International News Guide: Raw Materials - Malaysia Announces Tighter Plastic Waste Import Rules, Effective July 1 Automotive - EU End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations Loom, But Implementation Hurdles Persist Packaging - Bioplastics Break Performance Bottleneck: AIMPLAS-Lead Project Reshapes Sustainable Packaging Electronics - Samsung Reports 31% Recycled Plastic Content in Galaxy Devices Macro - Canada Cancels Digital Services Tax to Advance US Trade Talks Price - Ethylene Asia: CFR NE Asia $850/ton; CFR SE Asia $860/ton The following are details of international news:   1.Italy fines bioplastics maker Novamont for abusing dominant The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (Italian Competition Authority, AGCM) has imposed a €30.4 million fine on bioplastics manufacturer Novamont S.p.A for abuse of its dominant market position. Specifically, the company “abused its dominant position in the national markets for raw materials used in the production of bags (lightweight and ultra-lightweight for fruit and vegetables) by engaging in exclusionary practices targeting competitors,” according to an AGCM press release. 2.Doubling down on double capacity: our second advanced recycling unit is up and running in Baytown ExxonMobil has commissioned a second advanced recycling unit in Baytown, We’ve expanded our Baytown operations with a second advanced recycling unit. Combined with our first unit, which has been  in operation since late 2022 , we have processed more than 100 million pounds of plastic as of May 2025. 3.Samsung Reports 31% Recycled Plastic Content in Galaxy DevicesSamsung’s 2025 sustainability report reveals that 31% of plastic components in Galaxy smartphones and other products launched in 2024 used recycled materials, a new high for the company. The report notes Samsung has expanded its e-waste recycling program to 80 countries and regions globally, up from 70 in 2023. 4.AkzoNobel Agrees to Sell Majority Stake in Indian Unit to JSW GroupAkzoNobel has signed an agreement to sell its stake in AkzoNobel India Limited (ANIL) to India’s JSW Group, based on an enterprise value of approximately €1.4 billion (22x EV/EBITDA), covering its liquid coatings business in India. AkzoNobel will retain full ownership of ANIL’s powder coatings business and international research center. The divestment is the first step in the company’s strategic portfolio review announced in October 2024 to focus capital and capabilities on leading positions in key global coatings markets. 5.EU Launches Anti-Dumping Investigation into Vietnamese PET PlasticThe European Commission has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic imports from Vietnam, following complaints from EU PET producers alleging dumping at below normal value, harming the EU industry. The investigation, launched on May 22, 2025, covers 2024 export data and targets PET plastic with a viscosity of 78 ml/g or higher (ISO 1628-5), under HS code 39076100. 6.Malaysia Announces Stricter Plastic Waste Import Rules, Effective July 1Malaysia will implement stricter plastic waste import regulations from July 1, banning all plastic waste imports to align with the Basel Convention and its 2019 Plastic Waste Amendment, including prohibiting trade of specific plastic waste among Convention parties. Currently, Malaysia receives far more plastic waste from wealthy developed nations than other non-OECD countries. 7.Bioplastics Break Performance Bottleneck: AIMPLAS-Lead BIOPROCESS Project Reshapes Sustainable Packaging Bioplastics are emerging as a more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based non-degradable plastics in packaging, but further research is needed to ensure biodegradable/compostable plastics meet shelf-life requirements. The AIMPLAS-led BIOPROCESS project aims to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of bioplastics for high-performance flexible packaging films in food, cosmetics, personal care, detergents, and cleaning products. Partners include Potato Bioplastics (renewable resource bioplastics manufacturer) and Gaviplas (flexible film producer). 8.Kuraray Expands Production Again, Near-Monopolizing Market Kuraray has announced plans to expand production of optical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film "Poval" at its Saijo Plant in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, driven by demand for larger screen sizes. The new line, scheduled for December 2027, will produce wider optical PVA films compatible with 3-meter-wide polarizers, adding 38 million square meters annual capacity and boosting total capacity from 296 million to 334 million square meters. 9.EU End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations Loom, But Implementation Hurdles PersistIn Europe, end-of life vehicles (ELVs) are recycled at a high rate, with an average of 95% of materials being reused and recovered, and 85% being reused and recycled. However, some challenges remain such as the lack of circularity in design and production, the uptake of recycled materials in new vehicles or the low recycling rates for specific materials, such as plastics – with  80% of ELV plastics being currently incinerated or landfilled. This is a missed opportunity with enormous environmental and economic consequences. As the EU finalises the new the End-of Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation, a crucial piece of legislation designed to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles across their entire lifecycle, there is a critical window to push for real change. 10.Enterprises Including VW, BMW, Mercedes, and Bosch Sign MoU to Co-Develop Automotive Software Platform Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, and 8 other automotive and tech companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to co-develop and share advanced automotive software platforms, aiming to counter U.S. technological dominance and regain control of future vehicle digital architectures. Overseas macroeconomic market information: No Room for Compromise? Trump Says Unwilling to Lower Tariffs on Japanese Cars as Japanese Official Is "Standed Up" by U.S. Treasury Secretary U.S. President Trump said on June 29 he is not prepared to lower the 25% additional tariff on Japanese cars, the focal point of U.S.-Japan trade talks. Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryohei extended his U.S. visit but failed to meet Treasury Secretary Bessent during his 7th trip. Indonesia Relaxes Import Regulations for Commodities Indonesia has relaxed import rules for 10 commodities, planning further deregulation measures. Indonesian President Says Will Collaborate with Chinese Partners to Promote Power Battery Ecosystem Project Indonesian President Prabowo said on June 29 that the power battery ecosystem project, a $5.9 billion investment by state miner Antam, Indonesia Battery Corporation, and Ningbo Puqin Times, will make Indonesia the only Southeast Asian country with integrated upstream-to-downstream battery production, inviting Chinese partners to advance the strategic project. Canada Cancels Digital Services Tax to Advance U.S. Trade Talks Canadian Prime Minister Kearney and President Trump agreed to resume trade talks to reach an agreement by July 21, after Trump terminated talks over Canada’s digital tax.   Price information: 【USD/CNY Central Parity Rate】 The central parity rate of RMB against USD was set at 7.1586, up 41 pips. The previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1627, official closing price was 7.1690, and overnight closing price was 7.1740. 【Raw Materials - USD Market Prices】 Ethylene (Asia): CFR Northeast Asia: $850/ton CFR Southeast Asia: $860/ton Propylene (Northeast Asia): FOB Korea average: $745/ton, down $5/ton CFR China average: $795/ton, down $5/ton North Asia LPG (CIF): Propane: $536.5-538.5/ton Butane: $506.5-508.5/ton South China LPG (August arrival, CIF): Propane: $566-576/ton Butane: $536-546/ton Taiwan LPG (CIF): Propane: $536.5-538.5/ton Butane: $506.5-508.5/ton 【LLDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $880-930/ton (Huangpu) Injection grade: $940/ton (Dongguan) 【HDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $910-930/ton (Huangpu) Hollow grade: $860-870/ton (Huangpu) 【LDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $1,105-1,120/ton (Yantian) Coating grade: $1,350/ton (Huangpu) 【PP - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Homopolymer: $935-980/ton (Huangpu, up $5/ton) Copolymer: $965-995/ton (Huangpu) Film stock: $1,000/ton (Huangpu) Transparent grade: $1,085/ton (Huangpu) Pipe grade: $1,160/ton (Shanghai)

News Digest: Raw Materials - PureCycle Technologies Secures $300M for Global Recycling Expansion Automotive - EU sets phased targets for recycled plastic in vehicles Packaging - Danone Canada invests $9M in PET yogurt cup production Electronics - Midea invests in four new projects in Brazil's Minas Gerais Medical - Sanner Begins Medical Injection Molding Operations in North Carolina Macro - US media: Iran may build nuke if key facilities attacked or supreme leader assassinated Price - Ethylene Asia: CFR NE Asia $830/ton, up $10   International News Details   1.Versalis plans industrial-scale chemical recycling in Italy after demo plant launchVersalis SpA, the chemicals business of Eni Spa, said it is in the design phase for a 40,000 metric tons per year plant planned to be built at Priolo, Italy, for the chemical recycling of mixed waste plastics. The company, which announced June 19 it had successfully completed initial production tests at a demonstration chemical recycling plant in Mantua, Italy, with a nameplate processing capacity of 6,000 metric tons per year of secondary raw materials, said it has already completed a feasibility study for the larger project.    2. PureCycle Technologies Secures $300M for Global Recycling ExpansionU.S.-based polyolefin chemical recycling company PureCycle Technologies Inc. has announced it has secured $300 million in funding. The funds will be used to support the company’s goal of recycling 500,000 tons of polypropylene (PP) plastic annually by 2030. The focus will be on building chemical recycling facilities in Augusta, Georgia (USA); Antwerp, Belgium; and Rayong, Thailand. 3. NOVA Chemicals Commissions Recycling Plant for PE Film in Indiana NOVA Chemicals Corp., based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has launched its first polyethylene (PE) film recycling facility, SYNDIGO1, in Connersville, Indiana. Spanning 450,000 square feet, this advanced facility is designed to recycle 145,000 bales of used plastic film annually, producing over 100 million pounds of SYNDIGO recycled PE (rLLDPE) suitable for both food and non-food packaging. Full operations are expected by early 2026. 4. Midea invests in four new projects in Brazil's Minas Gerais Midea announced 198 million reais ($39.6M) in investments across four projects in Minas Gerais, Brazil: a logistics center, Welling motor plant, Midea EPS plant, and new refrigerator factory, creating 830 jobs. Alert! India launches anti-dumping probe into Chinese TPU paint protection filmsIndia's Directorate General of Trade Remedies initiated an anti-dumping investigation into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based surface/paint protection films from China, covering HS codes 39095000, 39191000, etc. EU sets phased targets for recycled plastic in vehicles The EU Council finalized end-of-life vehicle (ELV) regulations, mandating recycled plastic content to increase from 15% (6 years after enactment) to 20% (8 years) and 25% (10 years), laying groundwork for recycled steel, aluminum, and critical materials targets. Sanner Begins Medical Injection Molding Operations in North Carolina Germany’s Sanner announced today that it has officially begun manufacturing operations in Greensboro, NC. The new 60,000-square-foot facility is dedicated to the production of critical injection-molded components for medical devices and pharmaceutical packaging, as well as desiccant-related products. US toy giants sue president at Supreme Court over tariff policyLearning Resources and hand2mind filed an emergency motion at the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of former President Trump's tariff policies under the IEEPA, which they say have surged import costs for the toy industry. Danone Canada invests $9M in PET yogurt cup productionDanone Canada will invest $9 million at its Boucherville, Quebec plant to locally produce PET yogurt cups for its Oikos Greek-style high-protein yogurt brand. Overseas Macro Updates 【US media: Iran may pursue nukes if key sites attacked or leader killed】 The New York Times reported US intelligence assesses Iran could decide to build nuclear weapons if the US attacks its Fordo enrichment facility or Israel assassinates Supreme Leader Khamenei, though Iran has not yet made a final decision. 【Trump "delays two weeks" on Iran attack decision】The New York Post said Trump is cautious about bombing Iran, worrying about creating "another Libya" if the regime falls, hence delaying the decision by two weeks. 【South Korea imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on Chinese sodium dithionite】South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance will levy 15.15% on Yantai Jinhe Insurance Powder Factory and related firms, 33.97% on other Chinese producers, effective June 21 for four months. Price Information 【USD/CNY central parity】  7.1695, up 34 pips (prev: 7.1729; official close: 7.1882; overnight: 7.1870) 【raw materials (USD/ton)】 Ethylene Asia: CFR NE Asia 830 (up 10), CFR SE Asia 850 Propylene NE Asia: FOB Korea avg 715 (up 5), CFR China avg 760 North Asia LPG CIF: Propane 582-584, Butane 552-554 South China LPG July arrival: Propane 619-629, Butane 556-566 Taiwan LPG CIF: Propane 582-584, Butane 552-554 【LLDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: $915/ton (CFR Huangpu) Injection: $960/ton (CFR Dongguan) 【HDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: $900-915/ton (CFR Huangpu) Hollow: $865/ton (CFR Huangpu) 【LDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: $1,035/ton (CFR Xiamen) 【PP USD Market Prices】 Homopolymer: $890-975/ton (CFR Huangpu, up $5/ton) Copolymer: $965-990/ton (CFR Huangpu) Film stock: $1,025-1,090/ton (CFR Huangpu) Transparent: $1,100/ton (CFR Huangpu) Pipe: $1,160/ton (CFR Shanghai)  

International News Digest Raw Materials News - Adnoc bids $18.7 billion to acquire Australian energy giant after acquiring Covestro Packaging News - Danone Canada invests C$9 million in PET yogurt cup production, leading green revolution in dairy packaging with 30% recycled plastic Automotive News - BMW develops natural fiber composites: performance comparable to carbon fiber, carbon emissions reduced by 40% Macro News - Qatar sets the premium for June-loading Al-Shaheen crude oil contracts at the highest level in a year Price Information - RMB/USD central parity rate reported at 7.1761, down 15 pips   Details of International News   EU unilaterally announces cancellation of high-level economic dialogue with ChinaThe Financial Times reported on June 17, citing informed sources, that the EU has canceled important economic and trade talks with China ahead of the China-EU Leaders' Summit due to the lack of progress in multiple trade disputes. The newspaper stated that the China-EU economic and trade talks originally scheduled for July 24-25, which were to serve as the foundation for future dialogue between Beijing and Brussels, were called off. The cancellation may lower expectations for any concrete outcomes from the summit. After acquiring Covestro, Adnoc bids $18.7 billion to acquire Australian energy giant SantosShortly after completing the acquisition of German chemical giant Covestro, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has taken action again. This time, it has set its sights on Santos, Australia's second-largest natural gas producer. Santos confirmed on June 17 that it has received an all-cash acquisition offer worth $18.7 billion (approximately A$27.4 billion) from an international consortium led by Adnoc, at A$8.89 per share, representing a 28% premium over the previous trading day's closing price. Including net debt, the transaction values Santos at A$36.4 billion, making it the largest all-cash corporate merger and acquisition (M&A) case in Australian history and the third-largest M&A deal overall. The acquisition is initiated by Adnoc through its investment arm XRG, in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) and private equity giant Carlyle, aiming to expand its global natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) business footprint. INEOS Phenol announces plans to close site in Germany INEOS Phenol, the world’s largest producer of phenol and acetone, announced today its intention to permanently stop production at their site in Gladbeck, Germany. High European energy costs alongside Europe’s punitive CO2 tax policy have combined to leave Europe uncompetitive against imported Chinese production and a global oversupply. Monopoly maker Hasbro cuts 3% of total workforce amid higher tariff costs Toy seller  has cut 3% of its global workforce in its latest cost-cutting effort amid higher U.S. tariffs on toys from China. The job cuts amount to about 150 employees. According to its fiscal 2024 annual filing, the company had roughly 4,985 employees globally. VAUDE's new bicycle backpack uses BASF's innovative zero-carbon footprint polyamide materialVAUDE, a leading German brand in sustainable outdoor clothing and equipment, has partnered with BASF to launch the new TRAILCONTROL ZERO 20+ bicycle backpack, setting a new industry benchmark. The backpack uses BASF's innovative Ultramid® ZeroPCF material—a polyamide 6 (PA6) product with a zero carbon footprint. Danone Canada invests C$9 million in PET yogurt cup production, leading green revolution in dairy packaging with 30% recycled PETDanone Canada, a French food and beverage giant, announced an investment of C$9 million (approximately US$6.7 million) to upgrade its production base in Boucherville, Quebec, to launch a production line for independent cup yogurt packaging made from PET resin. This move aims to fulfill its sustainable development goals, planning to incorporate 30% recycled PET material (rPET) into the packaging, and has secured distribution support from supermarkets nationwide in Canada. New guidelines published for best practices in chemical recycling / Framework spells out clarity and recommendations for companiesBrussels-based waste management group Chemical Recycling Europe (CRE) has announced the publication of a framework that it says will help a wide range of stakeholders assess the environmental performance of chemical recycling processes. BMW develops natural fiber composites: performance comparable to carbon fiber, carbon emissions reduced by 40%Technology media carscoops reported in a blog post today (June 18) that BMW has partnered with Swiss clean technology company Bcomp to develop new natural fiber composites using flax as raw material, with performance comparable to carbon fiber but 40% lower carbon emissions. Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M Division, pointed out that the material is key to lightweight innovation in racing and production vehicles and plans to include it as an optional configuration in future M series models.   Overseas Macro Market Information   Qatar sets the premium for June-loading Al-Shaheen crude oil contracts at the highest level in a yearQatar set the premium for June-loading Al-Shaheen crude oil contracts at $2.48 per barrel, the highest level in a year. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) survey: Most respondents expect further policy easing in JulyA survey by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) shows that most respondents expect further monetary policy easing at the July policy review. Economists forecast a 2025 growth rate of 1.7%, lower than the 2.6% in the first-quarter survey, with 2026 growth also expected to be 1.7%. The overall CPI inflation forecast for 2025 is 0.9%, lower than 1.7% in the first quarter, and 1.5% for 2026. The core inflation rate is expected to be 0.8% in 2025, lower than the first-quarter survey's 1.5%, and 1.5% in 2026. Economists expect the economy to grow 3.0% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025. Brent crude oil premium over Dubai crude hits a 2-year highData shows that the premium of Brent crude oil over Dubai crude oil has reached the highest level since September 2023. Japan's exports to the US fell sharply year-on-year in MayOn June 18, Japan's Ministry of Finance released the latest trade statistics. According to the results, Japan's exports to the US fell 11.1% year-on-year in May, once again resulting in a large trade deficit. The report shows that due to reduced exports of automobiles, steel, and mineral fuels to the US, exports fell 1.7% year-on-year to ¥81.4 trillion in May; benefiting from lower energy prices, imports fell 7.7% year-on-year to ¥87.7 trillion. Japan's trade deficit in May was ¥63.76 billion, far higher than ¥11.58 billion in April. By country and region, Japan's exports to the US fell 11.1% year-on-year to ¥15.1 trillion in May, with automobile and auto parts exports down 24.7% and 19%, respectively. The 25% tariff imposed by the US on automotive products has had a huge impact on Japan's exports.   Price Information RMB/USD central parity rateThe central parity rate of RMB against the US dollar was reported at 7.1761, down 15 pips; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1746, the previous trading day's official closing price was 7.1838, and the overnight session closed at 7.1874. Raw materials prices in USD Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia at $810/ton, up $10/ton; CFR Southeast Asia at $850/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average at $720/ton, up $10/ton; CFR China average at $760/ton. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: Propane $577-579/ton; Butane $547-549/ton. South China frozen cargo July CIF price: Propane $598-608/ton; Butane $540-550/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: Propane $577-579/ton; Butane $547-549/ton. LLDPE prices in USD Film: $915/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $960/ton (CFR Dongguan); HDPE prices in USD Film: $910-915/ton (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $860/ton (CFR Huangpu); LDPE prices in USD Film: $1,035/ton (CFR Xiamen); PP prices in USD Homopolymer: $890-970/ton (CFR Huangpu), up $5/ton; Copolymer: $965-990/ton (CFR Huangpu); mixed trends Film grade: $1,025-1,090/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: $1,065/ton (CFR Huangpu), down $20/ton; Pipe grade: $1,160/ton (CFR Shanghai).

【International News Digest】 Raw Materials - The new plastic is completely soluble in seawater — no micro-particles Automotive - Syensqo Unveils Bright Orange Flame-Retardant PPA for EV Safety Applications Corporate - Sulzer inaugurates biopolymer engineering and scale-up center Macro - Trump Team Considers Meeting with Iran This Week Price - USD/CNY Central Parity Rate at 7.1746, Up 43 Pips International News Details The new plastic is completely soluble in seawater — no micro-particles Japanese scientists from the The Center for Research on New Materials (RIKEN) was established a new type of plastic, is a recyclable material that dissolves in seawater, leaving no residue behind. The plastic, called alkyl SP2 has high strength, can be molded at temperatures above 120°C, and can be transformed into anything from hard shells to soft films. At the same time, unlike most biodegradable plastics, this material does not leave behind any microplastic particles. It can completely dissolve in seawater within 2-3 hours. Syensqo Unveils Bright Orange Flame-Retardant PPA for EV Safety Applications Belgian materials giant Syensqo has launched Amodel PPA HFFR-4133 Orange (OR), a flame-retardant polyphthalamide designed for electric vehicle (EV) safety applications.This advanced material features a stable, vibrant orange hue that retains brightness even after prolonged high-temperature exposure, addressing growing industry demands for safety and visibility in critical EV components like connectors and busbars. Sika launches PU adhesive for primerless auto glass replacement Sika launches Sikaflex® P2G Premium, a high-performance solution designed to complement their primerless auto glass replacement (AGR) product line. Sikaflex® P2G Premium offers a 3-hour minimum drive-away time (MDAT), optimized performance at elevated temperatures, short cut-off string, plus excellent decking and glass-slip properties. Sulzer Inaugurates Biopolymer Engineering and Scale-Up Center Sulzer Ltd. (Winterthur, Switzerland) opened its fourth location in Switzerland. The Innovation Technology Hub (InTecH) in Winterthur Töss will further enhance Sulzer’s research and development capabilities in advanced biopolymer engineering and recycling. With 3,150 m2 of laboratory and research space, this strategic investment is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable innovation. Syensqo and Fairmat enter collaboration for carbon-fiber recycling SyensqoS.A. (Brussels, Belgium) and Fairmat S.A.S., a French company that turns carbon fiber into scalable, high-performance recycled materials, have entered into a collaboration agreement. Under this agreement, Fairmat will recycle Syensqo’s U.K. carbon fiber prepreg waste, transforming it into valuable resources for the production of new products in the sports, energy, mobility, and electronics markets.  OMAN：Government support fuels growth of plastics processing sector Two years ago, Oman and its state-owned petrochemicals group OQ launched the Labayn incentive programme – a scheme designed to encourage plastics processing companies to set up operations in the Gulf state. The initiative appears to be bearing fruit. So far, 18 companies from Europe, the Middle East, India, China, and Southeast Asia have committed to investing, said Abdul Rahman Al-Tamtami, OQ’s vice-president of global marketing, speaking at a press conference in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.   Overseas Macro Market Updates   BOJ Maintains Rates, Plans Slower Bond Tapering Next Year: The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate at 0.5% and will slow bond purchase tapering to ¥200 billion per quarter from next fiscal year (current pace: ¥400 billion/month), in line with market expectations. Trump Team Considers This Week’s Iran Talks: Axios reported the White House is weighing talks with Iran this week on the nuclear deal and Israel ceasefire. A U.S. official confirmed discussions on the proposal, with the U.S. reportedly using potential supply of bunker-busting bombs to Israel as a bargaining chip. Lagarde Urges Action to Boost Euro’s Global Role: ECB President Christine Lagarde called for decisive steps to strengthen the euro’s role in the international monetary system, emphasizing Europe must solidify geopolitical credibility, economic resilience, and institutional frameworks.   Price Information   【USD/CNY Central Parity Rate】The central parity rate of the Chinese yuan against the U.S. dollar was set at 7.1746, up 43 pips from the previous trading day. The previous day's central parity rate was 7.1789, the official closing price was 7.1802, and the overnight closing price was 7.1818. 【Raw Materials - USD Market Prices】 Ethylene (Asia): CFR Northeast Asia: $800/ton, up $10/ton CFR Southeast Asia: $850/ton Propylene (Northeast Asia): FOB Korea average: $710/ton, down $10/ton CFR China average: $760/ton North Asia LPG (CIF): Propane: $581-583/ton Butane: $551-553/ton South China LPG (July arrival, CIF): Propane: $593-603/ton Butane: $540-550/ton Taiwan LPG (CIF): Propane: $581-583/ton Butane: $551-553/ton 【LLDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $915/ton (Huangpu) Injection molding grade: $960/ton (Dongguan) 【HDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $910-915/ton (Huangpu), up $10/ton Hollow grade: $860/ton (Huangpu), down $5/ton 【LDPE - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Film grade: $1,035/ton (Xiamen) 【PP - USD Market Prices (CFR)】 Homopolymer: $885-935/ton (Huangpu) Copolymer: $955-1,040/ton (Huangpu) Film grade: $1,025-1,090/ton (Huangpu) Transparent grade: $1,065/ton (Huangpu), down $20/ton Pipe grade: $1,160/ton (Shanghai)

In an environment characterized by economic uncertainty, Erema was able to maintain its market position. Revenue fell by 13 per cent in the past financial year. Nevertheless, the company considers itself to be on a stable course. Headquarters of the Erema Group in Ansfelden, Austria: it is from here that solutions for plastics recycling are developed and marketed worldwide.© Erema Economic and geopolitical uncertainty around the world continues to present challenges for the plastics recycling industry. Despite a decline in sales of around 13 per cent compared to the previous year, the Erema Group has maintained stability and set an important strategic course for the future based on its strong market presence. The technologies and solutions offered by the companies in the Eerema Group mean that it covers the entire value chain of mechanical plastics recycling. „By combining our expertise, together we ensure our customers remain competitive in a dynamic market environment,“ says CEO Manfred Hackl. This is a success factor that is reflected in the broad range of products, as well as in high system availability and the quality of service provided by the Group. Despite the current challenges, there is still plenty of potential for growth, as Manfred Hackl explains: „More and more high-quality products are made from recycled pellets. The plastics industry has recognised that the proportion of recycled materials used in new products needs to continue to increase in order to achieve our shared goal of circularity.“ CEO Hackl Calls for a Reliable Framework While the European market has been subdued, the Group experienced positive momentum in North America and Asia. Regulations such as the PPWR (packaging and packaging waste directive), which has come into force in the EU, also give a positive outlook in Europe, provided that competitiveness can increase again. “This would mean launching initiatives that combine ecological and economic interests and strengthen the industrial base, like the Clean Industrial Deal in the EU. Just as important are global developments that create reliable framework conditions, such as the rollout of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and legal requirements for mandatory use of recycled materials in new products,“ says Manfred Hackl. Recently, Erema has noticed a reluctance to invest in the polyolefins post-consumer segment. On the other hand, demand for recycling solutions for production waste and bottle-to-bottle applications has remained stable. There is a clear trend towards implementing larger-scale machines in both the PET and PO sectors. The increasing industrialisation of these sectors requires solutions that are cost-effective and can be easily adapted to meet demand. Erema supports its customers during this transformation process and continues to set standards in the industry. The joint venture with Lindner Washtech has proven to be an important development in providing efficient overall solutions along the value chain. Successful Thinking Outside the Box The ongoing growth of plastics recycling can be seen not only in the established segments, but also increasingly in newer application segments involving chemical recycling, and fibre & textile recycling. Erema started up its first large-scale extruders for chemical recycling during the 2024/25 financial year. The development of fibre-to-fibre recycling also looks very promising. Initial pilot projects have already been carried out, and an reference system will start operation later this year. The commissioning of a recycling machine for post-consumer textiles by Pure Loop, one of the Group‘s subsidiaries, at Salvation Army Trading Company in spring 2024, marks a new milestone. The project won the Plastics Industry Award. It Doesn‘t Work Without Recycling At the end of the 2024/25 financial year, the Erema Group completed a comprehensive investment programme spanning the last five years with a volume of EUR 145 million. “Part of this programme involved the Group‘s own component manufacturing company 3S, which has been optimised with an investment of EUR 23 million to significantly increase the in-house production share of key components and strengthen the Group‘s supply chain over the long term,“ reports Horst Wolfsgruber, CFO of the EREMA Group. Manfred Hackl, CEO of the Erema Group (right) and Horst Wolfsgruber, CTO of the Erema Group.© Erema The company has also strengthened its international sales structure by appointing Christoph Wöss as Global Sales Director in April. In future, the strategic focus will be aligned even more closely with the specifics of regional demand as well as market and customer requirements. Despite challenging market conditions, the Erema Group still focuses on the ongoing development of efficient recycling solutions in all sectors. “We are convinced that the demand for recycling technologies will keep increasing in the coming years,“ says Manfred Hackl. “The framework conditions remain challenging, but the usage of plastic will continue to increase. The only way to meet this demand responsibly is with reliable recycling.“