News and Insights

Southeast Asia’s battery materials supply chain is taking shape as investments in separator production, battery-cell manufacturing and advanced polyolefin capabilities converge across the region.

Braskem Idesa is moving ahead with a financial restructuring that will reduce its senior debt from approximately $2.5 billion to $1.6 billion, while parent company Braskem continues discussions with creditors over its own balance sheet.

North American polystyrene prices saw their first decline of the year in July, as the sharp drop in benzene costs worked through the styrene chain. Townsend’s survey revealed lower prices for both Crystal and HIPS grades.

“Packaging must be recyclable by 2030.” It is one of the most repeated statements about the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. It is also an incomplete description of what the regulation actually requires.

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): From Headlines to Ground Realities - 12 August 2026: The PPWR Starts Applying

Sinopec announced on July 17 the commissioning of 50,000 metric tons/year of new specialty polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) capacity in Chongqing, bringing the site’s total PVOH capacity to 210,000 metric tons/year and expanding its capabilities in specialty grades.