August 7, 2026 - Barges are operating with sharply reduced loads as drought affects one of northern Europe’s main logistics corridors.

  • Evonik expands cost-cutting drive
    The German chemical group announces further global job cuts and the closure of its polyester operations. Potential offshoring options are under review.
  • Ineos to close PS plant in Illinois
    The Channahon shutdown will leave North America with just two polystyrene production plants.
  • Interzero invests in food-grade recycled PP
    A pilot plant in Dessau will produce mechanically recycled polypropylene for food and cosmetics packaging.
  • Kem One reshapes ownership
    Monarch Alternative Capital and Arini are set to become the group’s anchor shareholders under a refinancing plan backed by funds managed by Apollo.
  • Westlake completes Wilhelmshaven acquisition
    The former Vynova plant in Lower Saxony will complement the group’s existing chlorovinyls operations in Europe and North America.

Prysmian expands electrical offering

August 4, 2026 - The acquisition of Atkore would add steel, PVC and aluminium conduits and cable management systems to the Italian group’s portfolio.

Hexpol acquires Vipa Group

August 4, 2026 - The €143.5 million deal strengthens the Swedish group’s thermoplastic compounding activities for Wire & Cable applications.

Irplast expands BOPP capacity in Italy

August 4, 2026 - The new BOPP film line, based on LISIM echnology supplied by Brückner Maschinenbau, will be inaugurated in September.

Amsterdam rejects ethylene damages claims

August 4, 2026 - The ruling does not challenge the antitrust infringement but rejects Shell’s civil damages claim.

DOMO PA66 plant in Spain changes hands

July 31, 2026 - London-based biotech company Epoch Biodesign has acquired the polyamide 66 polymerisation unit in Blanes.

MOST POPULAR

UBE restructures nylon supply chain

February 11, 2025 - Production closures announced in Japan, Spain and Thailand as the company shifts focus from basic chemicals to specialties.

Marelli to stay in lenders' hands

July 30, 2025 - Search for a buyer falls through; Chapter 11 exit slated for 2026 under the ownership of its principal lenders.

COIM sets sights on Notedome

October 20, 2025 - Agreement with Manali Petrochemicals to acquire the UK-based manufacturer of elastomeric polyurethane systems.

Shell to shut down plants in Europe

March 28, 2025 - Capital Markets Day 2025 unveils restructuring plan for chemical operations in the U.S. and Europe.

Klöckner Pentaplast exits Chapter 11 with new owners

February 2, 2026 - Financial restructuring completed under Redwood Capital’s control, with approximately €1.3 billion of debt eliminated and €349 million in fresh capital to support operations and future growth.

EVENTS

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

WPO launches World Packaging Day

The World Packaging Organisation has established an annual event to highlight packaging’s contribution to safety, sustainability and economic development.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

interpack moves to June and trims format

The Düsseldorf packaging trade fair will return in 2029 with a six-day format running from Sunday to Friday.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

PRS Europe marks its tenth edition with solid numbers

The plastics recycling exhibition and conference brought together industry players, policymakers and technology suppliers at RAI Amsterdam.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

German plastics output keeps falling

All key indicators remained negative in 2025, underlining the depth of the crisis facing the country’s plastics industry.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 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

PRS Europe 2026 agenda unveiled

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

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.

Friedrichshafen Oct. 12–16, 2026

Petcore chooses Rome for annual PET event

The ‘save the date’ has been launched for the annual industry gathering, which for the first time will not be held in Brussels.

Stork IMM joins Arburg portfolio

July 31, 2026 - Agreement signed to acquire Dutch manufacturer of large-tonnage, high-speed injection moulding machines for packaging applications.

Dow files new ethylene cartel claim

July 31, 2026 - The US chemicals group is seeking €1.1 billion from four companies in its second damages action linked to the European ethylene purchasing cartel.

Versalis cuts losses further

July 29, 2026 - Restructuring measures and plant closures improve second-quarter results, although sales decline and polyethylene margins weaken again in July.

BASF gains momentum

July 29, 2026 - The chemicals group reports higher sales and EBITDA, supported by cost reductions and improved plant utilisation.