Recent developments
Polymer market signals
North American olefins margins improved while PE spreads narrowed and PP demand stayed weak, according to the LyondellBasell Q3 2025 earnings report. Covestro’s Q3 2025 results showed lower sales and EBITDA amid a Dormagen outage. Packaging-related demand supported AptarGroup’s Q3 performance, though European polymer pricing remained under import pressure.
Restructuring and consolidation
To address structural shifts, BASF is consolidating its Asian PolyTHF business, centralizing at Caojing with total capacity steady at 250 kt/y. Mitsui Chemicals’ subsidiary Kulzer is refocusing on EMEA and the Americas and consolidating artificial-teeth production in Germany. LyondellBasell’s planned sale of four European assets advanced, and UPM Adhesive Materials will cease production in Nancy while investing in the U.S., Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Product and portfolio
LyondellBasell introduced Pro-fax EP410C polypropylene for impact-resistant packaging and industrial uses. Covestro expanded specialty materials via the Pontacol acquisition and HDI derivative capacity agreements. OMV progressed the formation of Borouge Group International, supporting future polyolefin growth.
Circularity and recycling
Recycling efforts accelerated: Toray unveiled carbon fiber recycling technology retaining fiber strength. BASF and ETH Zurich reported GHG benefits from gasifying mixed automotive plastics with biomass, indicating policy needs for flexible mass balance. Trinseo received recognition for ELV plastic recovery and advanced recycling trials involving PC and PMMA.
Routes to market
Channel realignments continued: LyondellBasell appointed Polysaf Ltd. as distributor in Israel for non-medical polyolefins and compounds. In engineering plastics, Mitsui Chemicals and Polyplastics agreed on a marketing arrangement for ARLEN and AURUM, with Polyplastics handling customer interface and Mitsui Chemicals retaining manufacturing and R&D.