Niagara Bottling has acquired and restarted a major California recycling facility to boost recycled PET production and strengthen its bottle-to-bottle manufacturing strategy in the United States.
Far Eastern New Century began 2026 with softer revenue as polyester and PET markets remained weak. Investors are watching recycled PET growth, sustainability initiatives, and global packaging demand for signs of future margin recovery.
A German research project called SpectralAIge is using spectroscopy and artificial intelligence to assess the degradation of recycled plastics after multiple recovery cycles, helping improve product quality and circular economy efficiency.
Brent crude has climbed above $111 per barrel and WTI is trading near $103 as geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran intensify. Concerns over supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are pushing energy markets higher and increasing fears of renewed global inflation.
Avantium will sell the intellectual property behind its Ray Technology® platform to UPM in a €2.7 million transaction, marking a strategic shift toward its FDCA and PEF renewable polymer business.
Hyosung TNC has started supplying bio-based BDO from its new Vietnam facility, marking a major step in the company’s sustainable materials strategy. The expansion highlights Hyosung TNC’s push beyond spandex and textile fibers into bio-based chemicals tied to global apparel, automotive, and industrial supply chains.
Fresh reports from international media suggest the United States and Israel are intensifying military preparations for possible renewed strikes on Iran. Diplomatic efforts remain fragile as officials weigh new military options, including expanded air operations and potential special forces missions targeting nuclear infrastructure.
Iran used the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi to seek stronger political backing against the United States and Israel, while divisions inside the bloc highlighted growing tensions over maritime security, sanctions, and regional stability.
Tehran is moving toward a long-term toll system in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime chokepoint that carries a major share of global oil and LNG shipments. The proposal is triggering international concern over shipping costs, energy security, and freedom of navigation.