRO
All operating segments affected by coronavirus pandemic in Q1 / Reduced production rates on several continents
07.05.2020
UK
Government extends plastic packaging tax consultation due to Covid-19
07.05.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polyethylene April 2020: Order activity varies / Producers consider controlling supply / More price cuts expected in May after cost of ethylene drops again
06.05.2020
USA
Industry urges USD 1 bn in aid for recycling in pandemic / Plastics groups lead initiative
06.05.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polypropylene April 2020: Triple-digit rebates across the board / Coronavirus hits automotive demand / Compounding lines shut / More rebates likely in May
06.05.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Styrenics April 2020: Prices continue to plummet / Partial transfer of cost reductions / Softening in the course of the month / Coronavirus crisis shapes demand / Smaller discounts expected in May
06.05.2020
LOGISTICS
EU adopts measures to aid transport sector / Waiting times at borders improved / Recommendations underway to restore connectivity after Covid-19
06.05.2020
DOW
Q1 results contract due to Covid-19 pandemic and oil price fall / Suspension of select production units
06.05.2020
PLASTICS ECONOMY
How the German-speaking plastics industry is dealing with the consequences of Covid-19 / From value chains to solidarity in companies / Short-time working a relief but not a long-term solution
05.05.2020
POLYMER PRICES
PET April 2020: Plunging costs cushioned by sudden boom in demand / Disinfectants to prevent spread of Covid-19 need packaging / Price pressure continues
05.05.2020
POLYMER PRICES
PVC April 2020: Notations fall after cost of ethylene plunges / Producers hang on to margin component / Further price reductions expected in May
05.05.2020
SIMONA
Targets for 2019 narrowly missed / Changes to semi-finished products business in Europe planned
05.05.2020
BASF
Plastics segments already significantly weaker / Q2 will show actual consequences of coronavirus pandemic / Only few plant shutdowns to date
04.05.2020
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
California plastic bag ban suspended amid Covid-19 pandemic
04.05.2020
MATTRESS INDUSTRY
US manufacturers initiate anti-dumping and countervailing investigations against eight countries / Mattress alliance criticises allegations / Supplies for hospitals during Covid-19 pandemic
04.05.2020
ADIDAS
PU material for footwear shifted to face shield production for US healthcare sector
04.05.2020
GRAMMER
Auto parts supplier's Q1 earnings take a hit due to Covid-19
04.05.2020
MANN+HUMMEL
Coronavirus contamination control drives filtration product developments
04.05.2020
FRANCE INNOVATION PLASTURGIE
Triennial plastics trade fair postponed to 2021
04.05.2020
AVIATION
Aircraft JV between Boeing and Embraer terminated / Reorganisation at Boeing to prepare for post-pandemic recovery
30.04.2020
CONTITECH
Almost half of plants shut down due to coronavirus pandemic / Production of medical PVC tubing in Italy
30.04.2020
BOGE RUBBER & PLASTICS
Sales decline for first time in 10 years / On the way towards diversification
30.04.2020
CHINA XD
Compounder looks to returning to normal capacity utilisation by end of May / Financial reporting postponed
29.04.2020
HENKEL
ABS resin developed with Nexa3D / "Smart patch" for Covid-19 patients to be trialled in Belgium
29.04.2020
CHINA
Polypropylene prices surge on the back of demand for medical masks / Government intervention to control market
28.04.2020
LYONDELLBASELL
Coronavirus crisis impacts polyolefins group / PP compounding temporarily suspended
28.04.2020
FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
Coronavirus pandemic boosts demand in US and Europe / Sharp rise in growth predicted for 2020
28.04.2020
MATERIALISE
Creation of 3D-printed oxygen mask connector for Covid-19 patients / Expansion of production in Belgium and the US
28.04.2020
AUGROS
Earnings collapse at French packaging producer / Optimism for 2020 despite Covid-19 impacts
28.04.2020
GURIT
Q1 sales decline / Reduced production at some plants / CEO to step down
28.04.2020
CHINAPLAS
2020 trade fair in Shanghai cancelled due to Covid-19 measures / Next show to take place in 2021 in Shenzhen
24.04.2020
PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS
LLDPE: Europe becomes the stage for a sales battle for film grades / Prices for C4 and C6 materials nearly equal in some areas / Can plastics converters benefit from the price pressure?
24.04.2020
MEDICAL MASKS
New EU export authorisation scheme / Geographical scope widened
24.04.2020
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Start-up mentality in plastics processing sector / Creative solutions to supply bottlenecks for masks and medical supplies / More nonwovens production required
24.04.2020
PLASTICS MACHINERY
Manufacturing in Europe resumes following Covid-19-related shutdowns / Restrictions apply to tooling, assembly and commissioning / Shift to production of medical supplies
23.04.2020
PSB INDUSTRIES
Acquisition of Pochet's Qualipac cancelled / Dramatic decline in sales due to Covid-19
23.04.2020
MEDICAL DEVICES
Deferment of MDR adopted by European Parliament / Smooth functioning of EU market is vital during Covid-19 outbreak
23.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polyurethane feedstocks April 2020: Isocyanates little changed / Decreases on the horizon / Foam product demand sinks by a third / Rigid polyols precursors compete with disinfectants
22.04.2020
COVESTRO
Full-year 2020 financial targets lowered due to coronavirus pandemic / Recovery expected in Q3
22.04.2020
PIE SPOT PRICE MONITOR
Fear of plant shutdowns drives inventory build-up
21.04.2020
RECYCLING
Waste management considered essential in Covid-19 pandemic / Germany's bvse calls for interest-free loans for recyclers / Unrestricted EU waste flows urgently needed
21.04.2020
BRASKEM
Fiscal 2019 revenue plunges 10% / Donations of polypropylene for manufacturing medical supplies
21.04.2020
GERRESHEIMER
Medical product manufacturer appears to weather the upheaval from Covid-19 / Bottles donated for hand sanitiser
21.04.2020
LEGO
Toymaker produces visors for healthcare workers / USD 50m donation to support crisis-affected children
21.04.2020
PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT
Formation of European alliance for a "Green Recovery" after Covid-19 crisis
20.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Engineering recyclate April 2020: Most recycled material suppliers take prices over into April / Processing comes to a standstill and restricts plastics scrap availability / Price cuts probable
20.04.2020
CORONAVIRUS
Companies should act now to shock-proof their supply chains / McKinsey report
20.04.2020
PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS
Historic collapse in demand due to coronavirus / Opec+ agrees to cut production / US stocks full / Refineries limit output / Polymer supply so far unaffected / Polyolefin niches face rising prices
17.04.2020
TRINSEO
Is there a future for German styrene production in Böhlen? / Forecast for 2020 withdrawn due to coronavirus pandemic
17.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Standard recyclate April 2020: Coronavirus shakes up market / Dwindling demand, cutbacks and short-time working / Crash in virgin material prices pressures rPE and rPP / Lasting damage expected
17.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America March 2020: Rollover and minor price reductions still predominate / Situation worsens for many converters towards end of month / Massive fall in feedstock costs makes price cuts likely in April
17.04.2020
HEXCEL / WOODWARD
Merger falls victim to coronavirus
17.04.2020
NVC
Dutch packaging centre to hold online presentations in May / Topics include impact of coronavirus on packaging
17.04.2020
CEFIC
European chemical producers set up Covid-19 helpdesk / Industry group calls for easing of restrictions on trade of essential products
16.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
China engineering thermoplastics March 2020: Covid-19 pandemic continues to exert its effects / Prices of most engineering polymers fall / April's outlook appears to have more of the same
16.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Russia March 2020: Prices pick up for almost all polymers / Normal demand for the season / Supply mostly secure / Cheap Chinese imports scarce
16.04.2020
UK
Plastics companies gear up to help health workers fight coronavirus pandemic
16.04.2020
CORONAVIRUS
Paris-based hospital group sets up 3D printing farm / Supply for clinics in the region
16.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Standard thermoplastics trend April 2020: Producers' price targets mostly meaningless / Converters push for larger cuts / Reductions certain before end of month / Demand reflects hoarding and waiting
15.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
China standard thermoplastics March 2020: Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact demand / Feedstock and polymer notations slide / Negative outlook for April too
15.04.2020
INEOS
Forties pipeline shutdown delayed again / Hand sanitiser output increased
15.04.2020
SOLVAY
Most of Belgian group's manufacturing plants remain open despite coronavirus outbreak / Donation of materials to fight disease
15.04.2020
COLLIN
Extrusion line to produce protective PET films for European medical sector / Support from Indorama, NGR and Piovan
15.04.2020
CORONAVIRUS
Carmakers better prepared than in 2009 / 60% of Spanish production base shut down / Italy presents plans for relaxing lockdown / Adventures in polymer prices / Plastics production index slumps / Fear of rising insolvencies
14.04.2020
MONDI
Group holds off on proposed dividend due to coronavirus uncertainties / Lowered capex for 2020 / Flexible packaging demand for food and home care
14.04.2020
DOW
Hand sanitiser production in Belgium, Brazil, Germany and US / Worker at ethylene unit tests positive for virus
14.04.2020
EUROPEAN TUBES MARKET
Output grows to over 11 bn tubes in 2019 / Outlook uncertain because of Covid-19
14.04.2020
ARBURG
Safety eyewear in collaboration with Uvex and Ems / Respirator mask production planned
14.04.2020
TRADE FAIRS
“Iran Plast” in Tehran moved back one month / Covid-19 hits country hard
14.04.2020
EU PLASTICS STRATEGY
EuPC calls for single-use plastics directive postponement in face of Covid-19 / Hygienic consequences of banning SUPs not taken into account, say Dangis and Zelcher
09.04.2020
CORONAVIRUS
British Plastics Federation provides series of free webinars
09.04.2020
CELANESE
Purchase of redispersible polymer powders business from Nouryon / Support for medical supply industries during Covid-19 pandemic
09.04.2020
HEXPOL
Peter Rosén is interim CEO following Mikael Fryklund's departure / Decision on dividend payments postponed
09.04.2020
UPDATE - POLYURETHANE
Foams plants across Europe closed or running at reduced rates due to Covid-19 / Situation expected to deteriorate in April / Europur and Euro-Moulders postpone conference
08.04.2020
SIDEL
Supply of PET bottles for hand sanitiser / Response to France's call
08.04.2020
CORONAVIRUS
Wild West – did the US really confiscate medical masks destined for Berlin? / 3M under pressure from US “Defense Production Act”
07.04.2020
SPAIN
National supply chains must switch to medical supplies and protective gear to aid coronavirus fight / Prime minister Sánchez wants “Marshall Plan” for Europe / Support from 3D printing is indispensable
07.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Composites/GRP March 2020: Cautious optimism in the market / SM price plunge will pull resin farther downward / Glass fibre unchanged / Cancelled JEC trade fair is a missing catalyst
07.04.2020
MEDICAL PLASTICS
China donates coronavirus supplies to EU / Testing kits and 2 million masks delivered to Italy
07.04.2020
STRATASYS
Coalition ramps up face shields output in response to Covid-19 / Designers called on to develop 3D-printed ventilators
07.04.2020
MEDICAL DEVICES
EU commission postpones MDR application / Shortages in getting devices certified "not an option right now" with Covid-19
06.04.2020
PLASTICS MACHINERY
Operations continue amid production stoppages and Covid-19 measures / Supply chains largely intact / Automotive ordering grinds to a halt / Some services offered at the weekend
06.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Engineering thermoplastics March 2020: Most grades roll over / Only polyamides on the decline / Benzene crash to overshadow April / E&E sector could stabilise prices for POM and PBT
06.04.2020
LYONDELLBASELL
Covid-19 slows work on Texas PO/TBA plant / Group remains “committed” to project completion
06.04.2020
NOVAMONT
New “Mater-Bi” grade for extrusion coating / Company “fully operational” in Italy
06.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Styrenics March 2020: Prices in free fall after styrene reference crash / Processors securing stocks to weather the coronavirus pandemic / Massive turbulence in April is in the cards
03.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polypropylene March 2020: C3 setback pressures PP / Compounds unchanged / Converters lack common strategy / Sharp downswing likely in April
03.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polyethylene March 2020: Injection moulding grades under pressure / Film grades manage to hold ground / Demand for blow moulding material runs wild / Many stocks overflowing / C2 crash will drive polymer notations down
03.04.2020
HUHTAMAKI
Outlook for 2020 withdrawn due to Covid-19 / Demand for food-on-the-shelf packaging rising
03.04.2020
JEC WORLD
International composites trade fair cancelled for 2020
03.04.2020
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
It's back, but is it here to stay?
03.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
PET March 2020: Oil market crash generates momentum for reductions / Panic buying during virus outbreak cushions the fall / Further price decreases expected in April / Covid-19 raises a big question mark
02.04.2020
TURKEY
Government introduces Covid-19 measures to help out businesses / Pagev sees lack of including plastics sector as major deficiency / Polyolefin spot prices trending sharply downward
02.04.2020
POLYMER PRICES
PVC March 2020: C2 price fall keeps demands for an increase in check / Only slight changes in notations in most cases / Pastes feel somewhat more pressure / Larger reductions foreseeable in April
02.04.2020
CABOT
Plants operating with skeleton staff due to coronavirus pandemic / Full-year outlook revised
02.04.2020
TEKNI-PLEX
Fire in Gallarate affects production of adhesive tapes / Warehouse apparently unaffected
02.04.2020
EVENTS
Coronavirus prompts Detroit motor show to be cancelled / Show space repurposed as temporary hospital
02.04.2020
FEEDSTOCKS
Record price drop for benzene / Olefins also in a free fall
01.04.2020
COVESTRO
EUR 225m loan from EIB to boost R&D / EU bank backs coronavirus pandemic aid to SMEs
01.04.2020
PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS
Elastomers: Lanxess declares force majeure in India due to Covid-19
01.04.2020
MEDICAL PLASTICS AUSTRIA
Semperit has gloves flown in from Malaysia to support coronavirus work / Plastics companies launch mask collaboration with local partners
31.03.2020
PLASTICS MACHINERY
KraussMaffei closes plants in Germany and Slovakia / Engel's plants in Asia running under normal conditions
31.03.2020
HUNTSMAN
Acquisition of CVC Thermoset Specialties for USD 300m / Production of hand sanitiser at Swiss site in fight against Covid-19
31.03.2020
PLASTIC PACKAGING GERMANY
Increasing demand for pharma packaging due to coronavirus / Bottles for disinfectants especially needed / Associations support fast lanes at the borders
30.03.2020
MEDICAL PLASTICS
EU commission may postpone implementing medical device regulation / Free access to European standards for medical supplies to boost production
30.03.2020
3D PRINTING
Cecimo calls on additive manufacturers to aid hospitals / Need for critical equipment during Covid-19 outbreak
30.03.2020
TRADE FAIRS
“Plastpol” in Poland postponed to October / “Hannover Messe” cancelled with digital information and networking offered as substitute
30.03.2020
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
Will the coronavirus pandemic turn the tide back to disposables? / US moves away from plastic bans / Industry will face “major challenges” in the aftermath
27.03.2020
WORLD TRADE
US polyethylene exports started 2020 on a strong note / LLDPE exports at all-time high in January / Marked slowdown expected as coronavirus situation intensifies
27.03.2020
CORONAVIRUS
Chemicals and plastics producers help with hand sanitiser supply / Ineos building new plants for ethanol and isopropanol / North Sea Forties pipeline planned shutdown delayed
27.03.2020
HAITIAN
Injection moulding machinery manufacturer sees sales drop / Assembly in China restarting after coronavirus
27.03.2020
REIFENHÄUSER
Machinery maker diverts test lines to producing medical protection material / Shore up of capacities during coronavirus pandemic
27.03.2020
LOGISTICS
EU guidance for implementing “green lanes” to ease internal transport of goods / Major disruptions at some borders due to Covid-19
26.03.2020
UPDATE - ITALY
Manufacturing of plastic products and machinery can continue / Conte and eight EU heads ask for coordination in Europe during "unprecedented shock"
26.03.2020
ML POLYOLEFINS
Business as usual for now despite additional coronavirus restrictions in Poland
26.03.2020
PLASTIC OMNIUM
Production in Europe and North America at a standstill / Plants in China operating at 50%
26.03.2020
EVENTS
Postponements or cancellations due to coronavirus pandemic – PIE events list for the plastics industry
25.03.2020
PLASTICS INDUSTRY UK
Significant downside anticipated from coronavirus in coming months / Packaging companies see rise in demand / BPF survey
25.03.2020
TEKNI-PLEX
Fire destroys PVC film production plant in northern Italy
25.03.2020
SHELL
Work on Pennsylvania shale complex suspended / Authorities fear coronoavirus risk to workers
25.03.2020
BIFFA
UK group set to quadruple plastics recycling
25.03.2020
ECHA
Extension of REACH compliance deadlines during coronavirus situation / Aid in securing disinfectant supply promised
24.03.2020
ORBIA ADVANCE
Group results down by a third / PVC production pulls down revenue and earnings
24.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polyurethane feedstocks March 2020: First signs of hoarding push isocyanates higher / Polyols' rise strongest in recent memory / Sales to consumer sectors may slow or collapse due to coronavirus
23.03.2020
PLASTICS PROCESSING
Economic consequences of Covid-19 to peak in next six weeks / Advice to converters – continue production at full speed, then stop / Germany's ArGeZ sees technical parts manufacturing halting between end of March and end of April
23.03.2020
AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY
ContiTech declares force majeure at its sites in all countries affected by Covid-19 / Akwel halts or reduces production
23.03.2020
UPONOR
Withdrawal of 2020 financial target due to potential coronavirus impacts
23.03.2020
HELLA
Headlight specialist revises forecasts / Short-time working and other cost-cutting measures due to coronavirus pandemic
23.03.2020
PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS
Polycarbonate: Covestro declares force majeure at Northern Italian site in Filago / Production suspended due to coronavirus
20.03.2020
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
European and US vehicle production shutting down due to Covid-19 / Car giants dealing with supply disruptions and plummeting demand
20.03.2020
ENGEL
Injection moulding machinery manufacturer halts production in Austria due to coronavirus
20.03.2020
PLASTIC FANTASTIC
It's sad but true
20.03.2020
LOGISTICS
Considerable delivery delays due to coronavirus pandemic / "Rotation has been disrupted" / Ships piling up at Chinese ports / Cargo rates collapsing / Situation not expected to normalise until after summer
19.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Engineering recyclate March 2020: Reductions only for recycled polyamide 6.6 GF and polycarbonate / Supply plentiful / Wide-ranging price cuts expected in April / Fall in virgin material prices and coronavirus-related slump in demand
19.03.2020
CHINA
PET inventories overflowing / India, Philippines and Russia top importers for Chinese bottle chips / Coronavirus pandemic won't improve oversupply
18.03.2020
GLOBAL CHEMICALS ECONOMY
Output down sharply in January / Coronavirus already bites China / US plastics production up
18.03.2020
EVENTS
Postponements for "Equiplast" trade show in Spain and "European Chemical Recycling Conference"
18.03.2020
ITALY
Nationwide lockdown abruptly halts activity / Domo's PA 6 production still running / FCA shuts down Italian, Polish and Serbian production sites / Aid for SMEs affected by Covid-19
17.03.2020
PIE SPOT PRICE MONITOR
Polyethylene grades plummet, polypropylene materials erode / Continuation in April
17.03.2020
DOMO CHEMICALS
Plans to start building EUR 12m polyamide compounds plant in China
17.03.2020
TRADE FAIRS
“Interpack” and “Drupa” in Düsseldorf postponed to 2021
17.03.2020
EVENTS
Postponed: European Plastic Distributors Association's 2020 conference in France
17.03.2020
ITALY
Machinery makers in operation / Sluggish delivery surfacing / Lombardy's Radici running production with required coronavirus precautions
16.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Russia February 2020: Majority of grades trending downward / PE film grades and PP injection moulding materials react to pickup in demand / Order activity weak / Mixed outlook for March
16.03.2020
LEGO
Financial results improve in 2019 / Strong growth in China despite coronavirus epidemic
16.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
China engineering thermoplastics February 2020: Coronavirus outbreak impacts plastics and other sectors / Subdued market and lower prices for most polymer grades / Downtrend in notations to continue in March
13.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America February 2020: PE prices move sideways at a low level / PP downtrend loses speed and PVC moves up / Engineering plastics unchanged / Coronavirus dampens demand worldwide / No sudden price hikes expected
13.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Standard thermoplastics trend March 2020: Notations fall on a broad front / Only PVC bucks the trend / High uncertainty due to coronavirus / Drop in oil price intensifies pressure
12.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
China standard thermoplastics February 2020: Coronavirus outbreak has an impact on feedstocks and polymers / Lunar new year holidays extended into February / Overall high supply and subdued demand / Not much should change in March
12.03.2020
LANXESS
Full-year sales flat / Coronavirus to negatively impact profit by EUR 50-100m / Frederique van Baarle is new head of High Performance Materials
12.03.2020
UPDATE - EVENTS
Coronavirus causes postponements of "Plastics Recycling Show Europe", VinylPlus forum, SPE's thermoforming conference and "Plastics in Automotive Engineering"
11.03.2020
ARKEMA
High-performance polymers fail to make progress in fiscal 2019 / Marc Schuller installed as COO
10.03.2020
TRADE FAIRS
24th edition of “Plastpol” in May in Kielce / Special topics include bioplastics and circular economy
10.03.2020
PLASTICS MACHINERY ITALY
Slump in foreign trade hits Italian manufacturers in 2019 / Imports hit harder than exports / Sales to US and China rise
09.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Composites/GRP February 2020: Styrene rise pushes prices higher / Demand visibly slowing / Uneven development for glass fibre products
06.03.2020
MEDICAL PLASTICS
Coronavirus creates sharp rise in global demand of masks / PetroChina and 3M currently expanding production
05.03.2020
EVENTS
IKV colloquium in Germany postponed / VDI's automotive plastics conference and “Fakuma” secure for now
05.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
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
04.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
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
04.03.2020
POLYMER PRICES
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
03.03.2020
WESTLAKE
Full-year net profit more than halved / 2020 outlook for chlor-alkali and PVC remain constructive / How coronavirus outbreak will affect products not yet clear
02.03.2020
EVENTS
Disruptions abound from coronavirus outbreak / "Interpack" still set to take place in May
02.03.2020
CHINA
Plastics companies hope for "post-epidemic" rebound
28.02.2020
JEC WORLD 2020
Coronavirus epidemic hits composites trade fair / Postponement to May 2020
27.02.2020
EMS
Swiss group reports record operating result despite weak economy
24.02.2020
CHINA
Country's economic recovery from coronavirus epidemic not expected until mid-year / Automotive industry projects significant slump / European machinery companies are contemplating a two-year cycle for "Chinaplas"
20.02.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polyurethane feedstocks February 2020: Isocyanates give way / Chinese virus epidemic pressures pure MDI sharply / Producers hike polyols / Exports to China much diminished
20.02.2020
CHINAPLAS 2020
New date for plastics trade fair in Shanghai / Coronavirus outbreak has not eased / Experts expect situation to stabilise in April
19.02.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Engineering Recyclate February 2020: Recycled ABS, PA and PC see a few price cuts / Weak demand slows business considerably / Coronavirus delays mould supplies from China
19.02.2020
POLYMER PRICES
North America January 2020: Poor demand pushes down prices of most polymers / PVC producers manage to turn trend around
17.02.2020
POLYMER PRICES
China Engineering Thermoplastics January 2020: Downtrend for most polymer prices / Short supply creates higher notations for PA 6 and PBT / Coronavirus outbreak to keep demand weak overall
14.02.2020
KRAUSSMAFFEI
Plastics machinery manufacturer plans layoffs / Affected jobs largely in Germany / Investment programme remains untouched
13.02.2020
POLYMER PRICES
China Standard Thermoplastics January 2020: Most grades decline on weak demand / Lunar new year holidays extended in wake of coronavirus crisis / Impacts from epidemic to keep demand low
12.02.2020
TRINSEO
Sales dip 18% on pass-through of lower material costs / Restructuring pushes down net profit / Outlook includes negative impact from coronavirus
11.02.2020
CHINAPLAS 2020
Plastics trade fair in Shanghai postponed due to coronavirus outbreak / Negative economic impact predicted
05.02.2020
POLYMER PRICES
Polyethylene January 2020: Planned price hikes go up in smoke / Demand still not great / Some plants operating with reduced output / Coronavirus outbreak could hit business in China / Downtrend expected
05.02.2020
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