ICIS - chemical podcasts

As chemical producers gain access to more renewable energy, and portfolios evolve, distributors and downstream customers can look forward to more availability of low carbon, low fossil content products. -          Distributors can help communicate sustainability data up and down industrial value chains-          Full lifecycle analysis is required to truly measure a product's environmental footprint   -          Vital to have standard measurements for carbon footprint-          Chemical industry has a 25-year innovation cycle, more investment needed to accelerate this-          Wave of low carbon products expected in next 2-3 years -          Azelis is sticking to its environmental targets-          Customers drive demand for more low carbon products-          Renewable energy will cut fossil content of distributor product portfolios-          Smaller chemical companies drive low carbon innovation in Asia-          Reshoring will drive national or regional chemical value chains

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets continue to face blighted downstream sentiment in May tied to ongoing US trade developments and wider domestic economic malaise pertaining to principle end user segments including automotive, constriction and wider paints & coatings business.Better availability has facilitated further price pressure in May with few signs of a let up in the short term. Supply changes remain critical for price discovery.Glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech about conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

As the 12 June deadline for entries to the ICIS Innovation Awards approaches, a judge and a 2024 winner describe why this topic is so important for the future of the chemical industry and society.-          Innovation breaks down silos, encourages collaboration-          Enables industrial value chains to decarbonise-          Chemical industry provides essential raw materials -          Awards are a chance to get external recognition for your innovations-          Deadline is 12 June, entry is free and quick - click here for full details

Participants at the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) expect chronic oversupply conditions hurting the chemical sector will start to rebalance by 2028-2030. -          China overcapacity, trade war is causing an unprecedented crisis-          Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), paraxylene (PX) in structural oversupply-          Hopes for rebalancing by 2028-2030 as plants shut down, capacity build slows-          Demand is flat but India is the exception – a beacon of growth for the region-          Taiwan, Thailand struggle to compete against China, Middle East-          Trade war will cause “cataclysmic” changes in global trade-          Sustainability still seen as a growth driver, especially for polymers-          Growing reliance on US ethane for chemical production in Asia

Cease fires on both business and war fronts are the focus of this month's European polyethylene (PE) & polypropylene (PP) podcast, from the US and China de-escalating their eye-watering tariffs battle for 90 days, to the India-Pakistan ceasefire.Senior editors Vicky Ellis and Ben Lake look at May's price trends, how US-China trade relations are influencing sentiment in Europe, and are joined by senior editor Nadim Salamoun to discuss Trump's announcement regarding lifting sanctions on Syria, and how Pakistan's market responded to its ceasefire with India.They also highlight ICIS coverage from the latest Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) in Thailand, including how petrochemical demand may ramp up as US lifts Syrian sanctions, how South Korea is mulling petchem rationalization, and another ICIS podcast on Asian C2 players' survival strategies.

LONDON (ICIS)--Relatively stable demand and evolving global supply dynamics are expected in European ammonia and acrylonitrile (ACN) markets in 2025.In this latest podcast, global ammonia editor Sylvia Tranganida and Europe ACN editor Nazif Nazmul share the latest developments and expectations for what lies ahead. Ammonia players are expecting European demand from the nitrates market to pick up soon Availability is due to tighten with scheduled turnarounds in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia Ammonia prices globally are softening due to a lack of major demand Geopolitics-led macroeconomic challenges dampen prospects of ACN derivatives demand resurgence Balanced-to-long ACN supply dynamics anticipated to endure

BANGKOK (ICIS) -- Asia benzene prices saw an uptrend early week. However, this gain was wiped out by a drop in crude prices by Friday.  Market gets boost from US-China trade breakthrough Early week increases of over $50/tonne eroded by crude drop at week's close Market cautious about sustainability of uptrend amid incoming European cargoes In this chemical podcast, Asia benzene editor Angeline Soh discusses the situation in the market and some insights from the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

BANGKOK (ICIS)--Over the past week, Asia ethylene players arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, to reflect on the industry's drift towards oversupply, and probe opportunities for continued survival as supply-demand balance changes enter the horizon.  Feedstock cost competitiveness, ethane conversion considerations still on the table Consolidation a complex question, but looking more necessary for survival  SE Asia's new supply may cause supply-demand balance changes for Indonesia In this chemical podcast, ICIS editor Josh Quah discusses some insights gleaned from the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

LONDON (ICIS)-- European acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and acrylonitrile (ACN) markets are facing ongoing demand weakness in 2025, as well as uncertainty for global supply dynamics and the potential impact expected from US tariffs.In this latest podcast, Europe ABS market editor Stephanie Wix and markets editor for the Europe ACN report, Nazif Nazmul, share the latest developments and expectations ahead. Demand stability at a weak level expected to continue across 2025 Macroeconomic challenges persist, players monitor US tariffs situation Impact of ongoing antidumping investigation on ABS imports from South Korea, Taiwan ABS is the largest-volume engineering thermoplastic resin and is used in automobiles, electronics and recreational products.ACN is used in the production of synthetic fibres for clothing and home furnishings, engineering plastics and elastomers.

The agreement to pause steep tariffs between the US and China for 90 days allows normal business to resume, but chemicals CEOs still need to plan for structural changes to global trade. -          US-China tariff pause allows trade to resume between nations-          Will benefit chemical companies around the world-          But business leaders still need to plan for a more protectionist world-          Trade resumption could see huge spike in demand, snarling up logistics-          SABIC reportedly appoints banks to prepare for sale of European assets-          Could make strategic sense from cost perspective-          But would reduce footprint in the EU with its 450 million citizens-          Upgrade and restart of SABIC's Wilton cracker reportedly delayed 

BANGKOK (ICIS) -- Northeast Asia ethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) markets have seen a slower-than-expected tempo of spot talks for June cargoes, with the main driver of uncertainty being unclear start up timelines from new ethylene derivative expansions, particularly from Chinese PVC. Around 1.5million tonnes/year new PVC supply may face start-up postponements Import discussions on ethylene slow pending clearer demand picture  PVC demand clouded by India-Pakistan tensions amid pre-monsoon season In this chemical podcast, ICIS editors Jonathan Chou and Josh Quah discuss their findings from the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

China's tariff on US LPG has been cut from 125% to 10% for 90 days. Shihao, Yan, and Lilian from the ICIS China LPG team discuss what this means for US cargo flows, CFR China price trends, and China PDH operation outlook, and why market players remain cautious despite the relief.  China lowers tariffs on US LPG for 90 days What this means for trade flows and pricing PDH run rates show signs of recovery Market reaction remains cautious Related article: Our April analysis on the tariff hike

Raphael Jaumotte, Technical Manager at PETCORE EUROPE speaks to Matt Tudball, ICIS Senior Editor, Recycling about the PETCORE EUROPE Thermoforming Conference on 27-28 May in Dijion, France. Details of the event can be found via Petcore's webiste.The theme of PETCORE EUROPE's 3rd dedicated thermoforming conference is focused on PET thermoform circularity, and asks the question ‘how can collection and sorting of PET thermoforms be improved?' Topics discussed include: PETCORE EUROPE's work in connecting the thermoforming industry Challenges of sorting and collection Impact of regulation on the thermoforming market The need of collaboratoin in the industry  New offerings and services that have come out of industry discussions

As demand for transport falters, and with the Middle East fighting for market share, crude oil prices may continue their downward spiral, eventually boosting chemicals demand.  -          Low oil prices put money into consumers' pockets-          Petrochemicals demand will eventually benefit from lower oil prices -          Destocking down value chains initially masks demand boost-          But trade war will likely dampen global economy, chemicals demand-          China's move to electric vehicles will reduce crude oil demand-          Oversupply means oil price decline likely to continue-          Trade war, demand trends will drive changes in China petrochemicals

Demand in the EU and US epoxy markets remains muted and the sentiment has become even more cautious, as players navigate the changing and complex tariff landscape.In this podcast, senior editor Heidi Finch, who covers the Europe epoxy market and fellow senior editor Tarun Raizada, who covers the US epoxy market, share insights on key topics including tariffs, effects on sentiment, demand and profitability struggles.  Europe epoxy sentiment diluted in April; as Trump tariffs add to demand caution; competition from South Korea and within Europe US epoxy price momentum slowed in April as players scrambled to assess impact on supply chain after duty/tariff fallout Profitability still a challenge; but benzene drop in Europe provides some relief Sentiment cautious in US moving forward as demand outlook far less favorable amid extended tariff uncertainty Trump tariffs cast a cloud over the downstream outlook, EU players hope trade deals will be reached  Podcast editing by Nick Cleeve

From Trump's tough tariffs talk to pivotal recycling legislation, ICIS senior analysts and editors pick their top themes from the 11th ICIS World Polyolefins Conference in Cologne.Joining senior editor manager Vicky Ellis on the podcast are senior editor Ben Lake, senior analyst for PE Lorenzo Meazza, ICIS consultant Les Bottomley, senior recycling analyst Egor Dementev and senior analyst Alex Tomczyk.They discuss highlights from the conference, including examples of tariffs from US' history, how Europe's market views the tariffs headache, one speaker's view that AI could be “better at purchasing chemicals” than human buyers, and how polyolefins must get their head out of the sand on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) rules or lose to other packaging.

The impending trade war is already hurting consumer and business sentiment and may help cause a global recession as demand collapses amid rampant chemicals overcapacity. -          US retailers fear empty shelves, fuelling inflation-          Uncertainty, chaos is hurting business, dampening consumer sentiment-          China chemicals demand growth could be negative in 2025-          China may exempt $46 billion of US goods from tariffs including ethane, polyethylene (PE), styrene polymers -          Huge drop in May bookings for China imports through US ports-          Power back to normal in Spain after nationwide outage on 28 April, chemical plants restarting-          System should be resilient to adapt to swings in solar and wind production

European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have been largely characterised by uncertainty and cautious market behaviour.Offtake from the coatings sector typically increases in spring, though sentiment is subdued as players struggle to plan amid ongoing global tariff uncertainty and ongoing wider economic weakness.Oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate reporter Marion Boakye speaks to acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech and glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch about conditions down the oxo-alcohols value chain.

LONDON (ICIS)--European Melamine Editor Melissa Hurley interviews Senior Editor Sylvia Traganida, Deputy Managing Editor Deepika Thapliyal, Market Reporter Joy Foo and Connor Phillips.Market factors to consider ahead of May: Asia Melamine market grappling with weak demand and increasing supply Asia exports dropped in March but expected to flow into Europe May/June Reduced melamine supply in Europe offset by ongoing sluggish demand conditions No tariff impact on US melamine so far Global urea demand expected to slow from H2 May China not resuming urea exports yet despite the domestic season ending Subdued European Ammonia demand; waiting for nitrates market to pick up Natural gas TTF prices softened, but European fertilizer producers reluctant to ramp up production due low demand

In this podcast, ICIS analyst Jasmine Khoo and Mason Liang talk about the current situation and outlook for the methyl methacrylate (MMA) market.

Asia propylene (C3) market is likely to see tighter short-term supply as China propane dehydrogenation (PDH) producers are now faced with surging propane import costs due to the US-China tariff hikes. While downstream demand and end-user consumption could be negatively impacted on tariff barriers. In this chemical podcast, ICIS senior analyst Joey Zhou and analyst Seymour Chenxia discuss what changes Asian C3 market is going to embrace in the US tariff upheaval. And the topics will be focusing on: 1.     Asia propylene price trends and forecasts2.     China PDH run rate could fall below 60％ on surging costs3.     Run rate for other production routes likely to rise4.     Tariff impact to C3 derivatives and end-user consumption 

Chemical companies need a razor-sharp focus on identifying and nurturing markets and customers as the trade war pulls apart decades of established ways of doing business.  -          Cheap material being offered to Europe from Asian countries outside China-          We are witnessing the breakup of the post-World War 2 Western Alliance-          CEOs now have 90-day window of opportunity for scenario planning -          Uncertainty about tariffs makes it difficult to plan-          Focus on locating markets and customers amid the chaos -          Major economies threatened with recession-          Asset bubbles may be deflating 

On the eve of his retirement, ICIS Think Tank podcast stalwart Nigel Davis and colleagues pick out key chemical industry turning points and point to the future. -          Energy transition will have massive impact on chemicals-          Tariffs could drive era of deglobalization-          Chemicals journalism helps bring clarity to markets-          Editorial content and analytics explain what is happening and why-          Get past the press release and uncover the truth-          Trusted sources of information are more important in an age of fake news-          Listening, thinking, analysing are key journalistic skills -          Key turning point when China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001

SINGAPORE (ICIS)—With the implementation of import tariffs by the US, aromatics trade flow from Asia might see a shift, especially on the back of disparities in tariff rates on different countries. High volumes exported in Jan-Feb, slowdown from Mar onwards South Korea, possibly affected, as one of the major exports of aromatics to the US Global macroeconomic growth to witness a slowdown amid trade war In this chemical podcast, ICIS market specialist Samuel Wong discusses the potential impact of US tariffs on the Asian aromatics markets.

Join the ICIS content team to hear about some of the key discussions had at Plastics Recycling Show Europe on 1-2 April in Amsterdam. Topics include: Impact of high feedstocks on recyclers' margins Impact of legislation across recycled polymers markets Updates on chemical recycling  Brands' positions on recycled content US tariffs - how will they impact Europe's recycled polymers markets?  If you are interested in taking part in the Regulation Test and Learn mentioned by Alexandra during the podcast, please click here to register your interest and arrange an introduction and overview of the program. 

Chemical companies all over the world will suffer if the new US tariffs trigger a full-blown trade war.-          Tariffs will be bad news for the US and for the global economy-          Europe polymers producers might get short-term relief if EU imposes tariffs on US polyethylene (PE)-          US tariffs means China may now target other countries-          Chemical industry will become more regional-          If US becomes more isolated China could move closer to Europe, form new trading bloc-          Europe's chemical industry has its back against the wall-          3.4% of European chemicals capacity has shut down -          EU attitude to energy pricing has reversed – they now want to reduce them-          Chemical industry now has unprecedented access to high level Commissioners-          Energy demand will soar – AI will use as much as chemicals-          Electricity production needs to double to full electrify chemicals, other sectors-          Survival of EU as a free trade zone is important-          Chemicals CEOs can seize an opportunity if competitors closeIn this Think Tank podcast, ICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews Cefic director general Marco Mensink, John Richardson from the ICIS market development team and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

China's domestic oxo-alcohols prices have recently rallied from low levels on expectations about supply reduction with the turnaround season approaching, but the sustainability and size of the price rise remains to be seen due to tepid demand recovery. 

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- India's PVC demand is expected to strengthen in the short term, driven by agricultural sector demand and restocking, but ample supply and policy uncertainties may weigh on market sentiment. Weak demand, high inventories pressure prices to multi-year lows ADD final findings delayed; uncertainty around implementation persists Oversupply concerns rise with new capacities, trade barriers in focus In this chemical podcast, ICIS market specialist Aswin Kondapally discusses recent market conditions, along with the near-term outlook.

Fresh from the European Coatings Show 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, ICIS looks over the key talking points and challenges facing the key sectors.The main challenges are the ongoing sluggish demand, coupled with the wider geopolitical volatility and economic headwinds.Attending ECS '25 for ICIS and speaking on this podcast are: Mathew Jolin-Beech on acrylic acid (AA), acrylate esters, and methyl methacrylate (MMA) Jane Gibson on phenol, acetone, and refinery solvents Nick Cleeve on isopropanol (IPA), Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM), Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK), Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Heidi Finch on TIO2 and epoxy resins

The new European Commission talks the talk on rescuing chemicals but has not yet turned words into action as deindustrialisation gathers pace.-          Change of tone from new Commission-          New strategic dialogue with chemicals on competitiveness-          Well intentioned, but not enough detail on action plan-          Conflict between competitiveness and Green Deal objectives -          Watering down or delaying existing legislation moves the goalposts, adds legal uncertainty-          US has a patchwork of state-level and federal regulation-          EU-US regulatory alignment is moving towards divergenceThis podcast was recorded on 26 March. ICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews Thomas Delille and Peter Sellar of UK-US based law firm Squire Patton Boggs.

European propylene oxide (PO) and styrene monomer (SM) will remain oversupplied following the closure of LyondellBasell and Covestro's flagship complex in the Netherlands, but the erosion of local capacity is leaving markets increasingly fragile.  In this podcast, ICIS Insight editor Tom Brown speaks to Nicole Simpson, ICIS markets editor for PO, and Fergus Jensen, senior editor for styrene, about the likely fallout from the planned shutdown. Europe PO market chronically oversupplied, operating rates remain low Further shutdowns needed for PO market to come back into balance LyondellBasell may be able to meet demand from Europe, US plants Styrene market also looks to more shutdowns, but closure further reduces Europe capacity Domestic market increasingly dependent on imports, making the market increasingly fragile Shipping delays and plant outages having a more dramatic impact Still over 700,000 tonnes excess capacity in Europe PO market PO remains difficult to transport, infrastructure limited to allow imports to Europe Players starting to invest in import facilities, but remain in early stages POSM capacity continues to exceed demand, but PO a more of a driver than styrene Three other POSM units remain in Europe

In episode 2 of our new Sustainably Speaking podcast, ICIS' Senior Executive, Business Solutions Group John Richardson is joined by Mark Victory, Senior Editor for Recycling, Europe, and Helen McGeough, Global Analyst Team Lead for Plastic Recycling at ICIS to talk about the importance of investment in Europe's recycling industry. Topics covered in this episode include:  Need for improvement in collection and sorting capacity Importance of high quality waste to allow chemical recycling scale up Investment needed to address Europe's structural shortages of recycled material  Imbalance between EU Member States for infrastructure investment The financial and economic cost of not investing in, and dealing with EU waste

The Plastics Recycling Conference is underway in National Harbor, MD, and Senior Market Editor Emily Friedman and Senior Analyst Corbin Olson break down the key topics among discussions and presentations at the show: US recycling capacity for select polymers for food-contact applications remains under 10% Sustainability-driven grades continue to see 30-200%+ premiums on PCR Tariffs, legislative changes amid top factors influencing market outlooks

The chemicals sector M&A market could see the start of a revival this year, with private equity firms and other strategic investors keen to put war chests of capital to work in a muted growth environment, but political and economic factors remain a concern.In this podcast, ICIS insight editor Tom Brown speaks to Federico Mennella, managing director for industrials at investment bank DC Advisory, about the economic outlook and shifting trends in global chemicals dealflow. Rebound still expected but timing has been pushed back towards the end of the year on trade uncertainty, energy pricing and economic stability Strategic investors have war chests of cash and are looking to M&A in difficult organic growth environment Interest strong for North America chemical sector opportunities due to competitive energy pricing Questions over whether a financial investor could do something with Europe assets that the current owner cannot Private equity continues to drive M&A Increasing trend for bids for assets not in play More flexibility in transactions, with investors taking certain assets out of a wider package Global M&A activity has remained below pre-pandemic levels in size and volume Slight rebound occurring, multiples slightly lower Financing costs remain elevated compared to pre-COVID era Disconnect between buyers and sellers on valuations narrowing

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia propylene (C3) editor Julia Tan speaks with Asia ethylene (C2) editor Josh Quah about the impact of recent tariff wars on downstream market sentiment, along with the markets' outlook for the second quarter. NE Asia C2 to see demand support from new PVC start-ups in China NE Asia C3 length to weigh on markets; import demand weak amid ample domestic supply New capacity start-ups in China to lengthen supply in olefins markets in Q2

SINGAPORE (ICIS)-- Asia and Mideast isocyanates prices climbed rapidly immediately after the Lunar New Year holiday, followed by sharp corrections in mid to end-February. Ample supply has weighed on overall sentiment, and limited recovery in demand is expected for the rest of March.  Asia MDI, TDI prices fall after Lunar New Year holiday  Ample Asian supply to keep buyers in China, SE Asia cautious  Post-Ramadan recovery in Middle East to be capped by sufficient availability In this podcast, ICIS markets editor Shannen Ng and markets reporter Isaac Tan discuss market conditions and expectations for the near future.

Moves by Germany and across Europe to boost defence spending could give a significant uplift to the region's beleaguered chemical industry.-          Need to maintain robust national or regional supply chains may benefit chemical industry in Europe, which is threatened with closures-          German defence/infrastructure spending boost could be 2% of GDP, larger than increase linked to German reunification, post-war Marshall Plan-          Rising defence spending in Europe would help boost electricity demand significantly, estimates vary from 7%-30%-          Data-driven technology for defence would also raise electricity demand-          Will raise demand for gas and renewable-based power-          Europe will need to become more self-sufficient in energy, driven by renewables

LONDON (ICIS)--The Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen ongoing subdued market conditions in march, and also face the pressure of rising feedstock and production costs.Acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech speaks with glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch and oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye about conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

Fresh US tariffs posing a big risk for PE, a chemical industry under threat of “extinction”, more Q4 results to pore over from EU polyolefins – there's yet again plenty to digest for Europe polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) senior editors.Vicky Ellis and Ben Lake are joined by senior analysts Lorenzo Meazza (PE) and Emiliano Basualto (PP) to consider February trends, what to expect in March and the rest of 2025.Last but not least, they look at different scenarios that US tariffs will affect PE and PP.They touch on articles including US PE exports most vulnerable to retaliatory tariffs, Saudi plans for a new Sipchem/LyondellBasell mixed feed cracker and Orlen's Q4 petchem operating loss improving.

HOUSTON (ICIS)—US polyethylene terephthalate markets reporter Melissa Wheeler interviews Vice President of the North America PET/Polyester Chain, Antulio Borneo.PET market factors discussed include: Tariffs on Mexico and Canada imports and the impacts to the US PET market Supply and demand balance going into the peak summer season China's antimony bans on exports to the US and the impact that will have on PET production

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--The northeast Asian propylene import markets have been weighed down by lengthening supply amid restarts at propane dehydrogenation (PDH) units. However, lower affordability levels from derivatives such as propylene oxide (PO) have also curbed import demand.  NE Asia propylene prices cool on weaker demand amid lower affordability levels Oversupply a central issue in northeast Asia for PO makers  Tight SE Asia propylene supply likely to continue amid shutdowns In this latest podcast, ICIS senior editor Julia Tan speaks with markets editor Shannen Ng to discuss market conditions and expectations for the near future.

BARCELONA (ICIS)--The European Commission's Clean Industrial Deal may not be radical enough to reverse the decline of Europe's petrochemical industry. Member states urged to lower energy bills by cutting taxes to legal minimums Improve infrastructure and connections to ease flow of renewable electricity €100 billion to support EU-made clean manufacturing, but questions over how chemicals can access the money Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for energy-intensive industries to partner with renewable energy providers More measures against unfair foreign competition Measures to boost circular economy and recycling But nothing game-changing or radical enough  In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS senior energy reporter Gretchen Ransow, ICIS chief news correspondent for Europe, Tom Brown and Nigel Davis from the ICIS market development team.

LONDON (ICIS)--Recent escalations in the US-China tariff war are set to create waves in the Asian and European import markets for methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI).Isocyanates Europe editor Zubair Adam and Asia editor Shannen Ng show case the key developments.

LONDON (ICIS)--The European oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen a mix of stable to firm pricing coming into February. Focus is shifting towards what demand trends may look like into the spring months and on current supply disruptions in the market.Glycol ethers report editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols editor and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye, acrylate esters editor Mat Jolin-Beech about the current conditions in these markets and expectations for the near future.

Europe's petrochemical sector will need to see bold moves in the EU's Clean Industrial Deal to help reverse its decline.-          May be a conflict between aim of making Europe more competitive and environmental goals-          Europe is in the “last chance saloon” to halt deindustrialisation-          Europe industry burdened by high cost of energy, CO2-          Improved connectivity for renewable power will be essential for chemicals-          Reform of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) welcome if it really protects local manufacturing -          Huge investment needed to make a low carbon future a reality-          ICIS forecasts depressed operating rates for global ethylene, propylene to 2035-          EU should focus on increasing tariff barriers, defence spending-          Clean Industrial Deal should be welcomed as a direct response to Antwerp Declaration -          Deal will be published on Wednesday 26 February 

 In this podcast, market editors Zubair Adam (MX) and Miguel Rodriguez Fernandez (PX) discuss the challenges for future demand. 

John Richardson, Market Development Director, hosts this new series of ICIS podcasts focusing on the subject of sustainability, and more specifically, recycling. In this first episode, John speaks to Helen McGeough, Global Plastics Recycling Analytics Team Lead, and Matt Tudball, Senior Editor for Recycling, Europe about how EU regulation is impacting the European recycling market now and in the future, and why European regulation will have a much more global impact.Topics include:  Breaking down European legislation (Single Use Plastics, Packaging & Packaging Waste, End of Life Vehicles) Impact on collection, sorting and quality of plastic waste in Europe and beyond Europe's competitiveness in the recycling space and how the economics compare How regulation may be a barrier for imports into the EU What's the future of plastics if the regulation does not work?

LONDON (ICIS)--Halfway through Q1 - and it is no surprise that there are still a host of challenges facing the phenol, acetone and derivatives chain. These include high energy costs, ongoing poor demand and the uncertainty around future trade flows given fresh Asia capacity and any tariffs – and reciprocal tariffs - from the new Trump administration.Europe ICIS editors Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy resins), Meeta Ramnani (polycarbonate), Mathew Jolin-Beech (methyl methacrylate) and ICIS senior analyst Michele Bossi (aromatics and derivatives) discuss current market conditions, in particular demand challenges, in view of residual macro and geopolitical headwinds, so far in 2025. European PC under a lot of pressure by low demand and Asian imports as all suppliers try to get a piece of the small cake Epoxy, BPA demand subdued, but EU ADDs for epoxy to bring some opportunities Low demand thwarts phenol market, with acetone yet to offer any real margin support Europe MMA facing growing pressures from rising production costs and stubbornly weak demand Podcast editing by Mathew Jolin-Beech

The Global Impact Coalition (GIC) aims to bring chemical companies and value chain partners together to solve challenges on the road to net zero carbon. -          Collective effort will bring down the cost of sustainable solutions-          GIC is spin off from the World Economic Forum -          Major chemical company members include BASF, SABIC, Clariant, Covestro, LyondellBasell, Mitsubishi, Syensqo, LG Chem-          Automotive plastics recycling is a key focus-          Fully decarbonised car would only add $900 to final price-          On average decarbonising only adds 2-4% to final price of most goods-          However decarbonization costs rise steeply up the value chain-          GIC aims to grow geographically and along industrial value chainsICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews Charlie Tan, CEO of the GIC and Lars Kissau, president of BASF's Net Zero Accelerator.

Recycled Plastics senior analyst Andrea Bassetti and US Recycled Plastics senior editor Emily Friedman discuss the main takeaways from the latest round of corporate quarterly earnings calls, as they relate to the US recycled plastics industry.

Senior Editor for Recycling Matt Tudball asks Carolina Perujo Holland, Senior Analysts for Plastics Recycling, and Travis Klein, Senior Analyst for PET how the European markets compare to other regions in terms of competitiveness, impacts of regulation and feedstock costs, and what they'll be covering in their presentation at the ICIS PET Value Chain Conference. The ICIS PET Value Chain Conference runs from 6-7 March in Amsterdam. Click here to register and see the full agenda.