MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

CEE plastics industry feels sting of Hormuz blockade / Region highly dependent on imports / Major converters halt purchases, sacrifice production capacity / Recyclers see temporary benefits

RUSSIA

Polymer prices rebound after hitting five-year low / Investments at rock bottom / Warnings of non-payment crisis

BALKANS

Plastics converters squeezed by supply issues, weak demand / Middle East turmoil exposes feedstock dependence / Higher prices needed to maintain stability / CEPM networking event in Belgrade

PLASTICS INDUSTRY SPAIN

Administrative burden drains resources needed for development / CEP study points to consolidation amid volume growth

PLASTICS INDUSTRY ITALY

Manufacturing rebounds in Q4 2025 / Full-year results only slightly negative / Middle East war adds uncertainty for 2026

EUROPEAN INDUSTRY SUMMIT

European chemical industry on the edge / Business fleeing the continent / Supply-chain disruptions threaten domino effect – Central European perspective

RUSSIA

Plastics processing slumps in 2025 / Oversupply crisis looms / State aid dwindling

PACKAGING WASTE LEGISLATION

Spanish associations join forces against reuse targets for plastic films in transport / Economic impact not yet entirely clear, says analyst

RUSSIA

Polymer profits plummet / Market demand on downward trajectory / Outlook for 2026 uncertain

SPAIN

Chemical industry at risk of losing EUR 26 bn over next 10 years / Production to rise despite headwinds / Industry lobbies for measures to bolster competitiveness

ITALY

Federchimica association celebrates chemical industry – and seeks orientation during members' meeting

GREECE

High energy costs undermine competitiveness even at European level / Plastics waste recycling stagnates / Industrial capacities at risk despite growth forecasts

RUSSIA

Plastics processors brace for closures, bankruptcies / Consumption plummets across key segments as economy enters recession / Drone attacks target key petchem capacities

PORTUGAL

Government allocates EUR 30 mn to strengthen recycling, waste recovery / Over half of the waste still landfilled

SPAIN

Household plastics market poised for robust growth / Shift towards environmentally friendly products / Asian countries look into export opportunities

USA

Plastics machinery shipments steady in Q2 / Wider processing sentiment remains cautious

TRADE WAR

EU-US tariff deal to stir issues for plastics industry in CEE, Finland

PLASTICS INDUSTRY ITALY

Modest rebound in virgin materials / Compostables stabilise / Flat demand in 2025

UK

Polymer industry to benefit from new industrial strategy / Key sectors include advanced manufacturing / Composites set for gains

RUSSIA

Polymer consumption on ice / Possible economic recession takes toll on operations / Petrochemical projects likely delayed