Italy
Chemical

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.

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.

Early signs of improvement in Versalis results

February 27, 2026 - The adjusted operating loss narrowed slightly year on year in the final quarter of 2025, with restructuring benefits expected to become more visible over the course of 2026.

Selenis targets capacity doubling at Portalegre

February 27, 2026 - A new continuous polymerisation platform will be commissioned at the Portuguese site, expanding the range of bio-attributed and recycled polyesters.

European plastics at a crossroads

February 12, 2026 - The Antwerp Declaration Community has called for a European “industrial deal”, as the Commission signals openness to procurement preference and PlasticsEurope outlines the sector’s priorities.

BASF reshapes its service backbone

February 12, 2026 - Finance and HR to be consolidated in India; Supply Chain to Kuala Lumpur, with regional hubs retained.

Plastics are ‘toxic’ again in Canada

February 2, 2026 - The Federal Court of Appeal has overturned a ruling that had blocked the inclusion of plastic manufactured items among those defined as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Dow to cut costs and jobs through AI and automation

January 29, 2026 - Dow has unveiled a restructuring and simplification plan, dubbed “Transform to Outperform”, aimed at delivering at least $2 billion in near-term improvements in operating EBITDA.

PTA/PET plants to move from Rotterdam to Oman

January 29, 2026 - Indorama Ventures’ Dutch plants, transferred to MAK Germany, will be relocated to the Port of Sohar.

The numbers behind Europe’s chemicals crisis

January 28, 2026 - 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.

LAST NEWS

More sustainable materials gain ground at Lego

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.

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.

AI to detect extrusion defects

March 13, 2026 - SKZ and Fraunhofer IIS are developing an automatic device for integration into existing production lines to reduce scrap and stabilise processes.

Sirmax sets up Family Council to steer continuity

March 13, 2026 - The new body is intended to safeguard long-term cohesion between ownership and management while leaving operational responsibilities with the Board.

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.

MOST POPULAR

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.

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.

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.

EU finalizes provisional ELV Regulation deal

December 12, 2025 - Progress in the legislative process for new rules on vehicle circularity and end-of-life management. PlasticsEurope voices concern over revised recycling targets.

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.