Hengli Petrochemical’s PTA expansion highlights how China’s integrated refiners are reshaping the polyester value chain, linking crude, aromatics, PTA, PET and fibers into a cost-driven industrial platform.
ORLEN Unipetrol has begun testing ISCC Plus-certified pyrolysis oil from recycled plastics at its Litvínov steam cracker, marking a practical step toward circular petrochemical production.
Oil prices have eased after US-Iran de-escalation headlines, but Brent near $83 and WTI near $80 show that markets are still pricing geopolitical risk, supply uncertainty and fragile confidence in the Strait of Hormuz.
PET thermoform recovery in the U.S. and Canada reached a record 264 million pounds in 2024, but NAPCOR’s latest analysis shows that recycled-content use is falling, exposing a growing gap between collection gains and true circularity.
Dutch innovator Mariva Materials is advancing a new generation of biobased performance fibres designed for durability, recyclability and compatibility with existing textile infrastructure.
A Finnish cellulose-based film and coating platform could help packaging producers replace fossil plastic while supporting recyclability, biodegradation and EU compliance.
Italy’s plastic recycling industry is facing a value crisis, not a volume crisis. While recycled plastic volumes increased to around 850,000 tonnes in 2025, sector turnover fell for the third consecutive year to €685 million. High energy costs, weak demand, cheap imports and competition from virgin polymers are squeezing margins, leaving many recyclers under severe pressure. PET remains the strongest segment thanks to mandatory recycled-content rules, but other polymers still lack stable market support.
Oil prices remain elevated as the US-Iran conflict and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global energy supplies. Brent crude is trading near $93 per barrel while WTI remains around $90. This analysis examines the latest developments and the outlook for oil markets.
New research warns that the UK is collecting more plastic for recycling while simultaneously losing the infrastructure needed to process it. Industry experts say billions in investment and thousands of jobs could be unlocked if policymakers create stable conditions for recycling growth.