News

- PE prices in April moved up by approximately 660 €/tonne, bringing total 2026 increases to around 990 €/tonne
- PP suppliers seek additional non-monomer price increases of 88–220 €/tonne on top of rising PGP contract settlements
- PS prices driven up by sharply higher benzene and butadiene feedstock costs
- PVC and PET also record increases, supported by plant shutdowns and raw material cost pressure
- Iranian conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue to impact global energy and feedstock supply chains

China continues expanding petrochemical and polyolefin capacities
• New investments are increasing pressure on European producers
• The global market is facing oversupply and shrinking margins
• Asian imports continue to impact the competitiveness of the European plastics industry

• price-sensitive demand is driving buyers toward low-cost PP and PE cargoes
• Southeast Asian buyers remain cautious
• competitive pressure continues to increase across the market

Borealis has announced price increases for polyolefins in Europe: +€70/ton for polyethylene (PE) and +€50/ton for polypropylene (PP). The new prices apply starting April 1, 2026.

Polish group Orlen is close to finalizing the acquisition of GA Polyolefins (former BASF–INEOS joint venture), a major polyethylene producer based in Antwerp. The deal could significantly impact raw material supply for processors across Central and Eastern Europe.

The sharp increase in virgin polymer prices in March 2026 is now directly impacting the recycled materials market. Recyclates are becoming more expensive, while strengthening their strategic role in the supply chain, driven by regulatory pressure and rising production costs.

The European polyolefin market continues to face downward pressure in November, with weak demand, ample supply and limited price support from monomer markets. Processors and recyclers are navigating a volatile environment that affects margins, competitiveness and planning.

The European Union formally adopts End-of-Waste (EoW) criteria for recycled polyethylene (rPE) and polypropylene (rPP), establishing harmonized quality standards across the EU.

Cotațiile PE și PP au scăzut cu 30–50 €/tonă pe piața europeană.

Borealis investește 500 mil. € în Austria pentru a dubla capacitatea de reciclare mecanică a poliolefinelor.