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Italy has requested a temporary suspension of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), arguing that price volatility is increasingly affecting industrial competitiveness. The move comes at a critical moment, ahead of a major revision of the mechanism at EU level.

Italy has requested a temporary suspension of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), arguing that price volatility is increasingly affecting industrial competitiveness. The move comes at a critical moment, ahead of a major revision of the mechanism at EU level.

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.

China is increasing its exports of recycled plastics, particularly rPET and rPP, with estimated growth of 15–25% in recent years. This trend is creating direct competitive pressure on European recyclers and traders.

Comisia Europeană a publicat orientări concrete pentru aplicarea PPWR, oferind clarificări esențiale privind reciclabilitatea, conținutul reciclat și cerințele de conformare. Industria intră oficial în etapa de implementare.

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.

Following the publication of the PPWR implementation guidance by the European Commission, industry bodies such as European Brands Association and FoodDrinkEurope warn that significant uncertainties remain, particularly around recycled content verification, costs, and consistent application across EU member states.

From March 31, 2026, England implements simplified nationwide recycling rules, while from April 1, the plastic packaging tax rises to £228.82/tonne for materials containing less than 30% recycled content.

A group of 16 European organizations from the recycling and materials sectors is calling on the European Commission to introduce a transition period for the new waste shipment rules set to enter into force on May 21, 2026, citing incomplete readiness of the digital system.

Oil rises to 110–115 USD/barrel → feedstock +50–60%
Dow doubles PE increase to +30 cents/lb (~660 USD/ton)
LyondellBasell, INEOS, Borealis declare force majeure
SABIC introduces energy surcharges on engineering plastics
ABS, PMMA, PET and PP see rapid global price increases

The International Automotive Recycling Congress (IARC) 2026, starting on March 25 in Hamburg, highlights the growing importance of recycling in the European automotive industry. Bringing together up to 300 industry decision-makers, the event marks a critical step toward circularity, with an increasing focus on plastic materials.

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 packaging and recycling industry is calling for recycled material to originate from Europe
• The measure is linked to upcoming mandatory recycled content targets
• The objective is to protect EU recycling capacities

Automotive recycling industry gathers at IARC 2026

Oil volatility begins to reshape polymer market dynamics

Rising demand for anti-block masterbatch in plastic films

European recyclers signal crisis in plastics sector

European circular economy summit announced in Romania

Key exhibitions for injection molding technologies

Deposit return system becomes mandatory in Hungary