Italy

March 13, 2026 - Attributed bio-circular raw materials through mass balance and segregated bio-based or recycled materials are seeing broader adoption, while the Danish group posted solid 2025 results.

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  • PTA/PET plants to move from Rotterdam to Oman
    Indorama Ventures’ Dutch plants, transferred to MAK Germany, will be relocated to the Port of Sohar.
  • The numbers behind Europe’s chemicals crisis
    Cefic has published a report detailing the worsening condition of Europe’s chemical sector, marked by plant closures, eroding competitiveness and a sharp slowdown in investment.
  • Treofan Germany becomes Polyopt
    The German BOPP film producer has been acquired by UAE-based Al Ghurair Group, which is already active in the sector through Taghleef Industries and Arabian Flexible Packaging.
  • Piovan expands with two deals in italy
    Added competencies in dosing, conveying and plant components for polymers, food and industrial applications.
  • Chemical recycling starts up at Amcor Heanor
    Pilot plant with Greenback’s Enval technology brought online to treat waste from multilayer flexible packaging.

Smart pyrolysis targets rigid polyurethane foams

March 11, 2026 - Covestro’s chemical recycling technology will be optimised on a pilot plant to be built in partnership with the Fraunhofer Institute.

SEAC clears draft opinion on PFAS restriction

March 11, 2026 - The ECHA committee has taken a further step in the EU process that could lead to broad limits on the manufacture, sale and use of PFAS.

Advent delays Envalior deal

March 10, 2026 - The US investment firm will not buy Lanxess’s minority stake in the joint venture in 2026, reopening the contractual windows for 2027 and 2028.

Petition backs made-in-EU recyclate

March 10, 2026 - The campaign has the support of several European industry associations. It calls for recycled material from outside the EU not to count towards mandatory recycled-content targets in products.

Another casualty in Europe’s recycling crisis

March 10, 2026 - Repeats Northern Europe has entered insolvency proceedings after months of market pressure from weak demand, high costs and cheap imports.

MOST POPULAR

Italy to drop “Made in EU” rule from new 5.0 tax incentive

March 13, 2026 - The government plans to amend the 2026 Budget Law, dropping the requirement that eligible machinery be made in the European Union or the European Economic Area.

Elkem reorganises after silicones deal with Bluestar

March 13, 2026 - The Norwegian company will refocus on metals and materials while cutting costs and reducing its workforce.

SEAC clears draft opinion on PFAS restriction

March 11, 2026 - The ECHA committee has taken a further step in the EU process that could lead to broad limits on the manufacture, sale and use of PFAS.

Arburg bets on Trend machines to revive sales

March 11, 2026 - The German injection moulding machine maker has also announced a new range of vertical presses for Asian markets, to be built in China in partnership with Tayu Machinery.

Japan to streamline ethylene capacity

January 27, 2026 - Three industry majors have agreed to jointly operate two crackers and close a third, investing in bioethanol-based processes.

EVENTS

Amsterdam, 5–6 May 2026

PRS Europe 2026 agenda unveiled

A two-day programme in Amsterdam will address EU regulation, investment conditions and emerging markets, including polyurethane recycling.

Milan, 9–12 June 2026

Plast 2026: free registration opens 2 March

Visitor sign-up for the Milan triennial on plastics, rubber and composites begins in ten days.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

Plastics fair Fakuma confirms Friedrichshafen

With strong exhibitor interest and regional support, the event will remain at its traditional Lake Constance location for at least five more years.

Gulf crisis puts Europe’s polymer market on alert

March 6, 2026 - The impact of the conflict in Iran and the blockade of the Gulf straits on costs, logistics and competitiveness is the focus of this interview with Paolo Arcelli of Plastic Consult.

EU industry plan sidelines chemicals

March 6, 2026 - The sector is mentioned among energy-intensive industries only as a possible candidate for a later extension of the Act’s Made in EU measures. Cefic and Plastics Europe respond.

German merger strengthens plastics recycling chain

March 6, 2026 - MBA Polymers joins Energenta to build a broader platform in recycled plastics and compounding.

Petrochemicals deepen Europe’s chemical crisis

March 6, 2026 - According to Cefic’s latest report, sector output declined again, with the sharpest falls in petrochemicals and polymers.