Why defending circularity and competitiveness are mission critical for our sector
Interview with Antonello Ciotti, president of Petcore Europe, representing the PET value chain.
Analysis
News Plastech
ChemCourier: PP price outlook for October and November 2025
By the end of the current month, polypropylene prices are expected to remain stable with a marginal decline. Although increased activity is observed among converters, particularly in PP homopolymer, this is not a broad-based trend.
Advanced and chemical recycling in Europe: projects, capacities and status
Fraunhofer Umsicht has published an interactive map of chemical recycling in Europe, showing 2.8 Mt per year planned capacity versus 0.29 Mt per year in operation. Pyrolysis dominates the project pipeline, while no gasification plants are operational.
Automotive leads new installs: IFR data for Europe and world 2024
IFR: 542,000 industrial robots were installed worldwide in 2024, with nearly 12% cobots. Poland recorded 2,344 new installations, down 13% y/y, remaining the largest robotics market in CEE.
Polyethylene market under pressure – weak demand in Europe
Although the October ethylene price was unchanged, HDPE, LLDPE and LDPE prices are expected to fall next week. Weak market conditions and persistently low converter activity are the drivers.
Used extrusion-blow molding market 2018–2025: demand vs supply
MachinePoint data indicate a volatile secondary market for extrusion-blow molding machines between 2018 and 2025, with demand concentrated on select brands and machine sizes while supply remains fragmented. Regional patterns show Europe as the dominant source and persistent mismatches elsewhere.
The state of the plastics processing industry: challenges and risks to competitiveness
The European plastics industry faces challenges from strict regulations, rising recycling demands, and record-high energy costs. Production is shifting outside the EU, risking dependence on imports and weakened competitiveness.
Chem-Courier: polish polypropylene market under pressure
The situation on the Polish polypropylene market remains stable but difficult. Low demand and the presence of cheap imported material are limiting the ability of producers and trading companies to maintain polypropylene prices.
Polyethylene market in early September: between decline and hopes for recovery
The first days of September brought a development that many market players did not anticipate. Instead of stability or slight increases, the market continued to feel the effects of the summer slowdown.
Engineering plastics market to reach USD 204.2bn by 2033
Research Intelo estimates the engineering plastics market at USD 119.3 billion in 2024 and projects USD 204.2 billion by 2033, a 6.7 percent CAGR. Growth is supported by automotive, electrical and construction demand and the shift to lightweight, high-performance materials.
Forecast of PP price increase in Poland at the end of August 2025
The issues faced by European polypropylene producers may lead to a slight increase in prices in Poland in the last week of August - early September.
Polyethylene market trends in August 2025 by Chem Courier
At the start of August 2025, as expected, producers rolled over last month’s prices, but by the middle of the first week they began offering small discounts.
Chem Courier: Polypropylene market in Poland during the summer season - situation analysi
In August, the contract price of propylene is expected to fall, which will automatically translate into lower polypropylene prices
Chem Courier: overview of the PE market in Poland - low activity and stable prices
The second week of July was a period of low activity on the Polish polyethylene market, especially on the part of converters. Many producers and traders do not anticipate any significant changes in the coming days.
Amaplast 2025: Italian plastics machinery revenues top 4.82 billion euros in 2024
The annual Assembly of Amaplast - Italy's national trade association representing some 170 manufacturers of machinery, equipment, and moulds for plastics and rubber processing, and member of Confindustria - was held on 24 June 2025 at Villa Borromeo in Cassano d'Adda.
Prices and demand for PP in Poland at the end of June 2025
The contract price of propylene is expected to rise in July. However, unlike the polyethylene market, European polypropylene producers will have limited opportunities to raise prices due to continued low demand and the availability of cheaper imports.
PE market analysis in Poland
The expected increase in demand in mid-June did not materialise, at least not to the extent predicted by producers and traders. Converters traditionally have been referring from purchasing materials for stock.
K 2025 looks to Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian countries, collectively known as the ASEAN, have shown the ability to adapt prosper amid economic uncertainty.
Aimplas assesses the risks of reusable food packaging
Aimplas is leading the SAFEREUSE project, which aims to evaluate the risks associated with reusable plastic food packaging when exposed to high temperatures in microwaves and dishwashers.
Materialsmart - reduced emissions equivalent to 6,700 cars in 2024
Polykemi Group’s latest sustainability report shows the biggest CO2e savings to date. The results are driven by increased use of recycled materials and measurable material choices through the Materialsmart concept.
Polypropylene market in Poland: trends and updates
In the last week of May, the price of propylene for June was announced, remaining unchanged compared to May. A slight increase in demand for polypropylene is forecasted for June, as for many converters it will be a month preceding planned shutdowns or holidays.
The plastics industry discusses regulatory challenges in Valencia
Nearly 150 professionals from the plastics sector gathered in Valencia over two days for the fifth edition of OKPLAST.
Colines has published its first ESG Sustainability Report
Colines has taken a significant new step on its path toward sustainability by publishing the company’s first-ever ESG Sustainability Report. This detailed document demonstrates and highlights our concrete commitment to increasingly responsible, innovative, and transparent development.
Current situation on the PE market in Poland
In Poland, participants in the polyethylene market hope for a demand recovery in the second week of the month after a weak start in May. Producers of finished goods were hoping for a decrease in material costs, which prompted them to take active steps in the first working week of the month.
ENGEL expands market share amid global uncertainty
The globally operating ENGEL Group has closed the 2024/25 financial year with a turnover of approximately EUR 1.5 billion. Despite a continued decline in market conditions, the injection moulding machine manufacturer held its ground against European competitors.
The situation in Poland’s PP market - decline in demand, stagnation, and price forecasts
The polypropylene market in Poland has been showing signs of poor activity for an extended period. Market participants point to a decline in orders for finished products, stagnation in the automotive industry in Europe, as well as overall economic slowdown.
Polyethylene market analysis in April 2025: Market turmoil
Recently, there has been some turmoil in the market, caused by actions taken by the White House administration and reactions from China and the European Union. Market participants closely followed the changing situation regarding tariffs.
UK shoppers concered about harmful microplastics according to new research by Aquapak
New research from Aquapak shows that 58% of UK shoppers see the effect of plastic breaking down to microplastics in the ocean and waterways as their biggest concern when it comes to the damage plastic causes to the environment.
Röhm publishes ESG Report 2024 based on future ESRS requirements
Titled "Creating Sustainable Value", Röhm has published the ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) report for the financial year 2024. In the report, Röhm sets out its policies, measures and goals in all key ESG areas.
Polypropylene market analysis in March 2025
Propylene contract price is expected to decline in April. Many traders do not see positive prospects for the polypropylene market in the coming months.
A moderate slowdown offset by structural solidity for Amaplast member companies
The Italian plastics and rubber machinery industry experienced a mix of highs and lows in 2024, as shown in the year-end report prepared by the Mecs Study Centre based on foreign trade data gathered by ISTAT.
Krones publishes non-financial statement for 2024
The Krones Group has just released its ESG performance reporting for the year 2024. “For us, sustainabil-ity and our associated targets are - regardless of external factors and developments - a cornerstone of our business strategy,” says Krones CEO Christoph Klenk.
Krones increases dividend for 2024 financial year by 18%
Krones today published its 2024 Annual Report. Despite the critical general economic environment, the company once again increased revenue and profitability. Krones plans to continue on its profitable growth path.
Polyethylene market trends in March 2025
The demand for polyethylene decreased in March. Converters, observing the decline in crude oil prices, expect polymer prices to drop in April and are taking a wait-and-see approach.
BASF Group: Financial figures for 2024
In a challenging market environment, BASF Group’s EBITDA before special items (income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items) increased in the full year 2024 to €7.9 billion.
Polypropylene market in February
Low demand for polypropylene hindered price large increases despite producers’ efforts to improve margins. Throughout February, traders hoped for a market revival at the beginning of March, when the construction and agricultural sectors are traditionally more active.