International News Guide: Raw Material News - EU to Establish Critical Chemical Alliance to Safeguard Supply Chain Security Automotive News - China and the EU Agree to Establish a Working Group to Cooperate on Cross-Border Data Flow in the Automotive Sector Electronic News - SABIC Launches First Flame-Retardant PBT Nano Injection Molding Material with Excellent Bonding Strength and Mechanical Properties Packaging News - German associations push for mandatory compostable produce bags Medical News - Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore Adopts 3D-Printed TPU Materials to Customize Orthotic Insoles for Diabetics Macro News - US Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Graphite Price information - RMB/USD Central Parity Rate Reports 7.1498, Down by 37 Pips    details of international news:   1. Escalation of Retaliatory Measures! EU Continues to Pressure the US According to two officials who were briefed on the talks, the EU is preparing a list of possible tariffs on US services and export control measures as part of potential retaliatory actions if trade negotiations with Washington fail. In response to US President Trump's tariffs, the European Commission is compiling this list of measures, which still needs to be submitted to EU member states. Trump has announced that he plans to impose a 30% tariff on the EU bloc starting from August 1. Although Brussels had previously warned that it could expand the transatlantic trade war to services if negotiations to avoid these tariffs fail, it has so far not submitted specific measures to European capitals. One of the officials emphasized that the list will not only target US tech companies. This list will be an additional measure beyond the retaliatory proposal already being discussed by EU countries targeting 72 billion euros of annual US imports, which includes tariffs on Boeing aircraft, automobiles, and bourbon whiskey. 2. EU to Establish Critical Chemical Alliance to Safeguard Supply Chain Security The EU's executive body stated that the European Commission will work with member states and the chemical industry to support the production of chemicals identified as crucial to Europe's industrial supply chains. The European Commission said it will establish a Critical Chemical Alliance later this year, which will bring together the Commission, member states, and various stakeholders as part of a broader plan to revitalize Europe's chemical industry. In a statement, the Commission said the alliance will "identify key production sites in need of policy support and address trade issues such as supply chain dependencies and market distortions". This initiative draws on another alliance established earlier, which is responsible for identifying metals and minerals crucial to the energy transition. Subsequently, the EU set mining, processing, and recycling targets for 17 strategic materials. 3. Agilyx Acquires 44% Stake in Europe’s TopPlastic RecyclerGreenDot Global Agilyx acquires 44% of GreenDot, expanding into Europe’s recycling market and strengthening its global advanced plasticsrecycling platform. 4. Turkey: Anti-Dumping Measures on China-Related Polyethylene, Polypropylene Waterproof Tarpaulins and Polymer Plastic Products to Expire Soon According to the China Trade Remedy Information Network, on July 16, 2025, Turkey's Ministry of Trade issued Announcement No. 2025/15, stating that anti-dumping measures on polyethylene and polypropylene waterproof tarpaulins and polymer plastic products [Turkish: Polietilen ve polipropilenden mamul şerit veya benzerlerinden dokunmuş mensucat (yalnız dokuma brandalar)] originating from China and Vietnam will expire on May 6, 2026. Stakeholders should submit applications and evidence materials for sunset review investigations no later than 3 months before the expiration date. The Turkish tariff codes for the products are 3921.90.60.00.11, 3921.90.60.00.13, and 3926.90.97.90.18. The announcement takes effect from the date of issuance. 5. SABIC Launches First Flame-Retardant PBT Nano Injection Molding Material with Excellent Bonding Strength and Mechanical Properties SABIC announced the launch of a new product in its LNP™ THERMOTUF™ specialty composite series. The new LNP™ THERMOTUF™ WF0087N composite is the industry's first polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)-based nano-molding technology (NMT) material, combining excellent flame retardancy and superior mechanical properties. It meets the growing demand of the consumer electronics industry for lightweight and durable metal-plastic composite components, such as smartphone middle frames. In addition, the material's flame retardancy helps customers comply with the latest IEC 62368-1 safety standards for consumer electronic equipment. The LNP™ THERMOTUF™ WF0087N composite won the 2025 Edison Award. 6. Messe Düsseldorf unites its global plastics, rubber events under K-Alliance brand Germany-based global exhibition organizer Messe Düsseldorf is launching a new umbrella brand called “K-Alliance” to unite its worldwide plastics and rubber trade fairs under one identity, which replaces the previous Global Gate brand. “Global players in the plastics and rubber industry require appropriate platforms for direct market entry in growth regions,” said Thomas Franken, director of K. “Messe Düsseldorf has pooled its worldwide activities under the Global Gate brand, which will now become the K–Alliance.” Officials said the new name highlights not just market access but also strategic partnerships and alliances within the industry’s global trade fair network. “The previous name especially emphasized Messe Düsseldorf’s function as a door opener for entering promising sales markets,” Franken said. “The designation K-Alliance now places a clearer focus on the strong partnerships and alliances that our constantly growing, worldwide network of trade fairs related to plastics and rubber stands for.” The K-Alliance currently encompasses 11 global trade fairs, the biggest of which is the K fair; K 2025 is scheduled for Oct. 8-15 in Düsseldorf, with more than 3,200 exhibitors expected to showcase technologies in manufacturing, processing and finishing. 7. German associations push for mandatory compostable produce bags Industry associations are calling for compostable fruit and vegetable bags to become mandatory under the Packaging and Packaging Regulation (PPWR).The IK Industrial Association for Plastics Packaging, Plastics Europe Germany, European Bioplastics, Polykum, Carmen, and the nova Institute have published a position paper providing recommendations for Germany to implement the requirement at national level. 8. China and the EU Agree to Establish a Working Group to Cooperate on Cross-Border Data Flow in the Automotive Sector On July 17 , the second meeting of the China-EU Cross-Border Data Flow Exchange Mechanism was held in Brussels. Wang Jingtao, Vice Minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China, and Sabine Weyand, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Trade of the European Commission, co-chaired the meeting. The meeting reviewed the positive progress made since the establishment of the mechanism, believing that the mechanism has played an important role in promoting China-EU cross-border data flow. The two sides had in-depth, pragmatic, and constructive exchanges on issues related to China-EU cross-border data flow, and reached broad consensus on further leveraging the mechanism under the principle of two-way reciprocity and promoting rule alignment, in light of the demands of enterprises from both sides. The two sides agreed to establish a working group to cooperate on cross-border data flow in the automotive sector. 9.Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore Adopts 3D-Printed TPU Materials to Customize Orthotic Insoles for Diabetics The podiatry team at Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore is pioneering an innovative approach to diabetic foot care. Currently, the team is producing 3D-printed custom orthotic insoles in-house. These insoles are 3D-printed using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Preliminary results show that compared with traditional insoles (23% reduction in peak pressure, 40% improvement in pressure distribution), the new insoles can reduce plantar peak pressure by up to 28.5% and improve pressure distribution by 52.7%.   Overseas macro markets:   【Putin: Europe's Abandonment of Russian Natural Gas Has Negatively Affected Its Industry】 On the 17th, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in an interview that Europe's decision to abandon Russian natural gas has had a negative impact on its industry. In addition, Russian media reported that EU imports of Russian oil in May hit a three-month high, indicating that some EU member states still rely on Russian oil. 【Alcoa: Tariffs Keep Increasing Production Costs】 According to Bloomberg, Alcoa, the largest aluminum producer in the US, stated that US tariff policies are continuously increasing the company's production costs, and due to the impact of tariffs, its US customers are paying more for aluminum. 【US Media: US Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Graphite】 According to Bloomberg, the US has imposed a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 93.5% on graphite from China. A statement from the US Department of Commerce noted: "The US Department of Commerce has preliminarily determined to impose a 93.5% anti-dumping duty on imports of key battery material graphite from China due to unfair subsidies for these materials." It is worth noting that the final ruling is expected to be made by December 5 【Reliance Industries' Market Value Grows by 40 Billion USD This Year】 Shares of India's Reliance Industries have significantly outperformed India's benchmark stock index this year, with the largest lead in five years. So far this year, shares of India's most valuable company have surged 22%, while the NSE Nifty 50 index has risen only 6% in the same period. Controlled by Asia's richest man Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries has increased its market value by 40 billion USD in 2025, accounting for nearly one-third of the market value growth of India's benchmark stock index.   Price information:   【RMB/USD Central Parity Rate】 The RMB/USD central parity rate was reported at 7.1498, down by 37 pips; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1461, the previous trading day's official closing price was 7.1796, and the previous night's closing price was 7.1809. 【Upstream raw material USD market price】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $830/ton. Acrylic Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price is $740/ton; CFR China average price is $770/ton, up $5/ton. Propane: North Asia frozen cargo CIF price, propane $512-514/ton; butane $482-484/ton. The import price of South China frozen goods in August is as follows: propane 549-559 USD/ton; butane 520-528 USD/ton. The landed price of frozen goods in Taiwan is propane at 512-514 USD/ton; butane at 482-484 USD/ton. 【LLDPE USD market price】 Film: 860-910 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $950/ton (CFR Dongguan); 【HDPE USD market price】 Film: $920/ton (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: 855-860 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); 【LDPE USD market price】 Film: $1070-1090/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: $1350/ton (CFR Huangpu) 【PP USD market price】 Average aggregation: 965 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Co-polymerization: 940-950 USD/ton (CFR Nansha); Membrane material: 1030 USD/ton (CFR Nansha); Transparent: $1,085/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipes: 1160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).

July 16, 2025SABICAnnounces the launch of a new product in its LNP™ THERMOTUF™ specialty composite series. The new LNP™ THERMOTUF™ WF0087N composite material is the industry's first based on polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).PBTThe nano-molding technology (NMT) material has excellent flame-retardant properties and outstanding mechanical performance. It meets the growing demand in the consumer electronics industry for lightweight and durable metal-plastic composite parts (such as the frames of smartphones). In addition, the material's flame-retardant properties help customers comply with the latest IEC 62368-1 safety standard for consumer electronic devices. LNP™ THERMOTUF™ WF0087N composite material has been awarded the 2025 Edison Award. SABIC's Director of R&D and Applications for the Asia Pacific region, Jenny Wang, stated: "As smartphones continue to break through in design, wireless connectivity, and charging speed, the industry urgently needs advanced materials to match these developments. The launch of this new flame-retardant nano-injection composite material demonstrates SABIC's commitment to the consumer electronics market. We will leverage breakthrough materials to help our customers enhance the performance, safety, compliance for mass production, and manufacturing efficiency of devices such as smartphones." Expand the advantages of nanomolding technology. Nano Molding Technology (NMT) creates tightly bonded composites by injecting plastic resin into chemically treated metal surfaces. Compared to die casting and insert molding techniques, NMT helps manufacturers achieve lightweight, thin-walled designs, radio frequency signal permeability, superior aesthetics, and a more streamlined processing workflow, while also enhancing the waterproof and dustproof performance of electronic devices. In addition to these advantages, LNP™ THERMOTUF™ composite materials retain good bonding strength and mechanical properties (such as impact resistance) while adding thin-wall flame retardant performance (UL94 V0 at 1.0 mm). Their metal bonding strength is improved by about 60% compared to conventional flame-retardant PBT resins, helping designers meet the stringent IP68 waterproof and dustproof standards. This innovative material also possesses the following characteristics: excellent resistance to corrosion from anodic oxidation treatment, support for customized coloring to achieve aesthetic design, and dielectric properties that ensure signal transmission efficiency for multi-antenna devices. Its main application scenarios include antenna dividers and various structural components for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops.

The Düsseldorf Exhibition Company (Messe Düsseldorf), a global exhibition organizer based in Germany, is launching a new brand called "K-Alliance," aimed at integrating its global exhibitions in the plastics and rubber industry under the same branding, replacing the previous "Global Gate" brand. "Global participants in the plastics and rubber industry need the right platform to directly access markets in growth regions," said Thomas Franken, Director of the K Department. "The Düsseldorf Exhibition Company previously integrated its global business under the 'Global Gate' brand, which is now being upgraded to 'K-Alliance.'" The official statement noted that the new name not only highlights the market access function but also emphasizes the strategic partnerships and alliances within the global trade fair network of the industry. Franken pointed out, "The previous name focused on the Düsseldorf Exhibition Company's role as a 'gatekeeper' to help companies enter potentially lucrative sales markets; whereas the name 'K-Alliance' more clearly focuses on the strong spirit of cooperation and alliance represented by our expanding global network of plastics and rubber-related exhibitions." Currently, K-Alliance encompasses 11 global exhibitions, the largest of which is the K Fair. The 2025 K Fair is scheduled to be held in Düsseldorf from October 8 to 15, with an expected participation of over 3,200 exhibitors showcasing various technologies in the fields of manufacturing, processing, and post-processing. The exhibitions planned for 2026 include: Plastindia in India, Plastics & Rubber Vietnam, Chinaplas in China, Plast Alger in Algeria, Colombiaplast in Colombia, Plastics & Rubber Thailand, and Central Asia Plast World in Kazakhstan. The Arabplast exhibition is scheduled to be held in 2027 in the United Arab Emirates. The latest member of the alliance is the "Saudi Plastics & Petrochem Exhibition," which will be held from April 12 to 15, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Print & Pack Exhibition will also be held concurrently.

The Critical Chemicals Alliance aims to address supply chain dependencies and market distortions. The EU chemical production faces challenges from cheaper competitors in the United States and China. The European Commission will expand national subsidies and simplify regulations for the chemical industry. Image source: Internet The EU's executive body stated that the European Commission will collaborate with member states and the chemical industry to support the production of chemicals deemed essential for the European industrial supply chain. The European Commission has announced that it will establish a Critical Chemical Alliance later this year, which will bring together the Commission, member states, and various stakeholders as part of a broader plan to revive the European chemical industry. The committee stated in a statement that the chemical alliance will "identify key production bases that require policy support and address trade issues such as supply chain dependencies and market distortions." This initiative draws on a previously established alliance that is responsible for identifying metals and minerals crucial to the energy transition. Subsequently, the EU set mining, processing, and recycling targets for 17 strategic materials. Chemicals are fundamental input materials for almost all industries (from textiles and defense to technology) and directly create 1.2 million jobs within the EU. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, chemical production significantly declined, and it has still not fully recovered in the face of competitors from the US and China that have significantly lower energy and production costs. Committee officials stated that over the past two years, more than 20 chemical production bases have closed, and petrochemical and ammonia products are "under tremendous pressure." "First, there is the issue of sovereignty: we must protect the steam cracking units," said European Commission Executive Vice President and Industry Commissioner Stephane Sejourne to reporters. The steam cracking unit is a unit in petrochemical plants used to produce basic chemicals such as ethylene and propylene, which are widely used in products like food plastic packaging, rubber, automotive headlights, and fleece hoodies. The European Union currently has about 40 steam cracking units. Chemical giant Dow (DOW.N) announced plans to close two factories in Germany and one in the UK over the next two years. Sai Ruone told reporters that the alliance will assess the EU's dependence on imports in key molecules. "For example, in the case of methanol, we rely 80% on foreign imports. If we look back at the key production bases, we must protect and maintain Europe's sovereignty... Relevant work will identify these critical molecules, and the plan also suggests promoting a mechanism similar to the 'Critical Molecules Act'." In addition, the committee will include chemicals in future trade agreements and strengthen monitoring of chemical imports. Since 2024, the committee has launched 18 trade remedy investigations targeting different molecules. To alleviate the impact of high energy prices, the committee will expand national subsidies, accelerate approval processes, and provide energy security through EU funds. Serone stated that the committee will also establish "EU content" standards for chemicals to be included in public procurement requirements, a measure that is being promoted across the entire EU industry. Finally, the committee will propose the sixth simplification plan for the chemical industry, known as the "omnibus amendment." This amendment is expected to be presented within the year and will simplify the labeling rules for hazardous chemicals and revise regulations related to cosmetics and fertilizers, anticipated to save the industry €363 million (approximately $425.47 million) annually.

On the fuselage of the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, over 50% of the structural components are no longer made from traditional metal materials but have been replaced by a "black technology" material—carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites. This material is not only lighter and stronger than metal but can also be reshaped repeatedly like plastic through heating and even recycled! Recently, the research results from Professor Li Guangji's team at Hangzhou Dianzi University have pushed the performance of this material to new heights. Today, we will uncover the magical qualities of this "future material"! Thermoplastics vs Thermosetting: A "Character Showdown" of Materials Composite materials are composed of reinforcing fibers (such as carbon fibers) and a resin matrix. Traditional thermosetting resins (such as epoxy resin) cannot be reversed once cured, just like a boiled egg cannot return to a liquid state. Although they have high hardness, they are brittle, have long processing cycles, and are not recyclable. In contrast, thermoplastic resins (such as PEEK, PPS) are like modeling clay; they soften when heated and harden when cooled, allowing for repeated processing. This "transformable" characteristic brings three major advantages: 1. High toughness: stronger resistance to impact and crack propagation. Efficient production: Molding only takes tens of minutes, which is several times faster than thermosetting processes. 3. Environmental economics: Waste materials can be recycled and reprocessed, reducing the high manufacturing costs in the aerospace field. "Patch up" composite materials: The magic of high toughness regions (HTRR) The fatal weakness of traditional carbon fiber composites is interlayer delamination—like the pages of a book being torn apart, the layers can easily separate due to stress concentration, as shown in the problem image in Figure 1. Figure 1. Failure Layer Analysis Li Guangji's team successfully solved this problem by innovating a process that implants "crack-resistant patches"—high toughness resin regions (HTRR) into the material, as shown in Figure 2. The implementation method is as follows: Mixing and weaving method: Carbon fiber is mixed with PPS fiber to form a special fabric structure; compression molding: Under high temperature and pressure, PPS melts and fills the gaps between the fibers, forming a tough "lock"; distribution optimization: By controlling the quantity, size, and distribution of HTRR, the crack propagation path is made to "get lost," redirecting it from interlayer to intralayer. Figure 2. Toughening methods for composites After applying the patches, the effects were enhanced, with the bending strength increasing by up to 75% and the tensile performance improving by 45%; delamination damage was reduced, and the damage mode changed from "single tearing" to "complex labyrinth-type failure." "Invisible Armor" of Aircraft Skin: Hat-shaped Stiffened Panel Structure In the wing and fuselage of the aircraft, the hat-shaped stiffened panel is a key load-bearing structure, as shown in Figure 3. In traditional processes, the connection point between the stiffener and the skin (R area) is prone to cracking due to stress concentration. The research team has significantly improved performance through two innovations: 1. Filling the R area: Filling the gap with prepreg strips to avoid stress concentration caused by wrinkles; 2. HTRR enhancement: Adding PEEK film at the R area and connection points to bond the interface like "glue." Figure 3. Hat-shaped reinforced wall panel The optimized effect is significant; the samples without filled R zones fractured directly, while the optimized structure could bear loads in stages, with ductility increased by 118%. The failure mode changed from "brittle delamination" to "ductile interlayer," as if the aircraft were wearing an "invisible armor" that could self-repair. Perhaps in the near future, the airplanes we fly in, the cars we drive, and even the smartphones in our hands will all use this "recyclable armor." All of this comes from the relentless exploration of the microscopic world of materials by scientists.

On July 17, Hong Kong stocks related to new consumption continued to decline. As of the time of reporting, Pop Mart (09992.HK) fell by over 2.5%, with a transaction volume exceeding 3.2 billion Hong Kong dollars, and the latest market value is 330.6 billion Hong Kong dollars. According to Caixin, on the first trading day after Pop Mart released a positive profit forecast announcement (July 16), the number of shares sold short surged to 2.4956 million, more than six times the 342,000 shares on the previous trading day (July 15), reaching a new high since June 20. Goldman Sachs pointed out in its latest research report that although Pop Mart's performance exceeded the general expectations of sell-side analysts, it may only "roughly meet" the high expectations that buy-side investors had previously raised to very high levels. JPMorgan noted that the net profit growth forecasted by Pop Mart actually falls at the lower end of the previous buy-side expectation range (approximately 4.5 billion to 5.5 billion yuan). Looking back at the development trajectory of Pop Mart, from January 2, 2024, to now, its stock price has increased by over 1000%, with an increase of nearly 200% in 2025 alone. In the first quarter of this year, Pop Mart's performance has shown explosive growth. On April 22, it announced that its overall revenue for the first quarter of 2025 increased by 165%-170% year-on-year, with revenue in China increasing by 95%-100% and overseas revenue increasing by 475%-480%. In terms of revenue by region, the Asia-Pacific (referring to countries and regions in Asia and Oceania excluding China) increased by 345%-350% year-on-year, the Americas increased by 895%-900%, and Europe increased by 600%-605%. At the annual performance briefing held in April, Pop Mart's Chairman and CEO Wang Ning stated that the company's performance growth in 2024 exceeded expectations, mainly due to the successful implementation of its internationalization strategy, which has become the second growth curve for the company. Looking ahead to 2025, the management team is full of confidence, planning to achieve a year-on-year sales growth of over 50% based on the high base in 2024, with overseas sales expected to grow by over 100%. The goal is to reach an overall sales amount of 20 billion yuan, with overseas sales exceeding 10 billion yuan. The expansion of plastic demand behind the tide of trendy toys. The astonishing growth curve of Pop Mart has directly driven a massive demand for high-end plastic materials. The products rely on materials such as PVC and polypropylene.Safety, plasticity, environmental protectionWith stringent standards, the production of plastic products in China has reached 2024.77.076 million tonsThe export value has surpassed the 100 billion US dollar mark.The rise of high-value-added consumer products like Pop Mart is forcing the upstream materials to upgrade. It is particularly noteworthy that Pop Mart's overseas revenue has experienced explosive growth, and its products must comply with strict standards such as the EU REACH regulations. This directly drives the demand for environmentally friendly plasticizers—medical-grade epoxy soybean oil and citrate plasticizers are growing rapidly in the market.8.5%​The average annual growth rate of the expansion is expected to exceed the scale by 2030.12 billion yuan​。 The growing pains of industrial transformation under high environmental pressure. With the global "plastic restriction order" escalating, traditional plastic enterprises are facing a life-and-death test. ​Policy-driven pressureChina's "Plastic Pollution Control Action Plan" clearly restricts highly toxic plasticizers, while the EU REACH regulation establishes high trade barriers. ​Rising costsIn 2025, the industry average gross profit margin will drop from 18% to 15%, and the net profit margin will fall below 6%, putting significant pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises. ​Technical BreakthroughLeading companies like Wanhua Chemical and Jinhai Technology are seizing the opportunity by developing bio-based materials. Jinhai Technology's net profit in the first half of 2025 is expected to grow by 45% to 71% against the trend. The shortcomings of the plastic recycling system have highlighted the urgency of transformation. Currently, the recycling costs are high and the application rate of recycled materials is low, and the industry's circular economy is still in a state of "The road is long and difficult."the critical stage of the battle"。 The polarized industry differentiation of ice and fire. The performance of plastic enterprises in 2025 shows dramatic differentiation. This differentiation confirms the structural transformation in the industry—high-end products can achieve a gross profit margin of over 30% (such as Wanhua Chemical), while general-purpose plastics are mired in a surplus of production capacity. The operating rate of the polypropylene industry has already fallen below70%​However, specialty materials such as metallocene polypropylene and ultra-high transparency polypropylene are still in short supply. Technological breakthroughs lead to the reshaping of industry chain value. The path to a breakup has become clear. ​Biobased alternativesLiancheng Chemical's bio-based plasticizer production capacity will double to 200,000 tons/year, and Wanhua Chemical is planning a citric acid ester production line. ​Specialized breakthroughThe demand for anti-impact copolymer polypropylene driven by new energy vehicles will see the share of environmentally friendly plasticizers in the automotive sector reach 2030.35%​​ ​Digital cost reductionEnterprises that use AI to optimize production have reduced procurement costs.5%-8%​Relieve the pressure of raw material price fluctuations. The stringent requirements of Pop Mart and others for food-grade safety standards and low-carbon materials are being transmitted through the industrial chain, pushing plastic companies from "Price competition"Turn"Technical competition”。 Future Vision: The Double Helix of Green and High-End When Pop Mart plans to achieve in 202520 billion in salesAt this time, behind it is a demand for high-end plastic materials worth hundreds of billions; as Wanhua Chemical accelerates the development of bio-based polyurethane at its R&D center, the upgrading bottlenecks in industries such as trendy toys, healthcare, and new energy are being broken one by one. The future of the plastic industry depends on whether it can...Environmental compliance Technology premiumFind a balance in between. Just as the polypropylene industry has opened up high-end markets through metallocene materials, China's plastic processing industry is now at a point of...World Factory"toward"Source of Innovation"The critical point of the leap. This green revolution is not only related to the survival of enterprises but will also reshape the competitive landscape of global industrial chains."

In the field of aerospace manufacturing, every breakthrough in materials technology can lead to profound changes in industry regulations. In recent years, thermoplastic composites, with their lightweight, high strength, and environmentally friendly characteristics, are gradually rewriting the traditional rules of aerospace manufacturing and becoming a key force in driving the aviation industry towards greater efficiency and sustainability. Lightweighting: Breaking Through the Bottleneck of Fuel Efficiency The weight of an aircraft's fuselage is a core factor affecting fuel efficiency. Traditional metal materials can meet strength requirements but are relatively heavy, limiting improvements in fuel economy. Thermoplastic composites achieve lightweight advantages with a density only 1/5 to 1/4 that of steel by combining reinforcing materials such as carbon fiber and glass fiber with thermoplastic resins. For example, carbon fiber reinforced PEEK material has a density of only 1.4g/cm³, yet can reach a tensile strength of 500MPa. This material characteristic allows airplanes to reduce structural weight under the same load, directly lowering fuel consumption. Data shows that for every ton of fuselage weight reduced, an aircraft can save hundreds of tons of fuel annually, consequently reducing carbon emissions. This weight reduction effect not only enhances range but also saves operating costs for airlines, making it a key breakthrough for the aviation industry in pursuing green development. High Intensity: The Possibility of Restructuring Design The mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites have the limitations of traditional materials. Their toughness comes from the fiber toughening mechanism, which can absorb impact energy, making them suitable for safety protection components. In the aerospace field, such materials have been applied to critical structural components such as leading edges of wings and sheer beams. For example, a certain type of aircraft uses thermoplastic composites to manufacture the leading edge of the wing, and the connection between the skin and the ribs is achieved through thermoplastic welding technology, which ensures structural strength while simplifying the manufacturing process. Compared with traditional riveting processes, welding technology reduces the number of fasteners, lowers structural weight, and simultaneously enhances fatigue life and damage tolerance. This design flexibility allows aircraft designers to optimize the shapes of wings and fuselage, reduce aerodynamic drag, and further improve flight efficiency. Environmental Protection: Constructing a Closed Loop of Circular Economy The environmental pressure on the aviation industry is increasing, and the recyclability of materials has become an important consideration. Traditional thermosetting composites are difficult to decompose after curing, leading to high disposal costs. In contrast, thermoplastic composites can be melted and reshaped at high temperatures, allowing discarded components to be reprocessed through heating and melting, thus achieving a closed-loop material cycle. For example, a research institution has developed a recycling process for thermoplastic composites that can produce new parts with performance close to that of virgin materials through steps like crushing and reprocessing. This recycling method not only reduces waste emissions but also lowers raw material costs. In addition, the production of thermoplastic composites does not require special storage conditions, avoiding the energy consumption associated with frozen storage and cleanroom maintenance, further enhancing their environmental advantages. Manufacturing efficiency: The engine for accelerating industrial upgrading The processing characteristics of thermoplastic composites significantly enhance manufacturing efficiency. Their molding process is a physical change, requiring no curing period, and the injection molding cycle can be shortened to 1-2 minutes, making it suitable for mass production. For example, a certain type of aircraft floor panel is integrated into a single product through the injection molding process, consolidating multiple components and reducing assembly steps. In addition, thermoplastic composites can be integrated with robots and visual inspection systems to achieve fully automated production. This automated production model not only improves production efficiency but also reduces labor costs, with the yield rate exceeding 99%. As technology matures, the manufacturing costs of thermoplastic composites will further decrease, promoting their widespread application in the aerospace field. Future Outlook: Opening a New Era in Aviation Manufacturing The application prospects of thermoplastic composite materials go far beyond this. With the development of 3D printing technology, their customized production capabilities will be further unleashed to meet the aviation industry's demand for complex structural components. For example, a research institution has successfully printed a thermoplastic composite fuselage demonstration part that is 8 meters long and 4 meters in diameter, achieving approximately a 10% reduction in structural weight and cost. Additionally, the weldability of thermoplastic composite materials provides the possibility for the integrated design of aircraft structures, potentially enabling the manufacture of rivet-free fuselages in the future. This technological breakthrough will fundamentally change the manufacturing processes in aviation, pushing the industry towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction. Thermoplastic composites are rewriting the rules of aerospace manufacturing with their unique advantages. From lightweight and high strength to environmental friendliness and manufacturing efficiency, these materials bring unprecedented opportunities to the aviation industry. With continuous technological advancements, thermoplastic composites are expected to achieve breakthroughs in more fields, ushering in a new era of aerospace manufacturing.

On July 14, 2025, Jinpu Titanium Industry announced that it plans to acquire 100% of the equity of Nanjing Lide Oriental Rubber and Plastic Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Lide Oriental") through a major asset swap, issuance of shares, and cash payment, while also raising matching funds. This transaction marks Jinpu Titanium Industry's strategic exit from the titanium dioxide industry, with its main business changing to rubber products. Current Status and Challenges of Titanium Dioxide Business Since July 2013, Jinfeng Titanium Industry's main business has been the production and sales of titanium dioxide. As one of the earliest domestic producers of titanium dioxide using the sulfuric acid method, its "Nannan" brand trademark is well-known nationwide, and its products are widely used in coatings, plastic pipes and profiles, masterbatches, and papermaking, among other fields. However, in recent years, the industry has faced environmental pressure and overcapacity issues, coupled with weak demand in the titanium dioxide market, fluctuations in raw material prices, and high energy costs, leading to the company suffering losses for three consecutive years. In the first half of 2025, the company expects to achieve a net loss attributable to shareholders of the listed company of 160 million to 186 million yuan, a year-on-year decline of 700% to 830%. In 2024, the company's revenue was 2.133 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 5.86%; the net profit attributable to the parent company was a loss of 244 million yuan, a year-on-year decline of 39.81%. (Kinpo Titanium Industry 2025 Half-Year Performance Forecast) Attempts and Terminations in the New Energy Sector In response to the difficulties in its main business, Jinfeng Titanium Industry once attempted to enter the new energy sector. Relying on the production of iron(II) sulfate as a byproduct of titanium dioxide to prepare iron phosphate, forming a "titanium dioxide + lithium battery materials" dual-driven model. However, in April 2025, the company announced that, after comprehensive consideration of the financial status of its wholly-owned subsidiary Nanjing Titanium Dioxide and the suspended status of the iron phosphate project, it decided to terminate the plan to jointly invest in the establishment of the joint venture company Gansu Jinlin Lithium Battery New Materials Co., Ltd. with Lanzhou Jinchuan Science and Technology Park Co., Ltd. and Gansu Nickel Capital Industry Investment Fund Partnership, completely withdrawing from the 200,000 tons/year iron phosphate project. According to the announcement, Jinpu Titanium Industry plans to exchange part of the assets and all liabilities held by its subsidiaries Nanjing Titanium White, Xuzhou Titanium White, and Jinpu Supply Chain with the equivalent portion of the 91% equity stake in Lide Oriental held by Jinpu Dongyu. At the same time, the company intends to issue shares and pay cash to Jinpu Dongyu and Hengyutaihe to purchase 100% equity of Lide Dongfang held by them and the difference in the disposed assets. Lide Dongfang Business and Financial Overview Lide East has a registered capital of 200 million yuan and was founded in 2011. Its history can be traced back to the 415 Factory of the Logistics Department of the East China Military Region, established in 1949, and has undergone multiple reorganizations and name changes since then. The company is now an important research and production base for automotive brake hoses in China and is the designated supplier of hydraulic brake hose assemblies for national major celebration parades. Customer coverage: In the automotive field, the customers include domestic brand manufacturers such as FAW, Dongfeng, SAIC, GAC, BYD, Changan, Great Wall, Geely, Chery, Silis, Leap Motor, Jiangling, JAC, and Xiaopeng, as well as joint venture brand customers like Nissan, Honda, Toyota, General Motors, and Ford. Financial data: In the first three quarters of 2024, Lide Dongfang's revenue was 810 million yuan, and the net profit was 85.5257 million yuan. As of the end of the third quarter of 2024, Lide Dongfang's total assets amounted to 1.196 billion yuan, and net assets were 723 million yuan. Actual controller relationship and strategic significance: According to information from the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, the actual controller of Lid Oriental, Guo Yantong, is the second daughter of Guo Jindong, the actual controller of Jinpu Titanium Industry. After the completion of this transaction, Lide Dongfang will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jinpu Titanium Industry. The company's main business will change to the rubber products industry, with primary products including rubber hoses, seals, shock absorbers, and other rubber products. According to official data, in the first half of 2025, China's automobile production and sales both surpassed 15 million for the first time, reaching 15.621 million and 15.653 million units, respectively, with year-on-year growth of 12.5% and 11.4%.

【International News Guide】    Raw Materials -Qore starts up $300M bio-based BDO plant Automotive - European Electric Vehicles: Caught in a Dilemma Medical -Ampacet ProVital+ Gamma-Protect preserves polypropylene-based medical plastics in sterilisation Packaging - Japan Officially Approves FDCA for Food Contact Materials Macro - EU Threatens: If No Deal, Ready to Impose Retaliatory Tariffs on €72 Billion of U.S. Goods Price - USD/CNY Central Parity at 7.1498, Down 7 Pips   International News Details   1. World's First! INEOS Launches Another 100% Bio-based MaterialINEOS Styrolution, a leading global manufacturer of styrenic products, recently announced the successful commercial application of its 100% bio-based polystyrene Styrolution PS 158K BC100. Since early 2025, through cooperation with well-known retail chains, food trays made from this bio-based material have officially entered the Japanese market. Styrolution PS 158K BC100 is made from 100% bio-based raw materials using ISCC-certified mass balance methodology. Compared with traditional fossil-based polystyrene, it can achieve a carbon emission reduction of up to 172%. The material fully complies with global food contact standards, including Japan's Food Sanitation Act, and has obtained Grade A certification from the Japan Chemicals Inspection and Testing Institute (JCII), ensuring strict food safety. In addition, it features excellent heat resistance and transparency, safeguarding food packaging quality while enhancing visual appeal. 2. European Electric Vehicles: Caught in a Dilemma The European Federation for Transport and Environment (T & E) recently released a research report entitled European Cars at a Crossroads, pointing out that European automobiles are at a critical juncture where the advancement or delay of the "combustion engine ban" proposal will lead to completely different impacts and trends for the entire industry. On one hand, European electric vehicles have obviously seen a chain reaction of declining sales. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), EU electric vehicle sales fell by 5.9% in 2024, and this year they also face the threat of tariff hikes by the Trump administration. The long-term sluggish sales of pure electric vehicles have cast a shadow over the plan to "stop selling fuel-powered vehicles in the 27 EU countries by 2035".   On the other hand, if no remedial measures are taken and the EU abandons the goal of banning the sale of fuel-powered vehicles in the EU by 2035, the entire European automotive industry may lose 1 million jobs, most of the efforts for "zero emissions" will be wasted, and investment losses in new energy sectors such as batteries will reach two-thirds. 3. Ampacet ProVital+ Gamma-Protect preserves polypropylene-based medical plastics in sterilisation Ampacet, a global masterbatch leader,  has introduced ProVital+ Gamma-Protect, a medical-grade additive designed to preserve mechanical and optical properties of polypropylene-based medical and pharmaceutical articles during gamma and e-beam sterilisation processes. 4. Japan Officially Approves FDCA for Food Contact Materials Recently, Japan officially implemented the "Positive List" system for synthetic resins used in food contact, which explicitly lists FDCA (2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid) as an approved monomer. This transformative policy marks the legalization of PEF (Polyethylene Furanoate) — a plant-based plastic based on FDCA — in Japan's food contact field, taking a key step in promoting the expansion of global sustainable packaging materials in the Asian market. 5. EU Threatens: If No Deal, Ready to Impose Retaliatory Tariffs on €72 Billion of U.S. Goods After U.S. President Trump unexpectedly threatened to impose 30% tariffs on the EU, the EU threatened on Monday to impose additional retaliatory tariffs on tens of billions of dollars of U.S. goods. According to Xinhua News Agency, European Commission Vice-President for Trade and Economic Security Valdis Dombrovskis stated on the 14th that if U.S.-EU trade negotiations fail, the EU is ready to impose additional retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports worth €72 billion (approximately $84 billion). 6. Trelleborg expands manufacturing facility in Malta supporting biopharma and semiconductor applications Trelleborg  Group AB (Trelleborg, Sweden) has inaugurated its cutting-edge facility expansion in Malta. The major investment in cleanrooms & equipment represents a significant milestone in supporting the fast-evolving life sciences and semiconductor manufacturing industries. 7. W.R. Grace and local community continue fight over plastic recycling facility After a two-year-long fight between the Howard County-based chemical company, W.R. Grace, and Howard County community members, Grace was approved to begin building its plastic recycling pilot project in Columbia, Maryland. Their permit was awarded by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on June 20.  8. Qore starts up $300M bio-based BDO plant Bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO) manufacturer Qore (Eddyville, Iowa) announced July 11 that it has commenced production at its first large-scale production plant. The $300 million Eddyville plant has the capacity to produce 66,000 metric tons of BDO annually from locally grown dent corn.   Overseas Macro Updates： Jensen Huang: Will Start Selling H20 Chips in Chinese Market Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of U.S. company NVIDIA, announced two important developments in an interview today: the U.S. has approved the sale of H20 chips to China; NVIDIA will launch RTXpro GPU. India Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation into LLDPE from Six Countries Including Kuwait On June 30, 2025, India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a notice stating that in response to an application submitted by the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Association of India, it will initiate an anti-dumping investigation into Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) originating from or imported from Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Indian customs codes for the 涉案 products are 39011010 and 39014010. India Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation into Indonesian Multi-layer Paperboard According to China Trade Remedy Information Network, on June 30, 2025, India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a notice stating that in response to an application submitted by The Indian Paper Manufacturer Association, it will initiate an anti-dumping investigation into Virgin Multi-layer Paperboard originating from or imported from Indonesia. Vietnam Launches Anti-Dumping Sunset Review Investigation into Malaysian H-beam Steel Products On July 8, 2025, Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Notice No. 1978/QD-BCT, launching the first anti-dumping sunset review investigation into H-beam steel products (Vietnamese: sản phẩm thép hình chữ H) originating from Malaysia. Russian Media: EU Reportedly "Has Begun Informal Discussions on the 19th Round of Sanctions Against Russia" Russia's TASS news agency quoted Izvestia on the 15th that Thomas Zdechovsky, a Member of the European Parliament from the Czech Republic, revealed that the EU has begun informal discussions on the 19th round of sanctions against Russia. Zdechovsky said, "Discussions on the 19th round of sanctions (against Russia) are already underway, although they are still in the initial and informal stage. The main problem is sanction fatigue — not at the political level, but at the technical level. After 18 rounds of sanctions, most obvious targets have been subject to restrictions. Now the focus is on tightening control measures, expanding the scope of secondary restrictions, and clarifying import and export control regulations". EU: U.S.-EU Positions "Have a Large Gap" in Some Areas; 30% Tariffs Confuse U.S. Negotiators EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated that although the two sides are quite close on the principle text, there are still huge differences in some key areas; if tariffs reach 30% or higher, it will make transatlantic trade "almost impossible" as before.   Price Information：   USD/CNY Central Parity   7.1498, down 7 pips; previous trading day’s central parity 7.1491, previous trading day’s official closing price 7.1693, overnight closing price 7.1723. Upstream Raw Materials USD Market Prices Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/tonne; CFR Southeast Asia $830/tonne. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price $740/tonne; CFR China average price $775/tonne. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: propane $536-538/tonne; butane $506-508/tonne. South China frozen cargo for first half of August CIF price: propane $566-576/tonne; butane $537-545/tonne. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane $536-538/tonne; butane $506-508/tonne. LLDPE USD Market Prices Film: $875-910/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $950/tonne (CFR Dongguan). HDPE USD Market Prices Film: $920/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Hollow: $855-860/tonne (CFR Huangpu). LDPE USD Market Prices Film: $1,070-1,110/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Coating: $1,350/tonne (CFR Huangpu). PP USD Market Prices Homopolymer: $935-965/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: $965-995/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Film material: $1,000/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: $1,085/tonne (CFR Huangpu); Pipe material: $1,160/tonne (CFR Shanghai).

International News Digest: Raw Material News: Europe’s Chemicals Sector Suffers Another SetbackAutomotive News: BYD's "Shenzhen" Departs for Europe, Carrying Over 6,800 New Energy VehiclesAdditives News: Clariant ShiftMax™ 100 RE Reverse Water-Gas Shift Catalyst Empowers INERATEC's Pioneering E-Fuel PlantAerospace News: Arkema and Hexcel Achieve Breakthrough in Aerospace Thermoplastic Composite TechnologyMacro News: ING: India Could Be the Next Country to Reach a Trade Deal With the USPrice Information: Central Parity Rate of RMB Against USD Reported at 7.1541, Down 7 Pips   The following are details of international news: 1.Europe’s Chemicals Sector Suffers Another SetbackVynova Announced Today That It Will Cease PVC Production at Its Site in Beek, Netherlands, by November 2025. It’s the Second Shutdown of Europe-Based Chemicals Production Plants Announced in as Many Days: Dow Said Yesterday It Will Close Two Plants in Germany and One in the UK. Challenging Market Dynamics Are Cited as the Reason for These Closures. 2. US EVA Exports Plummeted by 14%! According to the Data of the United States International Trade Commission, the Export Volume of EVA in the US Fell by 14% to 46,000 Tons in the First Quarter of 2025, the Import Volume Fell by 17%, and the Price Fell by 5.6% (the Spot Price of Medium-Grade EVA in Houston Port Fell to USD 1175/ton). Traders Bluntly Said, 'No Goods to Asia', the Focus of Exports Was Forced to Turn to Latin America, Africa and Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA) Markets. 3. Clariant ShiftMax™ 100 RE Reverse Water-Gas Shift Catalyst Empowers INERATEC's Pioneering E-Fuel PlantClariant Announced Today That Its ShiftMax 100 RE Catalyst Powers INERATEC's Advanced Power-to-Liquids Fuel Plant "ERA ONE" Located in the Frankfurt-Höchst Industrial Park in Germany. The Facility Was Officially Put Into Operation on June 3, With an Annual Carbon Dioxide Processing Capacity of Approximately 8,000 Tons, Which Can Be Converted to Produce Up to 2,500 Tons of Synthetic Fuels and Wax Products. This Production Scale Makes It One of the World's Largest Operating "Power-to-Liquids" Projects and Establishes the Key Position of the Two Companies in the Field of Sustainable Fuel Technology Innovation. 4.Avantium Signs Bio-Based FDCA Offtake Agreement With PLIXXENT for Use in Insulating Polyurethane Foam Production Avantium, a Leading Renewable and Circular Polymer Materials Company, and PLIXXENT, a Leading Polyurethane Systems Company, Have Signed a Conditional Five-Year Offtake Agreement. Under the Agreement, PLIXXENT Will Purchase FDCA (2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid) Produced by Avantium's Flagship Plant for the Production of Insulating Polyurethane Foam. PLIXXENT's Evaluation Confirmed That FDCA Performs Excellently in Polyester Polyols and Their Derived Insulating Polyurethane Foams. Compared With Traditional Petrochemical-Based Polyurethane Foams, FDCA-Based Polyurethane Foams Have Significant Environmental Advantages, Meeting the Growing Market Demand for Environmentally Friendly Building Materials. In Addition, They Exhibit Excellent Performance in Key Thermal Insulation Indicators Such as Thermal Conductivity and Flame Retardancy, While Also Providing Excellent Mechanical Strength and Dimensional Stability to Ensure the Long-Term Integrity and Effectiveness of the Foam Structure. 5. Joint Technical Paper to Help Companies With New REACH Labelling Requirement A Group of European Plastics Trade Bodies Have Published Guidance for Businesses in the Run-Up to a New Labelling Regime, Due to Come Into Effect in October This Year, Spelling Out How to Reveal the Level of Microplastics in Certain Products. The Organisations Said the Document Is Designed to Support Polymer Producers, Compounders, Masterbatchers, and Converters as They Prepare for New Labelling Obligations, Which Are to Come Into Effect on 17 October 2025. 6. Arkema and Hexcel Achieve Breakthrough in Aerospace Thermoplastic Composite Technology Recently, Hexcel Showcased New Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PEKK Composite Components Developed in Collaboration With Arkema, Revealing the Breakthrough Progress of Both Parties in the Field of Thermoplastic Composites. The Helues Project, Funded by the German Aerospace Center and Supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Brings Together Partners Such as Airbus Helicopters Germany GmbH, Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH, Christian Karl Siebenwurst GmbH & Co. KG, and Incoe Corporation. It Has Pioneered a New Manufacturing Process for High-Temperature Thermoplastic Composites Worldwide, With the Core Technology Being One-Step Molding and Injection Overmolding. The Technology Uses HexPly® Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Kepstan® PEKK Unidirectional Tapes and Kepstan™ PEKK Injection Compounds as Raw Materials, Enabling the Production of a Complex Structural Part With Reinforcing Ribs and Functional Components in as Little as 2 Minutes. 7. BYD's "Shenzhen" Departs for Europe, Carrying Over 6,800 New Energy Vehicles Caixin News Agency Reported on July 9 That the World's Second-Largest Car Carrier — BYD's "Shenzhen" Ro-Ro Ship, Loaded With Over 6,800 BYD New Energy Vehicles, Departed From Shenzhen Xiaomo International Logistics Port for Europe, Scheduled to Call at the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium. Overseas macro market information: ING: India Could Be the Next Country to Reach a Trade Deal With the US Deepali Bhargava, Head of Asia-Pacific Research at ING, Said That India Will Be the Next Country to Reach a Trade Deal With the US. Trump Recently Stated That the US Is Almost Reaching a Deal With India. Bhargava Said That India Is One of the First Countries to Start Trade Negotiations With the US. India Has Recently Offered Tariff Concessions in Politically and Economically Sensitive Industries Including Agriculture and Dairy Products. If India Makes Some Concessions on Agricultural Product Imports, the Two Countries May Reach an Agreement Soon. IDC: Global PC Shipments Grew 6.5% Year-on-Year in Q2 According to the Latest Preliminary Results of the Global Personal Computing Device Quarterly Tracking Data From the International Data Corporation (IDC), Global PC Shipments Grew 6.5% Year-on-Year in the Second Quarter of 2025, Reaching 68.4 Million Units. Import Tariff Policies Have Begun to Show Effects, and While Demand Remains Strong in Other Regions, Growth in the US PC Market Has Slowed. EU Negotiators Are Close to Reaching a Trade Deal With Trump According to the Financial Times, EU Negotiators Are Close to Reaching a Trade Deal With Trump, Which Will Confirm That the EU Faces Higher Tariffs Than the UK. US to Impose 25% Tariffs on Japan, Ishiba Shigeru Makes Tough Statement: Never Compromise Regarding the US Plan to Impose 25% Tariffs on Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru Said That Japan Will Unite Domestically to Safeguard National Interests and Will Not Compromise on Issues That Cannot Be Compromised, and Will Never Sacrifice Japan's Agriculture. Price information: Central Parity Rate of RMB Against USD: The Central Parity Rate of RMB Against USD Was Reported at 7.1541, Down 7 Pips; the Central Parity Rate of the Previous Trading Day Was 7.1534, the Official Closing Price of the Previous Trading Day Was 7.1732, and the Night Session Closing Price Was 7.1780. Raw Material USD Market Prices: Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $830/ton.Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea Average $740/ton; CFR China Average $785/ton.North Asia Frozen Cargo CIF, Propane $534-536/ton; Butane $504-506/ton.South China Frozen Cargo CIF for Early August, Propane $563-570/ton; Butane $533-540/ton.Taiwan Region Frozen Cargo CIF, Propane $534-536/ton; Butane $504-506/ton. LLDPE USD Market Prices: Film: $875-910/ton (CFR Huangpu), Down $20/ton;Injection Molding: $950/ton (CFR Dongguan). HDPE USD Market Prices: Film: $920/ton (CFR Huangpu);Blow Molding: $855-860/ton (CFR Huangpu).LDPE USD Market Prices:Film: $1,080-1,110/ton (CFR Huangpu);Coating: $1,350/ton (CFR Huangpu). PP USD Market Prices: Homopolymer: $935-980/ton (CFR Huangpu);Copolymer: $965-995/ton (CFR Huangpu);Film Grade: $1,000/ton (CFR Huangpu);Transparent Grade: $1,085/ton (CFR Huangpu);Pipe Grade: $1,160/ton (CFR Shanghai).  

A group of European plastics trade bodies have published guidance for businesses in the run-up to a new labelling regime, due to come into effect in October this year, spelling out how to reveal the level of microplastics in certain products. The EU wants to see a 30% reduction in the amount of microplastics released into the environment by 2030 (Photo: Smarterpix/endewer1.mail.ru) The groups – European Plastics Converters (EuPC), Plastics Europe, the Association of European Manufacturers of Expanded Polystyrene (Eumeps), and European Masterbatchers and Compounders (EuMBC), a sub-group of EuPC – have published a joint technical paper revealing what they say is “clear and harmonised guidance on labelling requirements” under the REACH Restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles – microplastics – and the looming Pellet Loss Prevention Regulation.The organisations said the document is designed to support polymer producers, compounders, masterbatchers, and converters as they prepare for new labelling obligations, which are to come into effect on 17 October 2025.The guidance includes practical recommendations on standardised statements and illustrations – pictograms – along with advice on the placement of information on safety data sheets, labels, and packaging. It will also provide advice on Instruction for Use & Disposal, and generic polymer identification and disclosure thresholds.Back in October 2023, the European Commission proposed a regulation to tackle microplastics pollution resulting from losses of plastic pellets, which it said created the third largest source of unintentional releases of microplastics into the environment across the EU. As part of its zero-pollution plan, the EU wants to see a 30% reduction in the amount of microplastics released into the environment by 2030.

International News Digest: Raw Material News: Grannex: Expansion of Mechanical Recycling Capacity in Germany​ Recycling News: PET/PEF Multi-Layer Bottle Awarded RecyClass Certification​ Automotive News: South Korea's Electric Vehicle Market Turning to Growth​ Macro News: U.S. Government Re-Allows Supply of Jet Engines to China​ Price Information: The Central Parity Rate of RMB Against USD Is 7.1535, Down 12 Points   Details of Global News: 1.Amcor Increases PCR Production to Meet Rising Demand Brands want more recycled plastic content in their packaging, and Amcor's latest investment can help them meet their sustainability and regulatory targets. The company announced an investment in its Nicholasville, KY, facility to increase post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging production capabilities at precise levels of up to 100% recycled content. 2. GRANNEX：Expansion of Mechanical Recycling Capacity in Germany Mechanical recycler Grannex has invested around EUR 20 mn in expanding its recycling capacity at its Osnabrück site. After testing its proprietary recycling process at a pilot plant, Grannex has now scaled up the technology, the company said. At the beginning of 2025, the first full-scale facility based on this process was completed and has recently entered regular operation with a capacity of 16,000 t/y. Tosaf Launches Antifog Solution for High-Performance Packaging Applications Tosaf launches FogFree™ portfolio, delivering integrated antifog masterbatch solutions for extremely challenging polymers. These antifog compounds prevent droplet formation by modifying surface tension and encouraging a uniform water layer. 4. South Korea's Electric Vehicle Market Turns to Growth, and more Than 10 Electric Vehicles to Be Launched in The Second Half of The Year More than 10 electric vehicles will be launched by domestic and foreign automakers in South Korea in the second half of this year. In the past, the electric vehicle lineup was dominated by sport utility vehicles (SUVs), but in the second half of this year, new models will include electric sedans, hydrogen energy electric vehicles, high-performance vehicles, and personalized custom models (PBV), which is expected to expand the demand group. 5. Solvay Joint Venture Invests in Production Facilities in Chile Peróxidos do Brasil, a joint venture between Solvay and Produtos Químicos Makay (PQM), announced a new strategic investment in its Chilean production unit, reaffirming its commitment to providing excellent supply to customers in various South American markets. The $12 million (10.2 million euros) investment will be used to install a new production unit, enabling the division to expand its product portfolio and better serve all segments of the Andean market. This strategic move strengthens Peróxidos' commitment to sustainability by supporting the gradual reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in its manufacturing processes. Construction will start in the second half of this year after obtaining all permits, with completion planned for 2026. 6. Italian packaging machinery: 2024 turnover exceeds 10 billion euros for the first time Italy's automatic packaging and cartoning machinery industry hit a record high in 2024, with turnover exceeding 10 billion euros for the first time, reaching 10.06 billion euros, a 9% increase from the previous year. These figures were released at the annual general meeting of the Italian Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association (Ucima), based on the 13th national statistical survey conducted by the Mecs Research Center. The study covers 619 companies in the industry, which employed 40,503 people in 2024 (a 6% increase from 2023) and added 2,284 new jobs. 7. Japan Enforces New Rules for Food-Contact Plastics New rules for plastic foodcontact materials have applied in Japan since June 1, 2025.Japan introduced a Positive List system regulating synthetic resins used in food-contact utensils, containers, and packaging in June 2020 under its Food Sanitation Act. The legislation allowed for a 5-year transition period which has now expired. 8. PET/PEF Multi-Layer Bottle Awarded RecyClass Certification Avantium N.V., a leading company in the field of renewable polymer materials, announced that its PET/PEF multi-layer bottle is fully compatible with the PET recycling system. The European plastic circular economy organization RecyClass evaluated the bottle and officially awarded this certification. Avantium's PEF material (branded as releaf®) can be used in plant-based single-layer bottles and also has significant advantages when compounded with PET to make multi-layer bottles — as a barrier material, PEF can extend product shelf life more effectively than single-layer PET. 9. BYD Suspends Construction Plan of Mexican Automobile Plant Due to geopolitical tensions and uncertainties brought about by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies, BYD Co., Ltd., China's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, has shelved its plan to build a large-scale factory in Mexico.​ In an interview in Bahia, Brazil, Li Ke, executive vice president of BYD, stated that the company still has interest in expanding in the Americas but has no timetable for new investments. It is reported that BYD is opening its first factory outside Asia in Bahia, Brazil.​ "Geopolitical issues have a significant impact on the automotive industry," said Li Ke. "Now everyone is re-evaluating their strategies in other countries. We hope to make a decision after the situation becomes clearer."​   Overseas macro market information: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Says Japan-U.S. Trade Negotiations Are Progressing Steadily Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba refuted claims that Japan-U.S. trade negotiations have made little progress. In a televised interview on Thursday, he said: "Negotiations are progressing steadily, there is no doubt about it. The negotiations cover a wide range of areas such as non-tariff barriers, but progress is being made step by step on each issue." However, he did not suggest that an agreement would be reached soon before the July 9 deadline.  U.S. Government Re-Allows Supply of Jet Engines to China On July 3rd local time, Reuters quoted informed sources as saying that the U.S. government has notified General Electric Aerospace that it can resume supplying jet engines to Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. This further indicates that Sino-U.S. trade tensions are easing. Another source quoted by the report said that at least one other aerospace company's export license restrictions to China were also lifted on the same day, but the source declined to name the company. Just the day before, the U.S. government lifted export restrictions on Chinese chip design software and also revoked a restrictive licensing requirement implemented a few weeks ago, paving the way for the resumption of ethane exports to China. Cadence: Resuming EDA Software and Technology for Chinese Customers Cadence's latest announcement shows that on July 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) notified the company that the license requirement for exports to China under the BIS regulations of May 23 was immediately revoked. Cadence is restoring access to EDA software and technology for affected customers in accordance with these updated U.S. export regulations. No further information will be provided at this time. Hong Kong Dollar Hibor Rises Across the Board; Hong Kong Monetary Authority Stepped Up Intervention Earlier Hong Kong dollar interbank offered rates (Hibor) rose across the board as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority bought Hong Kong dollars overnight to defend the linked exchange rate system. The 1-month Hibor rose 15 basis points to 0.86%; the overnight Hibor rose 1 basis point to 0.03%. Both hit a nearly one-week high. The 3-month Hibor rose 8 basis points to 1.78%, the highest level since May 21. Goldman Sachs Lowers U.S. Treasury Yield Forecast, Expects 10-Year Yield to Be 4.20% by the End of the Year Goldman Sachs Group lowered its forecast for U.S. Treasury yields, citing an increased possibility that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates earlier than expected. They expect the 2-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury yields to be 3.45% and 4.20% respectively by the end of the year, compared with previous forecasts of 3.85% and 4.50%.   Price Information: 【RMB against US Dollar Central Parity Rate】 The central parity rate of RMB against the US dollar is reported at 7.1535, down by 12 points; the central parity rate of the previous trading day was 7.1523, the official closing price of the previous trading day was 7.1611, and the night session closing price of the previous night was 7.1717. 【US Dollar Market Prices of Raw Materials】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia 850 USD/ton; CFR Southeast Asia 860 USD/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average price 745 USD/ton; CFR China average price 795 USD/ton. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price, propane 522-524 USD/ton; butane 495-497 USD/ton. South China frozen cargo CIF price for early August, propane 556-566 USD/ton; butane 521-531 USD/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price, propane 522-524 USD/ton; butane 495-497 USD/ton. 【LLDPE US Dollar Market Prices】 Film: 875-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: 940 USD/ton (CFR Dongguan); 【HDPE US Dollar Market Prices】 Film: 910-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Blow molding: 860-870 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); 【LDPE US Dollar Market Prices】 Film: 1080-1090 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: 1350 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu) 【PP US Dollar Market Prices】 Homopolymer: 935-980 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: 965-995 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Film material: 1000 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: 1085 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipe material: 1160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).  

International News Digest: Raw Material News - Ecobat Completes Sale of Italian Business to Haiki Dallas Recycling News - Plastics Recycling Facility Launched in Cornwall to Process Microfibres from Laundry Toy News - New Company Structure Sparks Rumors of Sale at One of Germany's Largest Toy Manufacturers Macro News - U.S. Government Sends Letter to American Companies, Clearing the Way for Resuming Ethane Exports to China Price Information - RMB Central Parity Rate Against USD Reported at 7.1523, up 23 Points   The following is the detail of international news: 1、Ecobat Completes Sale of Italian Business to Haiki Dallas Ecobat, a global leader in battery recycling, today announced the successful completion of the sale of its battery and polypropylene recycling business in Italy to Haiki + S.p.A.  The transaction includes Ecobat’s facilities in Marcianise, Paderno Dugnano, and Bologna, and marks Ecobat’s exit from the Italian market. 2、Black Swan Graphene to Partner with METCO for Graphene-Enhanced Masterbatches Black Swan Graphene announces that it has entered into a non-exclusive distribution and sales agreement with METCO Resources, an Indian supplier of specialty materials and polymers, to supply Black Swan’s graphene-enhanced masterbatches for a wide range of polymer applications 3、Covestro Strengthens Cast Polyurethane Elastomers Business Presence in Taiwan Covestro strengthens cast polyurethane elastomers business presence in TaiwanCovestro has announced to strengthen its Cast Polyurethane (CPU) elastomers business network in Taiwan. This targets demands in automated equipment, smart logistics, offshore wind power, waterproofing for construction and infrastructure, and pulp & paper industries. This strategic deployment deepens local service and sales support for innovative material systems and edge cutting casting machines, embodying the group's customer-centric philosophy. 4、Industry Collaboration Aims to Streamline Certification for rPET / EPBP Liaises with European Committee for Standardisation A joint industry initiative has seen the publication of a guidance on certification schemes to support waste management operators and sorters in complying with EU Regulation 2022/1616.The regulation mandates third-party certification of quality assurance systems for food-contact recycled plastics. The guidance provides a detailed interpretation of the legal framework and is intended as a practical tool for both EU and non-EU operators, as the latter must meet equivalent requirements.   5、Plastics Recycling Facility Launched in Cornwall to Process Microfibres from Laundry A “WORLD-FIRST” recycling centre has been launched in Cornwall, UK which will recycle plastics extracted from up to 86 t/y of microfibres captured in washing machines. 6、New Corporate Structure, Germany's Largest Toy Manufacturer Triggers Sale Rumors Once all the rage, almost occupying every child's roomPlaymobil toys no longer enjoy the same market glory as they once did. The Geobra Brandstätter Group, based in Zirndorf, Germany, recorded a significant loss of 120 million euros in the 2023/24 fiscal year, marking the group's most severe crisis in years. To reverse the downturn, the group recently announced plans for structural reorganization while firmly denying rumors about selling off parts of its business. According to the information disclosed by the group,The Playmobil theme park, logistics department, and its flowerpot brand Lechuza will be divided into separate subsidiaries. The group stated that this adjustment aims to improve organizational efficiency, grant each department greater autonomy and responsibility, thereby enhancing overall competitiveness.   The following is overseas macro market information: 【Siemens says U.S. has lifted export restrictions on chip design software to China】 It was learned on July 2 local time that Germany's Siemens AG received notification from the U.S. government that the U.S. has lifted export restrictions on chip design software to China. According to the company's statement, the German supplier has restored Chinese customers' full access to its software and technology. Synopsys said the U.S. has revoked export restrictions targeting China. Several Chinese semiconductor companies also confirmed receiving relevant notices from overseas EDA enterprises. 【Reuters: U.S. government sends letter to American companies, revoking a restrictive licensing requirement to clear the way for resuming ethane exports to China】 According to Reuters, the U.S. government sent letters to two major American ethane producers and exporters, Enterprise Products Partners and Energy Transfer, on Wednesday (July 2) local time, revoking a restrictive licensing requirement imposed a few weeks ago, clearing the way for resuming ethane exports to China. The report noted that this is a sign of the ongoing trade war truce between the U.S. and China. It also stated that after the restrictions were lifted, eight ships have sailed to China. 【Ecuador suspends operation of two oil pipelines due to heavy rains】 Ecuador's state-owned oil company announced on July 2 local time that heavy rains have caused increased water flow in the Loco River in El Chaco, Napo Province. To protect infrastructure and the environment, the operation of two oil pipelines in Ecuador's pipeline system has been suspended as a precaution. The announcement said professional technicians are urgently building a bypass pipeline to ensure the safe transportation of crude oil, with the project expected to be completed in about three days.   Price information: 【RMB central parity rate against USD】   The central parity rate of RMB against USD was reported at 7.1523, up 23 points; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1546, the previous trading day's official closing price was 7.1670, and the previous night's closing price was 7.1622.   【Raw material USD market prices】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia 850 USD/ton; CFR Southeast Asia 860 USD/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average 745 USD/ton; CFR China average 795 USD/ton. Northeast Asia frozen cargo CIF: Propane 523-525 USD/ton; Butane 495-497 USD/ton. South China frozen cargo CIF for early August: Propane 563-573 USD/ton; Butane 528-538 USD/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF: Propane 523-525 USD/ton; Butane 495-497 USD/ton. 【LLDPE USD market prices】 Film: 875-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: 940 USD/ton (CFR Dongguan). 【HDPE USD market prices】 Film: 910-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Blow molding: 860-870 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【LDPE USD market prices】 Film: 1080-1090 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: 1350 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【PP USD market prices】 Homopolymer: 935-980 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: 965-995 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Film grade: 1000 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent grade: 1085 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipe grade: 1160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).  

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)

Recently, two pieces of news about Plite have attracted the attention of the plastic industry. On June 30, Prit announced that the company has signed an investment cooperation agreement with the Investment Promotion Bureau of the Guangzhou Nansha Economic and Technological Development Zone to invest in the construction of the Prit plastic modified materials South China headquarters and R&D manufacturing base project in Nansha District, Guangzhou. The total investment for the project is 1 billion yuan, with an expected annual capacity of 400,000 tons, to be constructed in two phases.Phase 1 focuses on automotive wire modified plastic products.The second phase will focus on the layout of high-end new materials, including modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and carbon fiber reinforced materials, etc.Mainly focused on emerging fields such as low-altitude economy and humanoid robots.。 Image source: Doubao AI On the same day, Pullet announced that its controlling subsidiary, Jiangsu Haisida Power Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Haisida), signed the "Termination Contract of the Investment Project Cooperation Contract" with Liuyang Economic and Technological Development Zone Management Committee (hereinafter referred to as Liuyang ETDZ) in June this year. It is reported that the project was once a hundred-billion-level investment that attracted much attention in the industry. On one hand, investing heavily in modified plastics for the automotive, low-altitude economy, and humanoid robot sectors, while on the other hand cutting previously prioritized new energy battery projects—what's behind Polyte's move? Let's analyze together with Insight Plastic. The Hundred Billion Battery Project Stalls: The ""Emergency brake"​​ In June 2023, Preter Holdings' subsidiary Haisida announced an investment of 10.2 billion yuan to build a 30 GWh sodium-ion and lithium-ion battery production base, aiming to enter the new energy sector. The main products planned are sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, covering both square and cylindrical forms. The project is planned to be built in three phases: Phase I involves an investment of about 3 billion yuan to build a 12 GWh square battery project; Phase II involves an investment of about 3 billion yuan to build a 6 GWh cylindrical battery project; Phase III involves an investment of about 4.2 billion yuan to build a 12 GWh square battery project. However, just two years later, this project was urgently suspended. Polytech pointed out that due to changes in the macro environment of the new energy industry, its strategic direction in the new energy field was continuously optimized. Behind this lies the harsh reality of overcapacity and price wars in the lithium battery industry. According to data from BloombergNEF, the global average price of lithium-ion battery packs fell 20% year-on-year to $115 per kilowatt-hour in 2024, the biggest drop in seven years; the cost of sodium-ion batteries also plummeted from 0.8 yuan/Wh to 0.45 yuan/Wh, approaching the cost level of lithium iron phosphate batteries. The announcement shows that the above-mentioned project has not carried out substantial construction. After consultation with Liuyang Economic Development Zone, both parties agreed to terminate the investment in this project, and the Management Committee of Liuyang Economic Development Zone will reclaim the land use rights. Two, 10Yijia's robot materials: precise positioning for business extension​​ While giving up on cross-border ventures, Prile quickly focused its resources on its core business - high molecular modified materials, investing 1 billion yuan to build a South China R&D and manufacturing base in Nansha, Guangzhou. This project is divided into two phases: Phase I: continuing the traditional advantages of automotive modified plastics, producing PP, PA, ABS and other products to meet the lightweight needs of new energy vehicles; Phase II: targeting humanoid robots and low-altitude economy, laying out high value-added products such as PEEK, PPS, LCP and carbon fiber reinforced materials. Pret's global layout (Image source: Pret's official website) Taking robot applications as an example, PEEK has characteristics such as high temperature resistance and self-lubrication, making it suitable for harmonic reducers and actuators; LCP is an ideal material for high-frequency signal connectors; carbon fiber can reduce weight by more than 30%, optimizing the structure of robotic arms... Image source: Interface Pulit stated that with the rapid development of the global new energy vehicle industry, its main products have seen a swift increase in supply within this sector. Due to the continuous expansion of new customers and the growing volume of product orders, there is a need to enhance its production scale and supply capacity. Currently, the company's existing production capacity is at full capacity, and there is still a capacity gap during peak industry seasons. The location of the Nansha base highlights strategic intentions—leveraging the industrial chain cluster of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to quickly respond to the potential demands of humanoid robot manufacturers and low-altitude field manufacturers in South China. Nansha is located at the geometric center of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It is the only national new area in Guangdong Province, the largest==== of the Guangdong Free Trade Zone, and a demonstration zone for comprehensive cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. It has successively been approved as a national demonstration zone for promoting and innovating import trade, a comprehensive bonded area, and a major national platform policy for relaxing market access and strengthening regulatory system reform. Pritech stated that due to its convenient geographical and transportation location, Nansha is its preferred location for radiating the South China market, facilitating the development of new customers, and meeting the needs of major clients nearby. III. Strategic Adjustment Motivations: From ""Chasing the Trend" can be translated as "trend" or "hotspot" depending on context. Here, "Chasing the Trend" captures the essence of pursuing popular or emerging opportunities. Defend Changpo​ Puruite's shift is not a blind chase after trends, but rather based on a materials company's understanding of the cycles of downstream application industries. Since 2023, the concentrated release of power battery production capacity, coupled with the slowing growth of new energy vehicles, has led to an imbalance between supply and demand. It can be said that the lithium battery industry has shifted from "short supply" to "structural overcapacity." As a cross-industry player, Preter's subsidiary Hildred mainly focuses on niche markets such as electric tools, making it difficult to compete with industry leaders like CATL in the power battery sector. Pritchard has chosen to increase its investment in humanoid robot materials, with one of the core driving forces being the structural opportunities presented by explosive growth in the industry. According to the "2025 Humanoid Robot Industry Report," the market size for humanoid robots in China is expected to reach 8.2 billion yuan by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 50%. This growth rate far surpasses that of traditional downstream industries like automotive and home appliances for modified plastics, providing new growth opportunities for material companies. Another consideration may be that Pritchard has been deeply involved in the automotive modified plastics sector for 30 years, allowing them to quickly adapt their modified plastics technology accumulated in the automotive field to robot scenarios, thereby forming a differentiated competitive edge. Furthermore, there is an overlap in the supply chain between the automotive and robotics industries, which makes it very convenient for Pritchard to enter the supply chain of leading robot manufacturers. The low-altitude economy is similar to the situation with humanoid robots. According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China's low-altitude economy reached over 500 billion yuan in 2023, with the scale expected to exceed 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 44%. Among this, the drone industry alone reached 117 billion yuan in 2023 (data from CCID Think Tank), and emerging areas such as flying cars are accelerating their commercialization. In terms of policy support, in 2024, the state included the low-altitude economy in the Government Work Report, and 13 provinces and cities, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou, have introduced special supportive policies. The significant market growth combined with policy support makes the low-altitude economy a highly certain growth area. These two emerging tracks place high demands on materials, which aligns perfectly with the technical expertise that PRET has developed over the years in the modified plastics (polymer new material products and composite materials) industry. Since its establishment in 1993, PRET has been deeply engaged in the field of modified composite materials for over three decades. As a leading enterprise in the modified materials industry, PRET's materials are widely used by major OEMs, home appliance manufacturers, and more, particularly in the automotive sector, where PRET has become a core material supplier for numerous OEMs.Modified plastics refer to plastic products that are processed by methods such as filling, blending, and reinforcement to improve properties like flame retardancy, strength, impact resistance, and toughness, based on general-purpose plastics and engineering plastics. The main downstream applications are in the automotive and home appliance industries. According to a research report from Donghai Securities Research Institute, China's modified plastics output surpassed 30 million tons in 2024, with the modification rate increasing from 16.2% in 2010 to nearly 30% in 2024. Donghai Securities Research Institute stated that the modified plastics industry is still in the critical period of domestic substitution. After experiencing a peak in capital investment from 2021 to 2022, the modified plastics sector has returned to rationality in the past two years. With the support of domestic demand policies such as lightweighting of new energy vehicles and subsidies and promotions for automobiles and home appliances, downstream demand has improved. The performance of most modified plastics companies, such as Kingfa Sci. & Tech., Prejean, and Dahe Co., Ltd., has shown improvement. IV. Not only Plastics, these modified enterprises are also accelerating into new fields In addition to Pulit, several leading companies have also positioned themselves in the robotics and low-altitude economy materials sector. Golden Sun Technology In the field of humanoid robots: providing material solutions for components such as face-mounted decorative shells, actuator gears/bearings, and processor connectors; In the low-altitude economy field: developed key components such as high-strength blades, arms, and fuselage, achieving a weight reduction of 25%-40% for the entire drone through structural optimization, and improving the endurance range by over 30%, promoting the transformation of the low-altitude economy towards a resource-saving development model. Nanjing Julong In the field of humanoid robotics: The company has established a dedicated "Robotics Materials Project Team" focused on developing high-performance polymer materials tailored to the needs of the robotics sector. The team is prioritizing the application of advanced materials in critical components such as humanoid robot joints, bearings, gears, and limbs. In the low-altitude economy sector: Focus on carbon fiber composite structural components, parts, and whole aircraft assembly, achieving high-quality product delivery. Huitong Stock Robotics Field: Launching an integrated material solution, with a comprehensive layout in the core structural areas of humanoid robots, and has introduced material solutions such as PC ternary alloys, PPA/CF materials, and PEEK. In the low-altitude economy sector: focusing on the trends of lightweight, high strength, and substituting plastic for steel in the actual use scenarios of drones, we have launched lightweight PC materials, ultra-high modulus carbon fiber reinforced composite materials, and other material solutions. The related products have been designated for the Xiaopeng Huitian flying car project. Wote Co., Ltd. In the field of robotics: In the field of robot structural components, the company has developed lightweight and high-strength materials that have been successfully applied to floor-sweeping and grass-removal robots. The dedicated materials for their skeletons and robotic arms achieve a balance in strength, heat resistance, and fatigue resistance. For functional components, PEEK materials are currently undergoing multi-customer testing. In the low-altitude economy sector: the provided drone material solutions have been successfully applied to key components of drones in various fields, including propellers, fuselage, gimbals, motors, and remote control handles. Its carbon fiber composite production line can directly supply customers with molded products such as propellers, arms, and fuselage frames. 5. Conclusion Pret has clearly mentioned in its financial report "optimizing the strategic direction in the new energy field" and emphasized "returning to the core business of high molecular new materials." This case also reflects the long-term strategic considerations of materials companies: against the backdrop of industrial upgrading and domestic substitution, the core competitiveness of materials companies is shifting from "scale expansion" to "technological deep cultivation." Pret's strategic shift provides important insights for the industry: only tracks with certain technical barriers and clear market growth (such as the domestication rate of robot materials being less than 30%) can build their own moat amidst cyclical fluctuations.   Editor: Lily Source of materials: Pret, Interface, DT New Materials, DouBao AI, etc.  

Have you ever encountered such a situation: Even though high-strength carbon fiber was used, the material still cracked.The performance of the fiberglass-reinforced PP selected is worse than that of pure resin.The Tg is very high, but it started peeling and cracking structurally in less than two years... Many people's first reaction is to doubt whether "the materials are not good enough." In fact, the problem often lies not in the materials themselves, but in the "layer" between the materials—the interface. The one thing that composite materials dread the most is when the reinforcement is very strong, the matrix is also not weak, but the interface is a mess. So today, let's clarify why the interface is truly the lifeline of composite materials.   1. The interface is not an edge, but a "physical field" When many people hear the term "interface," what likely comes to mind is the boundary where Material A and Material B meet. However, in modern materials science, this understanding is far from enough. Today, the "interface" we are talking about is no longer just the "boundary line" between two materials, but a more complex and crucial area. It is a small "intersection zone," yet it involves the convergence of multiple physical mechanisms and multi-level structures. It is neither the matrix nor the reinforcing phase, but a "transition zone" between the two. It has a lot of functions, such as: It is the bridge for stress transfer: whether the load you apply can be effectively transmitted from the matrix to the reinforcement material depends entirely on this. It is a buffer layer for energy transition: molecular motion, heat conduction, reaction activity, etc., all gradually decline or connect in this area. It is an interleaved region of microstructures: here, amorphous regions, ordered structures, and reaction products often coexist, forming a "mixed structure." It is also the root of adhesion: whether the interface sticks firmly or not depends on the intermolecular forces, chemical bonds, physical interlocking and other mechanisms in this area. In summary, it is: The interface is not a seam; it's a critical corridor where the compatibility of materials is determined. "Composite materials are not 'splicing,' but 'synergy.'" Many people understand composite materials as "building blocks": Fibers are responsible for strength, the matrix is responsible for shaping, and combining them does the trick. However, materials are not about such "arithmetic addition". A true composite material must meet a key condition: All components must "work together" - being able to bear force together, deform together, and carry loads together, instead of moving or sliding independently. This crucial bridge relies on an interface. Here's an extreme example for you to understand: If you use carbon fiber-reinforced resin and the carbon fiber and matrix "separate," the load cannot be transferred to the fiber at all, resulting in the resin cracking first and the fiber spinning idly — complete failure. Conversely, if the interface is properly designed, the matrix can steadily transfer the load to the fibers, and the fibers can also help prevent the propagation of cracks, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the material. So we say: The strength of composite materials does not come from the strength of a single component, but because they "pull together." A poor interface can lead to what problems? If the interface is not well designed, it will become the "source of cracks" in the entire structure. This is not an exaggeration, but a matter of experience. Common interface failure modes: These questions all point to a commonality: Once the interface "splits," the materials will fall apart. Modern Interface Science: From Surface Energy to Multi-Field Coupling After discussing the engineering issues, let's elevate our perspective. Today's interface research has long surpassed the era of "how well it sticks" and has entered a more detailed and systematic stage of study. Friends working on composite materials can delve deeply into these three models. 1. Interface Interaction Spectrum (IIS) In the cutting-edge views of materials science, interfacial adhesion is no longer simply a matter of "whether it is bonded or not," but can be decomposed into a complete "spectrum of energy interactions."This pedigree includes several major molecular-level forces: Covalent bond: For example, silane coupling agents can bridge a true "chemical bond" between fillers and resins. Hydrogen bonds/π-π stacking: Such as the mutual attraction between aromatic rings or the hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups. Electrostatic interactions: such as the attraction between charged groups, for example, between ionic fillers and polar resins. Dispersion force/Van der Waals force: This is the most fundamental but weakest interaction, mainly present between non-polar interfaces, such as PP and some non-polar fillers. The strength and characteristics of each type of force directly influence whether an interface is "sticky" or "non-sticky." For different material combinations, it is essential to identify the "dominant force" to precisely design the interface and achieve true synergy. Sure, here is the translation: "Provide an example:" When reinforcing epoxy resin with carbon fiber, it is best to introduce aromatic structures or hydroxyl groups onto the surface of the carbon fiber, as they can form π-π stacking or hydrogen bonds with the epoxy system, enhancing the "soft intimate contact." Glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) has one strong polarity and one weak polarity, making them naturally "incompatible." At this point, it is necessary to introduce a coupling agent (such as maleic anhydride grafted PP) to provide a polar "bridge" for effective bonding. (This was a topic from a friend's comment a few days ago.) 2. Stress Transmission Mechanism: From "Shear Lag" to "Decoupled Cooperation" In traditional composite material mechanics models, such as the famous shear-lag model, we usually assume: The load is transferred from the matrix to the reinforcing fibers through "shear forces" at the interface. This is a concept of "pulling and tugging, firmly holding on." However, in recent years, more and more studies have found that this understanding is too idealistic. The interface in reality is not "stuck" there motionless, but rather a controllable slip area. Five, New Perspective: Sliding is not a bad thing; it is actually a pressure relief valve! When a material is subjected to force, if the interface allows for a certain degree of micro-slip, it can actually mitigate stress concentration and prevent the material from brittle fracture at the interface.Some advanced designs even intentionally make the interface into an "energy-dissipating band"—when stress occurs, the interface absorbs and dissipates a portion of the energy, thereby enhancing the overall impact toughness.It's like putting on shoes: Tight shoes can chafe the feet and hinder long walks (a hard interface can be brittle and break easily). The shoes are too loose, easy to fall off and unstable (the interface is too slippery and unable to transmit force); The ideal state is to be "neither too tight nor too loose"—able to stand firmly while also being flexible enough to move. This is precisely what modern composite materials aim for: the interface must stabilize stress while providing appropriate buffering and decoupling, avoiding a "rigid confrontation" and instead achieving a "flexible synergy." 3. Smart Interface Design The interface of composite materials is undergoing a revolution from "passive adaptation" to "active regulation." The most cutting-edge trends are: No longer satisfied with letting the interface "silently support," but instead giving it "thinking ability" - actively adjusting its own state based on external stimuli. This is what is known as Smart Interface design. They can "understand signals" and respond autonomously. Thermal Response Interface: Upon heating, the material undergoes molecular reorganization, enabling the interface to self-repair, such as the automatic healing of microcracks. Light-responsive interface: Under ultraviolet irradiation, the molecular structure changes, allowing reversible switching of the adhesive state, controlling adhesion and detachment like a "switch." Electric response interface: After applying voltage, the charge distribution at the interface changes, thereby altering the interface energy or adsorption behavior, which can be used for interfacial force regulation or to drive behavior in materials. pH-responsive interface: exhibits different hydrophilic-hydrophobic behaviors under different acidic and alkaline conditions, commonly used in drug release, biomimetic self-assembly systems. One-sentence summary: The interface is getting "smarter"— From the initial "stick as soon as it's built" to the current "on-demand response" Future interfaces will not only stick firmly, but also self-regulate, precisely control, and release functions as needed. 6. How to make the interface stronger? This is what engineers care about the most: knowing it's important, so how do I get it done? Common strategies to enhance interface strength: One-sentence summary: The key to interface design is not "stickiness," but "good collaboration."

International News Digest:  Raw Materials News:Mitsui Chemicals Sells Again, Sinopec Takes Over Automotive News:Natural Fiber Materials Adopted! New BMW i3/iM3 Details Revealed Packaging News: Alpla expands injection moulding with KM Packaging acquisition Healthcare News:Covestro Achieves Localized Production of Medical-Grade TPU in Asia-Pacific for the First Time Macro News:Iran Vows to Take Measures to Ensure Continuation of Nuclear Program Price Information:Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia 845/ton,up5/ton   International News Details:  Mitsui Chemicals Sells Again, Sinopec Takes Over On June 24, Mitsui Chemicals announced that its board of directors had formally resolved to transfer its entire 50% stake in Sinopec Mitsui Chemicals Co., Ltd. (SSMC) to Shanghai Gaoqiao Petrochemical Co., Ltd. The transaction is expected to be completed by October 2025. This equity transfer is the latest move in Mitsui Chemicals' global strategic adjustment. Facing shrinking demand in the Japanese domestic market and intensified overseas competition, Mitsui Chemicals is gradually exiting traditional basic chemical businesses to focus on green chemicals and high-performance materials. SSMC, established in April 2006, primarily produces basic chemical products such as phenol, acetone, and bisphenol A. In recent years, the company's performance has continued to decline, with a loss of ¥10.6 billion in FY2025, which is the main reason for Mitsui Chemicals' divestment.  Lotte Chemical and HD Hyundai Plan to Merge Daesan Cracker Facilities Recently, South Korea's Lotte Chemical and HD Hyundai Group announced plans to integrate their naphtha cracker facilities in Daesan, South Korea, aiming to address the challenges of low profitability in the country's petrochemical industry. The two companies are currently negotiating the merger of their respective petrochemical assets in the Daesan region, with valuations being conducted by a major accounting firm. Insiders stated that "nothing has been finalized yet, and everything is under review." The integration of the two plants is expected to streamline operations, after which the companies will gradually shut down redundant facilities to reduce output and improve efficiency. Covestro Achieves Localized Production of Medical-Grade TPU in Asia-Pacific for the First Time Covestro announced that it has commenced production of medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) Desmopan® Rx series at its Changhua base in Taiwan, marking the first localized production of this high-standard material in the Asia-Pacific region. This will enable more flexible and efficient supply to meet growing market demand. Changhua is Covestro's second global base, after the New Martinsville facility in North America, to receive certification for medical-grade TPU production. Alpla expands injection moulding with KM Packaging acquisition Austrian packaging manufacturer Alpla its strengthening its injection moulding division, Alplainject, with the acquisition of KM Packaging. Based in Ubstadt-Weiher, Germany, KM Packaging manufacturers closures for tubes, bottles, and jars at six sites across Germany, Austria, Poland, and the United States. The company producers over 6.5 billion injection-moulded parts per year. Continental’s Automotive Group Establishes Advanced Electronics & Semiconductor Solutions (AESS) Division On June 25, Tier 1 automotive supplier Continental announced that its Automotive Group, which is set to be spun off into an independent company named Aumovio Group, has established the Advanced Electronics & Semiconductor Solutions (AESS) division. AESS will independently design and validate automotive semiconductor products, primarily to meet internal demand. GlobalFoundries (GF) will serve as AESS's exclusive semiconductor chip manufacturing partner, with dedicated production lines to be established.  Nissan Motor: Q2 Forecasts ¥200 Billion Loss According to Kyodo News on June 25, Nissan Motor Co. stated on June 24 that its consolidated financial results for Q2 2025 (April–June) are expected to show an operating loss of ¥200 billion (approximately RMB 9.9 billion). Nissan reported a profit of ¥900 million in the same period last year. The sharp increase in losses is attributed to sluggish sales in key markets (China, the U.S., and Japan) and the impact of high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. In May, Nissan announced large-scale restructuring measures, including global layoffs of 20,000 employees and the closure of seven plants.   Natural Fiber Materials Adopted! New BMW i3/iM3 Details Revealed: Expected Launch in 2026 Recently, details about the new BMW i3 and iM3 models, including configurations and production plans, were revealed. The BMW iM3 is expected to feature a quad-motor setup with over 700 horsepower. Notably, the car's interior will incorporate a newly developed natural fiber composite material by BMW. Developed in collaboration with a Swiss company, this material is made from flaxseed and boasts strength comparable to carbon fiber while reducing CO2 emissions during production by 40%. It may be used for bucket seats and other interior components. Fiat Incorporates Recycled Materials from Beverage Cartons in Vehicle With the launch of the latest model of Fiat Grande Panda, Fiat claims it has become the first car manufacturer to incorporate recycled materials from used beverage cartons in a vehicle.Each Fiat Grande Panda contains recycled material from the thin layers of polyethylene and aluminium used in 140 beverage cartons. This recycled material is used in the central console, dashboard, interior front and rear door panels.   Avantium Secures €10 Million Financing to Address Short-Term Liquidity On June 23, Avantium announced that it had secured €10 million in financing to address short-term liquidity issues. The financing includes a €4 million subordinated loan from the Province of Groningen and a €6 million increase in senior bonds from banks (Invest-NL, ABN AMRO, ING, ASN, Rabobank). The €10 million financing provides short-term liquidity while the company explores medium- to long-term funding options. Avantium is also in talks with external parties regarding the partial or full transfer of its R&D solutions and Volta technology, which may involve asset divestment and/or strategic partnerships to support further development.   Overseas Macro Market Information:  [Iran Vows to Take Measures to Ensure Continuation of Nuclear Program] On June 24, Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), stated that Iran is assessing the damage caused by military strikes from Israel and the U.S. and has taken necessary steps to ensure the continuation of its nuclear program. AEOI spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi added that no force can halt or limit the progress of Iran's nuclear industry. On June 22, Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities were targeted by U.S. airstrikes. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the facilities were "completely destroyed," but U.S. media cited a preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency report on June 24 stating that the strikes did not destroy key nuclear infrastructure and may only delay Iran's nuclear program by months. Trump and the White House denied these claims.   [Israeli PM Vows to 'Thwart' Iran's Nuclear Weapons Ambitions] On June 24, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video address that if Iran attempts to restart its nuclear program, Israel will "thwart any such attempt," adding that "Iran will not possess nuclear weapons." Netanyahu claimed that Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" since June 13 had "eliminated two existential threats: Iran's nuclear weapons and its arsenal of 20,000 ballistic missiles." He also asserted that a single strike had "wiped out" Iran's military command, killing three top Iranian military commanders and several other senior officers, as well as multiple leading nuclear scientists.  [Bank of Thailand Holds Benchmark Rate Steady] The Bank of Thailand kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75%, in line with market expectations.   Price Information:  [USD/CNY Central Parity Rate] USD/CNY central parity rate: 7.1668, down 12 pips. Previous trading day's central parity rate: 7.1656. Previous trading day's official closing rate: 7.1781. Previous night session closing rate: 7.1712. Offshore USD/CNY extended gains, approaching the 7.16 mark, hitting its highest level since November 2024. [Raw Material USD Market Prices] Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia: 845/ton,up5/ton. CFR Southeast Asia: $860/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average: $750/ton. CFR China average: $800/ton. North Asia Frozen Cargo Arrival Price: Propane: $558–560/ton. Butane: $528–530/ton. South China Frozen Cargo Late-July Arrival Price: Propane: $601–611/ton. Butane: $543–553/ton. Taiwan Frozen Cargo Arrival Price: Propane: $558–560/ton. Butane: $528–530/ton. [LLDPE USD Market Prices] Film: $920/ton (CFR Huangpu). Injection: $950/ton (CFR Dongguan). [HDPE USD Market Prices] Film: $910–920/ton (CFR Huangpu). Blow Molding: $860–870/ton (CFR Huangpu). [LDPE USD Market Prices] Film: $1105–1130/ton (CFR Yantian). Coating: $1330/ton (CFR Huangpu). [PP USD Market Prices] Homopolymer: $890–975/ton (CFR Huangpu). Copolymer: $965–995/ton (CFR Huangpu). Transparent: 1085/ton(CFRHuangpu),down35/ton. Pipe: $1160/ton (CFR Shanghai).  

Meeting growing demands in biologics delivery Material solutions enable reliable delivery of high-volume biologics Enhanced performance supports patient self-administration at home   Covestro, a global leader in high-performance medical materials, is advancing the future of biologics delivery through its collaboration with Savicred Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese drug delivery device manufacturer. This month, Savicred unveiled a next-generation 2.25ml auto-injector enabled by material solutions from Covestro, designed to meet the growing global demand for high-volume, patient-friendly biologics delivery systems. “The biologics delivery space presents tremendous opportunities for innovation as the industry moves toward more complex drug formulations and patient-friendly delivery systems,” said Nan Hu, Global Vice President, Sales & Market Development Healthcare, Engineering Plastics Business Entity of Covestro. “As a leading provider of high-performance medical materials, we enable drug delivery device manufacturers to develop more advanced, reliable solutions that ultimately improve the treatment experience for patients.” The shift toward high-volume biologics delivery, driven by demands for reduced injection frequency and enhanced home treatment options, presents complex material science challenges. These devices must manage higher internal pressures and more viscous drug formulations while maintaining precise performance throughout their lifecycle. This requires materials that can deliver exceptional mechanical strength for structural integrity, dimensional stability for consistent dosing, and proven biocompatibility for patient safety—all while supporting efficient, scalable manufacturing processes. Covestro’s material technologies, developed through its global innovation network including key research facilities in the United States, are engineered to address these demanding requirements. The medical-grade Makrolon® polycarbonates combine high mechanical strength for reliable delivery of larger volumes with outstanding dimensional stability that ensures precise component fit and reliable performance in various storage and usage conditions. These materials also offer proven biocompatibility for patient safety, while their superior processability enables high-precision molding for complex device components. This comprehensive performance profile enables device manufacturers to scale up innovation confidently while maintaining safety and reliability. “With the support of Covestro’s innovative materials, Savicred has developed a 2.25ml auto-injector specifically designed for China’s rapidly evolving biologics market, offering pharmaceutical companies an effective platform for self-administration therapies,” said Xiao Lin, CEO at Savicred. “As we push the frontiers of biologics delivery, material choice is pivotal. Covestro’s solutions provide the durability, consistency, and safety we need to develop devices that offer patients more convenient home treatment solutions and enhance their quality of life.”   About Savicred: Savicred is driven by innovation, committed to providing high quality drug delivery systems, and dedicated to being a reliable partner of pharmaceutical companies globally. Savicred specializes in drug delivery systems R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization, providing total solutions for drug companies.   About Covestro: Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself. The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).

European Plastics Converters (EuPC) has announced a change in management. The organisation has appointed Federica Gallicchio as its new managing director. The lawyer succeeds Paolo Bochicchio, who took up the position last September. Gallicchio is the fourth person to hold the role since 2023. She follows Alexandre Dangis, Bernhard Merkx, and Bochicchio. A EuPC spokesperson initially declined to comment on the unexpected change when speaking with Plasteurope.com.Gallicchio has been working for EuPC since 2019 – among other things, in the fields of packaging and automotive. Prior to that, she worked for a member of the European Parliament in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety. Association president Benoit Hennaut praised Federica Gallicchio’s expertise in both political business and industry (Photo: EuPC) In addition, EuPC has announced the launch of a new sector group, European Plastic Films (EuPF), aimed at strengthening industry collaboration and promoting sustainability across the plastic films sector.Renato Zelcher, CEO of Italian films manufacturer Crocco and former EuPC president, was unanimously appointed as the first president of EuPF at the group’s inaugural meeting in Brussels.Founding members of EuPF include Crocco, Trioworld, RKW Group, Armando Alvarez Group, and Ergis Group – companies known for their leadership in sustainable plastic film production.

International News Digest: Raw Materials News -Brenntag Specialties and ExxonMobil extend distribution agreement for White Oils in EMEA Packaging News - Balcan Innovations makes $200-million investment in Quebec, U.S.Auto News - Volvo May Initiate Large-scale Layoffs in China Medical News - TekniPlex Healthcare opens flagship barrier protection systems plant in Wisconsin Macro News - Israel Attacked Area Near Iran's Heavy Water Reactor Price Information - The central parity rate of the RMB against the US dollar was quoted at 7.1729, up 32 points. The following are the details of international news: 1.Brenntag Specialties and ExxonMobil extend distribution agreement for White Oils in EMEA Brenntag announced the extension of the distribution agreement with ExxonMobil on White Oils. After decades of cooperation in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, CEE and the Baltics, the agreement now also includes Iberia, the Netherlands and Israel. ExxonMobil's white oil products are manufactured in accordance with the European Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and processed in the clean room at Brenntag's Hamburg site. This ensures high product quality, competitive delivery cycles, and reliable supply security in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. 2. FEAD: Ambition must not be compromised FEAD welcomes the Council’s adoption of a General Approach on the proposed End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR), but underlines several problematic clauses that need to be remedied during the Trilogue. While acknowledging the importance of progress in the legislative process, FEAD warns that diluting minimum recycled content targets and timelines undermines the Regulation’s ability to deliver true circularity in the automotive sector. 3. Balcan Innovations makes $200-million investment in Quebec, U.S. Saint-Léonard, Que.based film and flexible packaging maker Balcan Innovations has completed installation of their new Windmoller & Hoelscher (W&H) printing press in Terrebonne, Que., in what’s being described as the first in a series of major investments in new extrusion, printing, and bag-making machinery for their Wisconsin and Quebec-based facilities. 4. Volvo May Initiate Large-scale Layoffs in ChinaOn the morning of June 19th, GAC learned from multiple sources that Volvo has recently carried out large-scale layoffs across China, with a ratio as high as 50%, affecting multiple positions in engineering research and development and supply chain. The specific list is expected to be announced and all operations completed by the end of this month. GAC immediately sought verification from Volvo China's official channel. The relevant person in charge responded, "We haven't heard of it yet." However, perhaps this rumor is not groundless; it's just that the scale and scope of the layoffs may be different. It's worth noting that this rumor emerged only three weeks after Volvo globally announced the layoff of 3,000 employees. Looking back to May 26th, this Swedish automaker officially announced a global restructuring plan, involving 1,200 employees in Sweden and 1,800 positions in other regions around the world. 5.TekniPlex Healthcare opens flagship barrier protection systems plant in Wisconsin Healthcare product maker TekniPlex Healthcare has opened a new 200,000-square-foot facility in Madison, Wis., that will serve as the flagship location for the company’s Barrier Protection Systems business. First announced in June 2023, the site will strengthen Tekni-Plex’s ability to support medical device and pharmaceutical companies along with their downstream partners, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centres, laboratories and patients, with reliable access to sterile barrier packaging that protects life-saving medical technologies, the company said in a June 12 statement. 6. 27th International Waste Plastics Day set to take place on 24-25 June in Germany The 27th International Waste Plastics Day is set to take place in Dresden, Germany, on 24 and 25 June. Organised by the German association for secondary raw materials and waste disposal bvse, this year’s congress is to focus on the theme of Plastics Recycling: Out of the Crisis and Into the Future. More than 300 participants are expected to take part. 7. UPM Raflatac business area to be renamed as UPM Adhesive Materials UPM Raflatac business area and reporting segment will be renamed UPM Adhesive Materials as of June 12, 2025. The new reporting segment name will be in use from the Interim Report Q2 2025 onwards.   Macro Market Information: 【Israel attacks area near Iran's heavy water reactor】 Xinhua News Agency quoted Iran's Mehr News Agency as reporting on the 19th that Israel launched attacks on areas near Iran's Khondab heavy water reactor facility. According to relevant officials, personnel at the facility had been evacuated previously, and there is no radiation risk at the facility. Israel had previously warned of launching attacks on this facility. 【IDC: China's floor cleaning robot market shipment volume grew 21.4% year-on-year in Q1】 The latest report released by the International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that in the first quarter of 2025, China's floor cleaning robot market shipped 1.188 million units, a year-on-year increase of 21.4%, with the shipment growth rate exceeding 20% for two consecutive quarters. Affected by the "national subsidy policy", the trend of deepened concentration among leading manufacturers is more obvious than in the global market, accelerating market reshuffle, and the market share gap between the Top 5 manufacturers is continuously narrowing. While the cost-effectiveness of new products is accelerating upgrading, it brings hidden inventory concerns, and some old models face greater inventory pressure. Since 2025, the technological upgrading directions have focused on bionic robotic arms and AI interaction, but the average shipment unit price has declined, further squeezing manufacturers' profit margins. 【US-Mexico presidents hold phone call, Mexican economy minister to visit US to promote trade consultations】 On the local time of June 18, Mexican President Ximbaum stated that she had a phone conversation with US President Trump. It is reported that during the conversation, Ximbaum proposed to Trump to promote a "comprehensive agreement" to jointly address security, immigration, and trade issues. Ximbaum also revealed that Mexican Economy Minister Ebrard will visit the US to promote trade issue consultations, while focusing on security and immigration issues with the US side.   Price Information:   【RMB to USD Central Parity Rate】 The central parity rate of RMB against USD was set at 7.1729, up 32 pips; the previous trading day's parity was 7.1761, the official closing price was 7.1868, and the night session close was 7.1900. 【Raw Materials USD Market Prices】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/ton (up $10/ton); CFR Southeast Asia $850/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average $720/ton; CFR China average $760/ton. North Asia LPG CIF price: Propane $580-582/ton; Butane $550-552/ton. South China LPG late July CIF price: Propane $612-622/ton; Butane $554-564/ton. Taiwan region LPG CIF price: Propane $580-582/ton; Butane $550-552/ton. 【LLDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: $915/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $960/ton (CFR Dongguan). 【HDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: $900-915/ton (CFR Huangpu, down $10/ton); Hollow: $865/ton (CFR Huangpu, up $5/ton). 【LDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: $1035/ton (CFR Xiamen). 【PP USD Market Prices】 Homopolymer: $890-970/ton (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: $965-990/ton (CFR Huangpu); Film material: $1025-1090/ton (CFR Huangpu); Transparent: $1100/ton (CFR Huangpu, up $35/ton); Pipes: $1160/ton (CFR Shanghai).