ICIS - chemical podcasts

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe's oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have largely been driven by supply factors and upstream movements, as underlying demand remains subdued on continued wider economic weakness and geopolitical tensions.Oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate reporter, Marion Boakye,  joins acrylate esters editor, Mathew Jolin-Beech, and glycol ethers editor, Cameron Birch, to discuss current conditions along the oxo-alcohols value chain.

Join Mark Victory, Senior Editor, Recycling at ICIS as he asks Valentijn De Neve, CEO of BlueAlp and president of industry association Chemical Recycling Europe, and Egor Dementev, ICIS EMEA recycling analytics team lead about mass balance accounting and the future of the chemical recycling industry following the publishing of the  Single Use Plastic Directive implementing act.Key topics covered include: Mass balance accounting rules and how the final version differs from the draft SUPD implementing act The role of competition with other circular plastic routes and how it might shape chemical recycling's future What success looks like for chemical recycling in 2026 ICIS assesses more than 100 grades throughout the circular plastic value chain globally – from waste bales through to pellets. This includes recycled polyethylene (R-PE), recycled PET (R-PET), R-PP, mixed plastic waste, agglomerates, pyrolysis oil and bio-naphtha.  For more information on ICIS' recycled plastic products, please contact the ICIS recycling team at recycling@icis.com

The UK chemical industry needs more swift and powerful regulatory support to save it from further erosion as production falls by more than half compared to 2021 levels. -          25 UK chemicals closures since 2021, country now only has one cracker-          Massive social impact of closures, often in deprived areas-          UK no longer produces some critical chemicals-          Lost UK chemical production could reach 55-60% from 2021 levels-          UK needs much more powerful government policy shift to save industry-          UK chemicals sees toughest business environment for many years-          Slight pick up expected in 2026-          For 2026, chemicals output forecast to contract in US, tepid growth in Europe, China-          India forecast 7% in chemicals output for 2026-          More protection needed against China, which has moved up the chemicals value chain and subsidises productionIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Stephen Elliott, CEO of the UK Chemical Industries Association and ICIS market development director John Richardson.

LONDON (ICIS)--European ammonia and acrylonitrile (ACN) players are facing supply and demand challenges while regulatory changes, including the recently enforced carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), are further complicating the market picture. In this podcast, European ACN editor Nicole Simpson speaks to global ammonia editor Sylvia Tranganida about the likely outlook for the markets. ·       European ACN market operating at reduced rates as European industry in decline·       Russian ACN imports virtually gone following new EU sanctions in December ·       China's ACN overcapacity is growing but infrastructure for exports is lacking ·       ACN demand set to remain soft, well served by existing contracts ·       CBAM creating discontent in ammonia market ·       Ammonia imports into Europe slowing after CBAM enforced·       Tight supply in global ammonia market ·       Natural gas supply a concern for ammonia players ·       Ammonia demand set to pick up in spring for seasonal reasons

Matt Tudball, Senior Editor, Recycling talks to Carolina Perujo Holland, Senior Analyst Plastics Recycling for EMEA, and Salmon Aidan Lee, Principle for Recycled and Virgin Polyesters in Asia about their highlights from the 2026 PETCORE Europe Annual Conference. The event took place on 5-6 February in Rome, with a packed audience covering both the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and recycled PET (rPET) markets, and much more. Highlights include:  Global PET and polyester overcapacity Recycling as both challenge and opportunity  EU regulation and uncertainty  Imports and trade impacts  Emerging sustainability drivers across markets  Rapid developments in Asia's recycling landscape

EU and industry leaders meet in Belgium to call for urgent action to stop and reverse the erosion of the region's industrial value chains. -          New Antwerp meeting of industry leaders and EU leaders aims to speed up moves to save chemicals and other heavy industry-          Industry is in crisis and action is required right now to stop further deindustrialisation -          EU must move to a federal structure to allow for swift decision-making and more powerful tools to support it-          Coalition of the willing to get action without full consensus-          Rising tide of regulation needs to be reversed-          Criticism of member states for “gold-plating” EU regulations, adding new rules at national level-          Proper pan-European energy market is required-          Podcast was recorded on Thursday 12 February

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe's phenol, acetone and derivatives markets have entered 2026 under pressure, with weak demand and rising costs shaping the markets.Jane Gibson covering the Acetone and phenol editor Jane Gibson is joined by Mat Jolin-Beech covering MMA, Heidi Finch senior editor covering the European BPA and epoxy resins, Sam Lovatt covering PC and Michele Bossi - analyst for the chain.

Join Egor Dementev, ICIS EMEA recycling analytics team lead, as he asks Valentijn De Neve, CEO of BlueAlp and President of industry association Chemical Recycling Europe, and ICIS senior editor recycling Mark Victory about Chemical recycling regulation following the passing of the implementing act on mass balance accounting under the Single Use Plastic Directive, and the future of the industry.   The Single Use Plastic Directive (SUPD) implementing act which sets out the mass balance approach for chemically recycled PET End of Waste Status for pyrolysis oil and the Winter Package The need for investment in chemical recycling regardless of regulatory clarity The volume of recycled material needed for food-contact applications by 2030 and 2040 Chemical recycling demand through to 2030

Improving sentiment in manufacturing, especially in the US, raises hopes of a turning point, but industry needs strong action to save it, especially in Europe. -          Big jump in US purchasing manager indices (PMIs) with Europe and China moving in the right direction-          New report by Roland Berger highlights Europe's chemicals crisis-          Rising costs, poor demand, continue to pressurise margins-          New Antwerp Declaration expected next week -          Storms, cold weather bring chaos to Europe, disrupting logisticsIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

LONDON (ICIS)--A mix of regulatory changes, feedstock volatility and global economic factors is transforming the global oleochemicals market.In this latest podcast, senior editors Helen Yan, Eashani Chavda and Lucas Hall and joins markets editor Nazif Nazmul to share the latest developments and expectations ahead of the Palm and Lauric Oils Conference (POC) being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 9-11 February. Asia crude glycerine up on Indonesia export tax hike to 10% Adequate US oleochemical supply catering to relatively soft demand Europe fatty alcohols C12-14 spot prices rise by double-digits, bolstered by PKO spikes

Is China's polyethylene market heading for a crash or a recovery? In the latest ICIS podcast, senior industry analyst Joanne Wang sits down with Amy Yu ,  Asian PE lead from Analytical team to dive into the "tug-of-war" defining 2026. Together, they break down how the 6.2 million-tonne capacity surge is clashing with sudden price shocks caused by Middle East tensions.

Europe's chemical distributors' margins are under pressure as geopolitics roils the global economy, but they are also flexing to new business models for future growth.-          Cost inflation impacting margins for distributors – logistics, energy, labor, working capital -          Tougher to pass price increases to customers-          Intense competition from cheap imports into Europe-          Economic uncertainty affecting customer confidence-          New business models needed as the old global world order changes -          Distributors, being less asset-heavy, are well placed to adapt to changing trade flows and tariffs-          Unstable tariff regimes are bad for demand due to the uncertainty they create-          Tariffs can cause a whiplash as flows redirected to other regions

Join Egor Dementev, lead of the ICIS EMEA Recycling Analytics team as he asks Director General of the German Plastics Packaging Association, Martin Engelmann and ICIS Senior Editor, Recycling, Mark Victory about the nuances of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and why companies need to take action well ahead of the 2030 targets.Key topics covered include:  No political signs suggest PPWR will be delayed or weakened PPWR roles and responsibilities are complex and often misunderstood Lack of clarity around regulatory details creats uncertainty for industry Companies must act now despite unknowns, especially ahead of 2026 deadlines Recyclability and recycled content will be central to future requirements

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen a subdued start to 2026.With a challenging 2025 now behind us, and the New Year underway, there were hopes of restocking and improvements in demand, as well as overall market conditions.Acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch about market conditions and whether these hopes have started to come to fruition.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- China's domestic acrylonitrile (ACN) prices fell to over five-year lows early this year. Overcapacity, weak demand and sustained margin pressure loomed over the value chain, encouraging players to rebalance. In this chemical podcast, Asia ACN editors Seymour Chenxia and Corey Chew take a look at recent China and broader Asian ACN market movements, discuss the short-term forecast, supply-demand fundamentals and trade flow outlook for 2026. NE Asia ACN prices decline on tepid demand and overcapacity in Jan Short-term pressure may ease as negative margins weigh on run rates Exports emerge as the long-term option to mitigate China oversupply

LONDON (ICIS)--Sluggish demand, a complex tariff landscape and geopolitical instability are key talking points in the Europe and US epoxy markets.In this podcast, Heidi Finch who covers the Europe epoxy market and fellow senior editor Tarun Raizada who covers the US epoxy market share insights on tariff uncertainty, ongoing demand and margin concerns in a troubled climate. Tariff and trade haze continue to cast shadows over the epoxy markets in both Europe and the US.* Demand remains fragile and cautious across regions, with limited restocking activity in Q1, no meaningful recovery expected in the first half of the year, some uplift hopes for H2. Pricing tension persists, amid margin concerns vs soft market conditions Europe bears the brunt of competition from South Korea,  due to EU anti‑dumping exemptions Possible EU review of anti‑dumping duties/SK ADD exemption could potentially level out the playing field *Since the podcast recording, Trump has called off his 10% tariff threat from 1 February on some EU countries over the Greenland dispute  following a productive meeting with  NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.Podcast editing: Zubair Adam

The whip shaw over tariffs relating to the Greenland dispute highlights the need for chemical companies to plan for a world of rising geopolitical instability. ·         Trump's tariff swings deepen uncertainty for global chemical trade·         EU–US deal stalls, exposing fragile trade negotiation structures·         Davos leaders warn of weakening global institutions and alliances·         China presents itself as stabilising force amid shifting geopolitics·         Trade deals no longer guarantee protection from sudden policy shocks·         Tariff uncertainty threatens investment, planning and market confidence·         Chemicals growth areas include defence, recycling and water technologies·         Chemicals may need to develop strong regional championsIn this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting. 

Despite widespread geopolitical instability around the world, the most severe period of crude oil oversupply ever will depress prices, latest ICIS forecasts show.   -          For 2026 global oil markets are in the largest period of oversupply we have ever seen-          Oversupply forecast by ICIS at 3 million barrels/day out of a roughly 100 million barrels/day market-          China oil demand growth has slowed drastically thanks to slowing economy and transition to electric vehicles-          OPEC is increasing supply, unwinding previous cuts-          Around 20% of global oil supplies pass through Strait of Hormuz so closing it could push prices above $100/barrel. -          End Q1/early Q2 Brent crude oil prices could decline under $60/barrel as fundamentals of oversupply take over from geopolitical concerns-          Overall prices could be 15% lower than in 2025, ICIS forecasts-          China-driven chemicals oversupply will persist in 2026-          Developing world outside China may become a driver of chemicals demand-          SABIC's petrochemical sale ushers in new era of ownership by turnaround investors In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS market development director John Richardson, ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Ajay Parmar, head of oil markets for ICIS.  

BARCELONA (ICIS)--EU leaders seem to recognize the need for action to reverse deindustrialization, but it risks being too little, too late for chemicals. EU chemicals regulation needs ambitious reform, not tinkering at the edges Chemical companies continue to close operations in Europe, partly driven by regulatory costs Expect a review of Reach regulation and “one substance one assessment” part of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability in 2026 Sustainability reporting requirements are being watered down Proposed changes to the EU Waste Framework Directive will impact chemical recycling sector Risk of EU moving towards hazard-based assessments, rather than risk Restriction of lead in ammunition could stifle defence sector Move away from international rule of law means new approaches needed In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Gerard McElwee and Peter Sellar from Squire Patton Boggs, ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets have seen a subdued level of activity in December amid ample supply across derivative markets and sluggish demand.For 2026, many remain sceptical surrounding the prospect of demand recovery tied in part to the potential of infrastructure spending and any resolution to ongoing geopolitical issues.Glycol ethers editor Cameron Birch speaks to oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate editor Marion Boakye and acrylate esters editor Mathew Jolin-Beech about market conditions and expectations for the near future.

In the second of a two-part Sustainably Speaking podcast special, Helen McGeough, ICIS Global Analyst Team Lead for Plastics Recycling talks to long-standing veterans of the European recycling industry about the current state of the market and steps for the future.In Part 2, Helen is joined by Bernard Merkx who has an extensive background in the recycling industry and is the former President of Plastics Recyclers Europe, to take a look at the challenges still facing the recycling markets today, including: Risk of bankruptcies, high energy costs and price volatility to persist to 2027 New recycling capacities focused on packaging at the expense of the automotive and construction sector despite upcoming recycled content targets How imports into the EU remain essential in the short-term  Plus some calls to action for Europe's recycling industry

With the prospect of global overcapacity easing from around 2030, Middle East petrochemical players are debating how to monetise their plentiful natural gas supplies.  Middle East producers plan a major new capacity wave after 2030,  Long‑term strategy centres on monetising hydrocarbons beyond 2030 China's overcapacity cycle may ease by around 2030,  Debate about staying focused on simple, large‑volume commodity grades or moves into higher‑value or specialty polymers Climate‑driven demographic and economic pressures in the Global South could reshape demand Chinese competition in high‑value chemicals is intensifying Maintaining strong ties with China remains important today Massive crude oil‑to‑chemicals (COTC) ambitions are being moderated Partnerships and M&A are key tools for Middle East companies to secure technology, expand globally, and balance portfolios   In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews ICIS senior consultant John Richardson. Download a special issue of ICIS Chemical Business with full coverage of the recent Gulf Petrochemical Association (GPCA) event. 

In the first of a two-part Sustainably Speaking podcast special, Helen McGeough, ICIS Global Analyst Team Lead for Plastics Recycling talks to long-standing veterans of the European recycling industry about the current state of the market and steps for the future.In Part 1, Helen speaks to Dr Michael Scriba about the current downturn in Europe's recycling sector and discusses topics such as: What factors contribute towards the current prolonged industry downturn Industry barries such as lack of approval for polyolefins for use in food contact applications Large-scale adoption unlikely until 2030 Lack of a robust European collection and sorting system for many recycled polymers Key actions needed such as interim targets from 2026 to bridge the gap to 2030 goals

Remarks by French president Emmanuel Macron suggest a tougher approach to protecting Europe as global chemicals move towards a 2028 bottom of cycle. -          Ethylene, propylene capacity additions to accelerate, peak in 2027 -          2028 bottom of the cycle, project delays could push this out to 2029-          2000-2028 almost 75% of global capacity additions for key building blocks have been in China -          Final investment decision (FID)-to-on spec production can be only 2.5 years in China, so risk of further projects adding to the problem -          China additions may slow from 2030 due to peak carbon goals-          Fight for survival for producers in Europe and Asia-          To balance markets around 24m tonnes of ethylene closures required – equivalent to demand of Europe, Former USSR and Africa -          26m tonnes of propylene closures required - equivalent to capacity of Europe, Former USSR and Africa-          Olefins demand at 30-year low in Europe, to 1990s levels, and will not revive-          Signs of a more protectionist approach by Europe to save industrial base-          Producers in China are also suffering from overcapacity, losing money-          China exported more chemicals than the US or Middle East in Q2 2025-          Trinseo closure, INEOS Quattro ratings downgrade spell more bad news 

Asian spot prices for butadiene (BD) are rebounding, after a prolonged period of declines, as supply tightens on various unplanned grounds, but the supply losses may be minimised if China exports rise.  Join ICIS Asian BD editors Elaine Zhang and Ai Teng Lim, as well as Senior Analyst Ann Sun, as they discuss current Asian BD market developments and a near term outlook.  

Since the US Liberation Day, chemical prices and margins have plummeted, while tariffs are also accelerating the end of existing globalised business models of trade. -          Tariffs are altering decades of globalized trade patterns, pushing economies toward protectionism-          Chemical prices and volumes have plummeted since Liberation Day on 2 April-          Export-oriented business models under threat, particularly for US chemical companies-          Average US tariffs surged from 2.4% to 28% before settling around 16.8%, the highest since 1935 during the Great Depression-          Future strategy must focus on regional supply chains and production capabilities, reducing reliance on global exports-          Rising geopolitical tensions and NATO uncertainties mean chemicals for defence could become a major growth area-          Localized production will drive demand for recycling, acceptance of mass balance approach needed-          Grupa Azoty Polyolefins bankruptcy shows vulnerability of European chemical projects in an oversupplied global market -          Regionalization trend already accelerating companies like BASF touting local capacity as a competitive advantage amid tariff uncertainty-          Expect consolidation into fewer, larger producers in Europe, while smaller players may shut down or transition to specialties/low carbon production

China has a huge impact on the global chemical industry in terms of supply and demand so analysis of future demographic and economic trends is important for business leaders. -          Huge variation in forecasts for changes in population-          Chemicals demand growth scenario planning is vital-          Must take into account China's success in technology and exports-          Demand boost if export earnings are funnelled back into pension and healthcare reforms-          ICIS base case 2025-2050 sees 2% polyolefins demand growth per annum, down from  10% between 1992 and 2024-          More container traffic may return to the Suez Canal if ceasefire holds

LONDON (ICIS)--Europe's oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets remain structurally weak, as participants keep inventories lean or actively destock, further reducing spot market activity.Market participants are now prioritizing inventory management and 2026 contract talks, with fundamentals expected to remain largely unchanged through year-end.Oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate reporter, Marion Boakye,  joins acrylate esters editor, Mathew Jolin-Beech, and glycol ethers editor, Cameron Birch, to discuss current conditions along the oxo-alcohols value chain.

The decision by ExxonMobil to close its ethane cracker in Scotland shows there is a need for faster action by lawmakers across Europe and more innovative thinking to safeguard the region's chemical industry.   -          ExxonMobil to close its 830,000 tonnes/year, ethane-fed Fife Ethylene Plant -          Questions over availability of North Sea ethane to feed the plant-          Around $1 billion investment reportedly needed to revamp plant-          Rising defence spending offers opportunities-          Chemicals can switch to more technical and service-based products-          INEOS preparing anti-dumping duties cases to protect its business-          Europe must fight for its innovation advantage, other regions getting stronger-          Aging population in Europe is a drag on demand

Europe butadiene (BD) editor Melissa Hurley discusses the current market conditions and challenges facing the global market with editors Ai Teng Lim, Stephanie Cervantes and BD analyst Gawaine Preston. BD Asia prices hit two-year lows in November due to heavy deep-sea imports from Europe, US, and South America. NE Asia received 250,000 tonnes of deep-sea cargoes in first three quarters of 2025 (up 100,000 tonnes versus 2024). Local production in China impacted by maintenance; BR futures may influence BD pricing sentiment European export prices to Asia dropped sharply, indications below naphtha cost January-July 2025 European BD exports to Asia four times larger than 2024 volumes Local European demand underperforming; suppliers extracting less BD Crude C4 (CC4) length persists despite low cracker rates Longer term CC4 availability in Europe diminished due to cracker closures Domestic US market steady to long; tire imports from Asia hurt US tire manufacturing. US BD production stable; supply long; prices near breakeven resulting in suppliers considering or undergoing co-cracking activities Minor Q1 turnaround in 2026 running concurrently alongside major cracker turnaround could keep supply and demand fundamentals balanced Additional reporting from Industry Analysts Elaine Zhang and Ann Sun. 

As the year draws to a close, weak underlying demand persists in the European acetone, phenol and derivatives chain in a fragile macro climate, compounded by year-end inventory and working capital considerations. Other headwinds include global overcapacity led by Asia and profitability struggles in Europe in the face of high costs which have led to rationalisation plans in Europe in the chain and broader industry.Heidi Finch senior editor covering the European BPA and epoxy resins markets is joined by: Jane Gibson covering the acetone and phenol markets, Mat Jolin-Beech covering MMA,  Sam Lovatt covering PC and VIP guest Michele Bossi - analyst for the chain. 

Chemical markets across Asia are seeing more trade flows from low cost producers such as China and the US as competition grows amid rising overcapacity.-          Asia downstream markets not expected to recover until 2027/8-          Low cost producers such as US, China, competing for market share-          US tariffs, sanctions disrupting regional chemical markets-          Moves in China, South Korea, Japan to close uncompetitive plants may help rebalance markets-          China producers are exporting to other regions, such as Latin America-          New China acetic acid plants add 10% to capacity in 2025-          Downstream demand growth not keeping pace-          Since the podcast was recorded on 3 November, a major plant has shut, driving up demand for imports into India, potentially widening arbitrage for Atlantic spot trades  -          In China, retirement of older acetic acid plants unlikely to offset capacity addition in near future 

Senior Editor Vicky Ellis is joined by colleagues Senior Editor Ben Lake and Markets Editor Anne-Sophie Briant-Vaghela to discuss the a generally weak October polymer market.  They also discuss the outlook for November, in what has been a disappointing year for many in the polymer business. 

Senior Editor Vicky Ellis is joined by colleagues Senior Editor Ben Lake and Markets Editor Anne-Sophie Briant-Vaghela to discuss the a generally weak October polymer market.  They also discuss the outlook for November, in what has been a disappointing year for many in the polymer business. 

With low-carbon fuels facing multiple challenges including poor demand, feedstock constraints and policy uncertainty, catalysts can help solve technology roadblocks in this emerging global market. Biofuels face competition from electrification and hydrogen Feedstock shortages hinder scale-up of biofuels Shell and BP cancel major biorefinery projects in Rotterdam, Netherlands Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) costs up to five times more than jet kerosene Regulatory mandates not rising quickly enough to stimulate demand Catalyst innovation boosts e-fuels efficiency, reduces energy use Industry needs incentives, clarity and global cooperation In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham and ICIS biofuels editor Nazif Nazmul interview Andreas Bachmeier, head of business development & energy transition at Clariant.

HOUSTON (ICIS) -- US ethylene glycol (EG) and ethylene oxide (EO) markets reporter, Melissa Wheeler is joined by Vice President of North America polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/polyester chain, and Senior Data Analyst for US EO acrylonitrile and PX, Monica Losey, to discuss operating rates on the US EO and EG markets for the remainder of the year and potential factors contributing to reducing or increasing rates into the new year.·         US EG continues to be hampered by weak PET demand·         EO derivative production outside of EG to continue to trend upward into 2026·         No expected turnarounds, planned outages for remainder of 2025

LONDON (ICIS)-- European oxo alcohols and derivatives markets remained largely unaffected by recent port strikes and maintenance shutdowns, with supply chains holding steady throughout October.Demand, however, continues to be weak due to macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures, keeping spot interest low. Glycol ethers and acrylate esters also saw minimal disruption, with stable pricing and subdued sentiment.As 2026 contract talks begin, many buyers are considering shifting from long-term agreements to spot purchases, reflecting ongoing uncertainty and cautious market outlooks.Acrylate esters editor, Mathew Jolin-Beech, is joined by oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate reporter, Marion Boakye, and glycol ethers editor, Cameron Birch, to discuss current conditions along the oxo-alcohols value chain.

Carolina Perujo Holland, ICIS analyst for R-PET and Caroline Murray, senior editor for virgin PET spoke to GSI Plastics CEO and founder Francesco Zanchi and general manager, Chiara Zanchi about the state of the markets and where they are headed in 2026 

Following another successful K Fair in Dusseldorf in October, ICIS Senior Analyst, Plastics Recycling and Sustainability, Alexandra Tawton-Tomczyk is joined by Mark Victory and Matt Tudball, Senior Editors for Recycled Plastics in Europe, and Ben Monroe-Lake, Senior Editor for Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) Europe to discuss some of the topics covered during the event. Under discussion are the impact of the current economic downturn on the recycled polymers industry, the impact of both virgin and recycled imports into the EU and how regulation is still having a big impact on the recycled markets but remains a grey area in some cases. 

Latest economic statistics from China suggest its economy is still flagging, meaning it will continue to export excess chemicals capacity into global markets. -          China's economy is sputtering as country deals with excess domestic capacity and ruptured property sector-          Global chemical markets likely to see more flows of cheap material from China, undermining prices and margins-          Latin American Petrochemical and Chemical Association (APLA) delegates in Mexico report rising pressure from Chinese, US imports -          ICIS data shows spreads near record lows in Asia, little hope of recovery to long-term averages 

SINGAPORE (ICIS) -- Asia styrene prices continued to be under pressure, while downstream margins began to recover. Downstream polymer margins stabilise after SM corrections 2026 contract discussions could progress slowly, greater focus on FOB China China's major role in Asia SM remains under spotlight amid further supply expansion In this chemical podcast, Asia styrene editors Luffy Wu and Aviva Zhang discuss recent market developments, and the outlook ahead, following their observations in the industry conference held last week in Xi'an, China.

The European base oils market is facing key challenges with strong capacity growth and a transition from Group I to Group II and Group III, while re-refined base oils have been growing in popularity due to consistent quality, attractive prices and their circular aspect. The ICIS base oils team attended the 60th UEIL Congress in Italy, engaging with key players in the industry on the latest market developments.Samantha Wright, Sophie Udubasceanu and Alessia Succi Cimentini discuss the key takeaways from the conference and what awaits the European base oils industry. 

Ongoing weak demand pressure, rising import trends, and interest in recycling sets the tone at K in Dusseldorf, Germany, one of Europe's key downstream plastics industry events.Markets editor Stephanie Wix and markets reporter Sam Lovatt unpack the highlights and major talking points from K in this podcast, focusing on Europe acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), expandable polystyrene (EPS), polycarbonate (PC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) markets.

Asia olefin players open their 2026 contract talks at a trade conference Xi'an, China, this week, with fundamentals in oversupply and supply pressure likely to ramp up in 2026. Asia ethylene will continue grappling with oversupply from new capacities in 2026 Arbitrage flows could be here to stay with supply imbalances in southeast Asia Asia propylene wrestles with propane challenges, squeezed margins Availability of US propane a key concern for 2026 2025 Enmore Contract Season trade conference took place this week in Xi'an, China Podcast by Josh Quah and Julia TanEditing by Will Beacham

With the problem of plastic pollution growing, especially in Asia, an innovative project by Borealis and partners aims to build scalable, low-cost municipal waste systems in regions where infrastructure is lacking. Indonesia is the world's second-largest source of ocean plastic Project STOP targets unmanaged waste in Indonesia 13,300 tonnes of plastic collected since 2017 launch Project STOP aims to reach 2 million people  Local governments lead operations to ensure long-term viability Accenture's digital tools improve efficiency and transparency Project STOP is open-source and designed for replication

Political leaders in Europe must boost availability of cheap energy and deregulate or risk deeper deindustrialization, according to Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman.  -      AI will require vast amounts of cheap energy, Europe disadvantaged-      EU energy policies have closed access to huge reserves of oil and gas-      Europe has outsourced manufacturing, often to more polluting regions-      CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) does not work, increases costs of imported raw materials-      Tackle climate change through use of innovative materials, nuclear fusion-      Tariffs are hurting any nascent economic recovery-      Don't expect strong economic bounce back in 2026-      US reshoring will drive industrial and chemicals demand -      China-driven overcapacity will persist for several yearsICIS journalist Will Beacham interviews Peter Huntsman, CEO of Huntsman

European phthalic anhydride (PA) reporter Gabrielle Jordan and plasticizers reporter Marion Boakye discuss market developments into Q4, highlighting key talking points from the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) annual meeting held from 22–25 September in Berlin, Germany.Demand in both markets is expected to remain subdued into 2026, with sentiment for the coming year projected to closely mirror 2025 levels.Topics discussed include: Subdued downstream demand Local supply and import flows Market expectations for 2026 Podcast by Marion Boakye and Gabrielle Jordan

SINGAPORE (ICIS)- In this chemical podcast, Senior editors Emily Friedman and Arianne Perez discuss the implications of recently added reciprocal tariffs on the recycled PET (R-PET) markets in the US and Asia. US buyers continue navigating supply needs, tariff cost sharing Asia prices fall to record lows as US-bound exports contract US short term fundamentals unchanged, though prices gradually move up

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Fatty alcohols mid-cuts C12-14 are expected to see sluggish demand in the near term amid the festive holidays in some countries in Asia. Meanwhile, its substitute linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is likely to see some supply lengthening in 2026, even as demand conditions continue to be optimistic. New LAB capacities in China, India and Mideast slated for Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 Fatty alcohols mid-cuts to see less uptake during festive season in India, China Impact of delay in EUDR on feedstock PKO yet to be seen In this podcast, ICIS senior editors, Clive Ong and Helen Yan discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

LONDON (ICIS)--In the wake of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) conference in Berlin, Germany, players are looking inward to find the levers for growth in the face of expectations that the industrial downturn will continue to drag on.   In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, ICIS insight editor Tom Brown interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.  

According to attendees at the annual European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) conference in Berlin, Germany held during 22-25 September, consumption for polyols and isocyanates for the rest of 2025 is not expected to recover with similar expectations going forward. In this episode, European markets editor Zubair Adam for isocyanates and polyols and Rob Peacock, ICIS lead analyst, discuss sentiments captured during the conference.FORECASTING UPDATE: Starting September 2025, ICIS will begin releasing its polyols and isocyanates 18-month forward price forecasts twice a month. Each market will be fully updated once a month, with a second update comprising revised price forecast charts plus a brief discussion highlighting market changes.