GlobalData

North America August 2023: Prices vary / Firmer styrene costs prop up PS / Hurricane Idalia has no effect on prices so far / Extent of damage to polymer production not yet clear / September likely to be generally weaker

Petchem capacity to surge over next four years / Polyolefins lead increase, says report

Regulations, Covid pandemic drive innovation – study / New packaging solutions made from seaweed, plants, shellfish

Germany, Qatar announce LNG deal / Gulf state to supply some 2 mn t/y from 2026 / ConocoPhillips tapped as shipper

Germany completes first marine LNG terminal / Questions about speed of build up

Push for circular economy drives shifts in packaging / Food-contact developments continue / Reusable beer cup a “game changer”?

Ban on SUP straws to disrupt sales of small beverage packs / Soft drink makers expected to be badly hit / Paper industry set to offer alternatives

Higher prices for oil, gas lift GDP in GCC countries / GlobalData raises 2022 growth forecast to 4.4% / Polymer exports of trading bloc continue to rise

US Gulf petchems and plastics plants beset by start-up delays / Shin-Etsu, Formosa Plastics and Sasol projects lead the list

Plastics trade fair in Shanghai postponed due to coronavirus outbreak / Negative economic impact predicted

UK supermarket ditches plastic-wrapped multipacks / Other retailer chains forecast to follow

IT group phases out plastic cups, straws and bottles across its businesses

Petrochemicals comeback stalls / US and Europe pull in different directions / Sanctions torpedo Western players' plans for re-engagement

Economic recovery helps sector gain highest business volume in 10 years / Rising number of plastic containers companies / "Hispack" 2018 attendee numbers up

UK government announces plans for deposit return scheme in England / System would cover single-use bottles and cans

Economic revival spurs growth in plastic packaging / GlobalData report

Petrochemicals capacity to rise by about 6m t/y to 2016 / Expansions expected in olefins and aromatics segments

Petrochemicals capacity to remain flat to 2016, GlobalData reports / Dow upgrades Bahia Blanca PE operations

Polymer demand outstrips GDP / Third largest consumer after China, US / GlobalData report

Launch of "Plastivision Arabia"

Number of global joint ventures on the rise / Most activity focused in Asia, followed by Middle East / Jv formation follows global consumption patterns and cheap feedstock trends / Latest GlobalData report

China accounted for almost one third of global demand in 2011 / Middle East has become world's third-largest production region / Emergence of bimodal resins allows for higher-value applications / Latest GlobalData report

Alternative feedstocks rejuvenate global plastics sector/ Oilfield licences to be awarded in Brazil / Shale gas fever rages on three continents / Middle East resources still firmly driving / Saudi Arabia, Iran are major players / GlobalData reports

“Interplastica Moscow 2011” / Plastics sector poised for future growth

PE demand to rise by 8.6% per year to 2015 / Polyolefin needs driven by packaging sector