Polymers & Packaging News Today

LLDPE (-2) Rs.87/kg, LDPE prices are around (+2) Rs.119/kg, HDPE PE100 natural (-0) Rs.96.50/kg, HDPE PE100 black (-0) Rs.98.50/kg, HDPE HM (-1) Rs.95/kg Ex Mundra/Bhiwandi. HD Blow Moulding (±0) Rs.94/kg Ex Mundra/Bhiwandi.

HDPE prices display mixed results globally, declining in USA and Europe, but rising modestly in Asia last week. Contributing factors include subdued demand, ample supplies, and decreased cost of key inputs like Ethylene, Naphtha, and Crude oil.

April 2024 saw a surge in acetylene prices due to increased downstream demand in Asia, particularly India and China. This reflects China's recovering economy and boost in construction, marked by a significant rise in new home prices.

In Europe, Polymethyl Methacrylate prices remain steady due to high upstream costs and scarce inventories. However, a probable softening is expected mid-Q2 2024 amid weaker downstream demand. Buyers remain cautious, expecting more discounts.

Germany's R-HDPE market suffers from high price pressures and tight supply due to enormous demand outstripping supply, causing variable prices. This versatile plastic's robust demand is mainly driven by packaging and manufacturing industries.

Alpek Polyester USA introduces a single-material solution, the CaPETall PET resin for bottle caps. The new product boosts post-consumer PET bottle recycling and supports the PET circular economy while maintaining the benefits of PET's mechanical properties.

The European Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) market has seen a supply surplus amid low demand from downstream packaging industries, leading to a roughly 2% weekly price drop in Germany.

California's ban on expanded polystyrene (EPS) foodservice items could be an initial enforcement test under the new extended producer responsibility regulations. The state EPR mandates EPS foodservice ware to achieve a 25% recycling rate by 2025 or face a sales ban.

Polycarbonate prices indicated stability globally in early May 2024, with increased demand from US construction and automobile sectors contributing to a 4% hike in Brazil in March. EU, MEA, and Asia markets reveal a bull trend.

Italy has delayed its plastic tax implementation from 2024 to 2026. Aimed at lowering plastic usage, the law levies €0.45 per kilo on non-recyclable plastic packaging, impacting products like bottles and carrier bags.