People's Daily, Beijing, July 19 (Reporter Sun Boyang) - The reporter learned from the State Administration for Market Regulation (National Standardization Administration) that since the implementation of the national standard for "Biodegradable Plastic Shopping Bags" more than five years ago, in conjunction with the related policies of the national "Plastic Restriction Order," China has reduced approximately 20 billion traditional plastic bags each year, effectively addressing the issue of "white pollution" caused by improper disposal of traditional plastic waste. According to reports, national standards stipulate that the raw materials for biodegradable plastic shopping bags must come from biomass resources or synthetic polymers with biodegradable properties, providing technical support for "carbon reduction." Taking polylactic acid (PLA) as an example, biodegradable plastic shopping bags can reduce overall carbon emissions by 70% compared to traditional PE bags. The cumulative reduction in the use of traditional plastic bags over five years is equivalent to saving 1.2 million tons of petroleum resources and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 840,000 tons. The use of 20 billion traditional plastic bags each year has significantly reduced the proportion of traditional plastics in urban household waste. A relevant official from the National Standardization Administration stated that the national standards classify biodegradable plastic shopping bags into two categories: those for direct contact with food and those for non-food direct contact. It requires clear labeling on shopping bags indicating the corresponding category, specifications, environmental protection, and safety declarations, aligning with consumers' psychological expectations for green consumption. This promotes the transformation of public environmental awareness from "cognition" to "action," with consumer recognition of "degradable bags" increasing by over 50%, and the willingness to pay for their use rising concurrently. As "degradable bags" become a habitual behavior for citizens shopping in malls, supermarkets, and vegetable markets, the production costs of biodegradable plastic shopping bags have decreased, further promoting the widespread use of "degradable bags." Data from the State Administration for Market Regulation (National Standards Committee) shows that national standards have facilitated the integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation in biodegradable materials. With breakthroughs in biodegradable material technology, the raw material costs of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have dropped by more than 30% compared to traditional biodegradable plastics, further stimulating production motivation among enterprises. Led by more than 20 leading companies, corresponding industrial clusters have formed in regions such as Zhejiang and Guangdong. From 2020 to 2024, the annual compound growth rate of biodegradable plastic shopping bag production capacity in China has continuously exceeded 20%. By 2024, the total market output will reach nearly 500,000 tons, with a total output value exceeding 10 billion yuan. It is predicted that by 2030, the production of biodegradable plastic bags in China could reach 2 million tons, with the market capacity exceeding 60 billion yuan.

The current concept of sustainable development is deeply integrated into the global industrial landscape, and the field of plastic circular economy is ushering in an unprecedented opportunity for transformation. Recently, Kiwa, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) services, officially became the latest certifying body for the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) PCR certification program, making it the world's first organization capable of conducting both APR and RecyClass audits! This achievement marks a new milestone in Kiwa's technical capabilities in the field of plastic circular economy. For multinational enterprises, the globally unified certification solutions provided by Kiwa will serve as a strong support in responding to increasingly stringent environmental regulations and achieving sustainable development strategic transformation, helping companies progress steadily in the global market.   Technical advantages solidify the foundation, global services reach all corners.   The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is the only international non-profit organization in North America focused on enhancing plastic recycling levels. Its mission spans the entire plastic value chain, including expanding recycling channels, optimizing packaging design, strengthening the demand for recycled materials, and contributing to the establishment of a circular economy. The RecyClass (formerly EuCertPlast) certification is an international certification program aimed at companies involved in the recycling of pre- and post-consumer plastic waste and its conversion. It aims to demonstrate compliance with regulations while emphasizing good management through consideration of licensing and environmental factors, ensuring the sustainable development of enterprises. Kiwa, through its possession of two authoritative certification audit qualifications, not only helps companies save costs and resources but also aligns with the trend of APR and RecyClass collaboratively developing new standards last year, providing crucial support for the standardization and trust mechanism construction of global supply chains.   RecyClass certification includes three main modules: Recyclability Certifications, Recycling Process Certification, and Recycled Plastics Traceability Certification. These are core tools to ensure that the quality of recycled plastics meets the market access requirements of the EU and other international markets. Kiwa is one of the few authorized certification bodies for RecyClass certification, possessing a strong technical team and service network in the recycling field. It can conduct audits globally in multiple languages, providing comprehensive certification services for enterprises.   Recently, Kiwa successfully issued the first RecyClass Process recycling process certification certificate in China to a domestic subsidiary of a globally renowned environmental services company. Additionally, it awarded the first RecyClass Recycled Plastic Traceability certification certificate for recycled plastics in China to a leading enterprise focused on the research, development, and production of high-end engineering plastics and materials. The successful issuance of these two pioneering certification certificates not only represents a high recognition of the professionalism of these two companies in the field of plastic recycling but also fully demonstrates Kiwa's authority and expertise in the recycling certification field, further consolidating its benchmark position in the domestic recycling certification market.   Leveraging professional certification, set sail for the new international blue ocean of plastic recycling.   As an independent and impartial global leader in the TIC industry and a member of the global board of the international TIC council, Kiwa can provide enterprises with laboratory, (legally compliant) inspection, audit, and certification services, and support and enhance the professionalism and reliability of these services through strictly separated training, consulting, and data services. Kiwa is committed to its mission of "Creating trust, driving progress," serving clients across all sectors of enterprises and the public sector. With over 12,000 dedicated employees, Kiwa provides support to clients in more than 35 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Oceania.     On the 17th of this month, Kiwa also participated in the 2025 Plastic Chemical Recycling Technology and Market Forum held in Guilin. The forum focused on global and Chinese plastic recycling policy planning, various waste plastic treatment technologies and equipment, related analysis and testing equipment, operational experience of demonstration devices, coupling solutions, and downstream user demands. At the forum, Kiwa made an impressive presentation, analyzing the relevant regulations and policy background of the European Union in plastic recycling, while also delving into professional knowledge regarding plastic recycling certification, as well as Kiwa's own services, experiences, and cases in RecyClass and APR PCR plastic recycling certification, contributing to the standardized development of the industry.   At this stage, the global plastic recycling industry is undergoing a dual transformation of technological iteration and market restructuring. Kiwa's dual certification qualifications not only lay a foundation of credibility for enterprises to expand into international markets but also promote carbon reduction throughout the entire industry chain through standardized processes and traceability management. Looking to the future, Kiwa will collaborate with more global industry partners to leverage innovative certification services to enhance the utilization of plastic resources, providing continuous momentum for building a low-carbon circular green economy model and leading human society towards a sustainable development path of ecological balance.

On July 19, Xinhua News reported that a research team in China has recently discovered a new method for the biodegradation of PU (polyurethane) plastic.It can increase the degradation efficiency by more than 10 times.。 According to reports, the research team from the Structural Biology Platform Laboratory of the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has "decoded" a PU plastic depolymerase: they obtained the crystal structure of this wild-type enzyme from nature, thereby revealing the molecular mechanism by which the enzyme can efficiently degrade PU plastic. Based on this, the research team combined evolutionary-guided enzyme mining techniques to not only find a new wild-type PU depolymerase but also optimized its structure and made molecular modifications.Developed a double mutant with significantly improved performance.Some mutants of this "artificial enzyme" have an degradation efficiency for polyester polyurethane that is nearly 11 times higher than that of the wild-type enzyme, significantly improving the recycling rate of PU plastics. IT Home has reported that the biological method is an international hotspot in the research of waste plastic degradation technology. Compared to the commonly used "high temperature and high pressure" physical methods and "high salt and strong acid" chemical methods, the biological method uses enzymes as degradation tools, taking advantage of their ability to accelerate chemical reactions, to “eat” plastic in a low-energy, low-pollution manner. In addition to the above advantages,Biological methods can achieve multiple "cycles" of plastic degradation.Researcher Liu Weidong from the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, introduced that after biodegradation by biological enzymes, waste plastics will be transformed into various monomeric small molecules that make up plastics. Not only can these small molecules be directly used for plastic regeneration, but the depolymerizing enzymes can also continue to be used for plastic degradation before they become inactive. "This makes the biodegradation of waste plastics a typical example of a circular economy." It is reported that PU plastic is very common in people's daily lives.Thermal insulation foam boxes and sponges in car seat cushions are all made from it.Compared to the relatively mature and single chemical bond of PET plastics in biodegradation, PU plastics have more chemical bonds, making biodegradation more difficult, and fewer PU depolymerases have been discovered. The United Nations Environment Programme data shows that,Currently, humans produce over 400 million tons of plastic each year, of which less than 10% is recycled.。 Liu Weidong believes that this achievement provides a more efficient tool for the large-scale biological recycling of PU plastics and offers a new solution for the recycling of degraded plastic waste. "Next, we will promote the industrial application of enzyme preparations."

Due to the changing international trade rules, high inflation, and soaring interest rates, the average transaction price of new cars in the United States has risen to nearly $50,000 (approximately 360,000 RMB), continuously raising the threshold for consumers to purchase a car. In the face of this dilemma, automobile manufacturers are trying various methods to control costs and stabilize prices, with "simplifying configurations" becoming the most realistic survival strategy. From replacing manual air conditioning with automatic, using synthetic materials instead of leather for the steering wheel, to cutting high-end audio systems and reducing wheel sizes, the "configuration downgrade" comes in various forms. Tesla is pushing for the base model of the Cybertruck, removing standard features worth nearly $10,000 (about 72,000 RMB), replacing all-wheel drive with rear-wheel drive, swapping leather seats for fabric, canceling the rear touchscreen, and reducing wheel size from 20 inches to 18 inches. Mazda and Hyundai have both added or reintroduced entry-level models, while Mini has launched a limited edition "Oxford version," bundling core features and unique designs at a price several thousand dollars lower than the base model. The reduction strategy of car manufacturers is primarily to provide options for those consumers who want to buy a new car but have tight budgets (especially to avoid the risks of the second-hand market). The automotive industry market research organization AutoPacific's "Future Attribute Demand Study" (FADS) surveyed over 14,000 consumers planning to purchase a new car, revealing the core demands of the "pragmatic group" with budgets ranging from $25,000 to $35,000 (approximately 180,000 to 250,000 RMB). "Subtraction" takes the lead: luxurious features give way, basic functions rise to prominence. Research has found that for this group of "budget-conscious" buyers, beautiful and luxurious seat interiors, exaggerated and flashy exterior kits, and immersive cockpit technology are not as important. Instead, front-wheel drive, basic audio systems, fabric seats with various manual adjustment functions, and traditional mechanical or analog instrument panels are what these buyers truly favor. It can be said that extravagant upgrades are no longer favored, and "just enough is good" has become the guiding principle. However, when it comes to safety features, the "pragmatists" firmly regard them as necessities. Whether it is passive safety (such as front and rear parking sensors, with demand around 29%-32%) or active safety (such as rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, with demand around 30%-32%), the demand from "pragmatists" is not significantly different from that of buyers with higher budgets. For "popular" advanced driving configurations, such as high-level assistance systems that can "take over" driving tasks (like adaptive cruise control with lane centering), the interest of the "pragmatic" group is significantly lower than that of the higher-budget group, by about 6%-7%. In the "Top 10 Most Desired Car Features," the needs of the "pragmatic" buyers and potential buyers with a budget over $35,000 are almost the same, but the rankings differ. For example, about 34% of "pragmatic" buyers want a sunroof/panoramic sunroof, ranking it 6th on their list of needs, while buyers with a higher budget are more focused on features like driver's seat memory, 110V power outlet inside the car, and rear window sunshades. AutoPacific's Product and Consumer Insights Manager, Robby DeGraff, believes that in the face of economic uncertainty, automakers need to reassess the standard equipment lists for models in the price range of $25,000 to $35,000. Eliminating some non-essential high-cost features can better meet the limited budgets and core needs of the target audience. "The Ideal Vehicle of the Pragmatists" AutoPacific believes that potential consumers purchasing new cars priced between $25,000 and $35,000 are primarily from the Millennial generation (31%) or the Baby Boomer generation (29%), with a median household income of around $50,000. Over half (57%) are women. They mostly live in suburban areas and are childless families. More than a third (35%) are first-time buyers/leasers of new cars. They are relatively conservative and practical, focusing on fixed expenses such as monthly payments. The average daily driving distance is below 32 kilometers, primarily for commuting, long-distance driving, leisure driving, and highway conditions, with daily usage involving pets and one adult passenger, while the rear seat usage is low. For the "ideal vehicle," the "practical crowd" has a higher acceptance of sedans and prefers mature and reliable gasoline engines. Although 88% of them already own gasoline vehicles, only 20% of respondents hope that their new car will be a hybrid model, and 5% would choose a pure electric vehicle. Regarding vehicle appearance, they reject LED welcome lights, glowing brand logos, or oversized glass sunroofs; in terms of interiors, fabric seats and manual adjustments are their preferred choices. The cabin layout emphasizes practicality over design, requiring the retention of physical buttons or knobs, and is equipped with traditional instrument panels and appropriately sized central control screens. Due to their habit of using mobile connectivity, there is no strict requirement for built-in navigation systems. The "pragmatic faction" believes that features such as heads-up display (HUD), high-end brand audio systems (Bose, Harman Kardon, etc.), and in-depth connectivity services that require additional subscription fees are "dispensable" options; while wireless charging pads, front seat heating/ventilation, universal 110V power outlets, driver's seat memory functions, and some active safety features (such as rear cross-traffic alert with brakes, rear automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rain-sensing wipers) are "desirable but not essential" options. Ed Kim, President and Chief Analyst of AutoPacific, stated that in the current economic environment, ensuring the "practicality" and "affordability" of entry-level and mainstream mid-range models is crucial for establishing long-term relationships with price-sensitive consumers. However, automakers still need to upgrade configurations across all model levels and provide high-end features, which will help guide entry-level buyers towards upgrading to higher-end models in the future. The different logic of China's "basic models" When American car manufacturers and consumers seek a balance in "downgrading" features, the approach in China’s 180,000-250,000 yuan (corresponding to the 25,000-35,000 USD range in the U.S.) market is completely different. In the Chinese market, the 180,000-250,000 yuan segment is the core battlefield for A+ class sedans, mainstream compact/mid-size SUVs, and some high-cost performance new energy vehicles (especially hybrids). The competition is extremely fierce. Car manufacturers are putting in significant effort to offer consumers more and "higher-end" configurations. Moreover, Chinese consumers have a noticeably stronger basic demand for "technological feel" and "smart connectivity," so even the "base models" in this price range almost universally come with large screens, basic intelligent driving features (such as ACC + AEB), 4G connectivity, and mobile app control, which have become almost standard or highly anticipated items. This stands in stark contrast to the minimalistic style indicated by American research, which shows a preference for "analog instruments + buttons + no navigation." At the same time, this price segment is the main battlefield for China's new energy vehicles, especially plug-in hybrids and range extenders. In addition to providing basic range and power performance, car manufacturers often aggressively equip smart cockpits and driving assistance features as standard to form core competitiveness. Therefore, for Chinese consumers in this price range, practicality, reliability, and high cost-performance ratio are fundamental. Simply "reducing configurations and lowering prices" have limited appeal; it is also necessary to highlight the brand's core values: a reliable powertrain system, practical space, a rich and useful configuration, good reputation, and after-sales service. They not only need "visible benefits" but also "usable configurations." The uncertainty in the global automotive market is driving car consumption to return to rationality. Whether in the United States or China, the "pragmatic" group in the price range of $25,000 to $35,000 (180,000 to 250,000 RMB) is crucial. Their pursuit of "practicality," "reliability," and "high cost-performance ratio" is core. However, there are significant differences in the definition and expectations of the "basic model" between American and Chinese consumers—Americans tend to favor a minimalist practicality of "good enough," while the Chinese demand a balanced sense of value that includes "practicality above all, with technology and features not to be lacking." Automakers need to deeply understand the unique needs of local target users and find a delicate balance that aligns with local market logic between controlling costs and providing core value. In the Chinese market, the competition around the value of "basic models" is particularly intense, and the outcome will profoundly test automakers' insight into and ability to meet the real needs of local consumers. Those who can create a high-value "cost-performance king" that truly meets the demands of the "pragmatic" segment will be able to win valuable market share and user loyalty in a challenging market environment.

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).

Recently, many places across the country have been experiencing extremely high temperatures. If cars are parked outdoors, the temperature inside can reach outrageous levels. So the question arises, with the same car, the same environmental temperature, and direct sunlight, which color is the most heat-resistant? Recently, a blogger conducted a temperature measurement test. The test car selected was the Xiaomi YU7, which offers nine car paint colors: gemstone green, lava orange, titanium metallic, shadow blue, flowing gold pink, Danxia purple, deep sea blue, basalt gray, and pearl white. The sample size is large enough. The ambient temperature that day was 36℃, and the specific results are as follows (excluding lava orange): Emerald green: 68℃, the highest in the entire venue! Danxia Purple: 65.5℃, ranked second. Basalt ash: 60.7℃. Deep sea blue: 55.8℃. Titanium metal color: 50.7℃. Shadow blue: 45℃. Gold powder: 45℃. Pearl White: 35℃, the lowest in the entire field, a full 33℃ lower than the top-ranked Gem Green. Although the test is not very rigorous, as it only measured the temperature of the car's exterior, it can still indicate some issues. Generally speaking, dark car paint absorbs the most heat, especially black, which almost does not reflect visible light and infrared rays from sunlight, causing the body temperature to rise more noticeably. Data shows that the interior temperature of black vehicles is often 10-15℃ higher than that of vehicles with lighter paint colors. Correspondingly, light-colored car paints such as white and silver can reflect more light and have weaker heat absorption, making them the coolest, while colored car paints like red and blue have heat absorption properties that are between those of black and light-colored paints. Of course, if conditions permit, it is best to park in an underground parking lot during the summer, as this is the most effective way to prevent the temperature inside the car from becoming too high.

As the import volume of post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) surges, recyclers claim that this move is harming the American plastic recycling system, and there are allegations that some imported resins may not be genuine recycled materials. A bill currently being advanced in California requires beverage container manufacturers to report the origin of all PCR in their products. Senate Bill 633 (SB 633) will add third-party PCR verification and origin requirements to the regular reporting that producers are required to submit under the state's container deposit system. These reports must be submitted to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). The bill was introduced in February by Democratic Senator Catherine Blakespear, who represents parts of San Diego and Orange County. After passing the state Senate in early June, it is now entering the review stage in the state Assembly. At the hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee on July 14, Blakespear elaborated on California's beverage container recycling content regulations, which require that by 2025, PCR accounts for 25% of containers, and by 2030, it reaches 50%. "These goals have driven up the demand for recycled plastics, and currently, most recycled plastics come from out-of-state and international recyclers," Blakespear said. "According to reports, last year saw a record high in imports. However, there is currently no system in place to verify the authenticity of the recycled content claimed by beverage manufacturers." "In fact, recycled plastic, after being processed into pellets or sheets by recyclers, is indistinguishable from new plastic," Blakespear continued, "Recent reports have found that at least some of the plastic imported into the state has new plastic masquerading as recycled plastic." Blakespear pointed out that California already has similar third-party verification requirements for manufacturers using recycled plastic in reusable shopping bags, and at the time this requirement came into effect, most bag manufacturers were unable to prove that their bags were made from recycled materials. "This indicates that we also need a 'trust but verify' model for the recycled plastic in the bottles," she said. The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is the main supporter of the legislation. APR has under its umbrella Resource Recycling, Inc., which is the publisher of Plastics Recycling Update. APR state government relations manager Allison Kustic testified that manufacturers sourcing PCR from overseas is harming recyclers within the state. "California recyclers are indeed struggling to maintain operations because they cannot sell their recycled plastic," she said. Kustic is discussing the necessity of the packaging producer responsibility extension system established by Bill 54 (SB 54). "These policies will collect thousands of pounds of recyclable materials, but if California recyclers cannot sell their products, there will be no businesses left to recycle the materials collected in California, which is a big problem," Kustic added. The American Beverage Association testified against the measure, stating that while the organization supports a recycling component verification system, the origin requirements are concerning. "As long as the resin is certified, its origin is essentially irrelevant to the discussion," said Dennis Albiani, representing the American Beverage Association. He added that the bill places the responsibility for origin information on manufacturers, who "may not have direct knowledge of the source of the materials—we are not bottle manufacturers, we are just companies that fill beverages into bottles." The committee passed the bill with 9 votes in favor and 4 votes against, and the bill has been submitted to the appropriations committee for further review.

The crisis on the German plasticsrecycling market continues to deepen: Veolia Umweltservice, part of the global Veolia group, notified staff members on Tuesday that it would be shuttering the plastic recycling businesses Multiport and Multipet at the end of the year. Europe’s largest environmental services company already shut down its PET recycling operations in Rostock at the end of 2023 owing to economic pressures. After the newly announced closures in Bernburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Veolia will no longer have any plastic recycling operations in Germany. At the same time, however, Veolia is expanding its recycling activities elsewhere in Europe. Last week, the company announced plans for the United Kingdom’s first "tray-to-tray" facility, where it will process PET trays and bottles.

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.

Recently, many places around the world have been subjected to high-temperature "baking" tests. According to statistics from the Manzhouli Customs,In the first half of 2025, the export of "cooling appliances" (air conditioners, refrigerators, fans) through the Manzhouli Port amounted to 520 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 22.4%.The monthly export value has continued to grow for five consecutive months, reaching a historical high of 130 million yuan in May. Data from the China Household Electrical Appliances Association shows that from January to May 2025,China's air conditioning exports to the EU and the UK reached 1.388 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 20.25%; the export volume reached 7.9682 million units, a year-on-year increase of 20.14%.。 The data from the General Administration of Customs shows that China's export of household appliances is in a high base situation from last year.From January to May this year, a total of 18,425,300 units were exported, an increase of 6.1% year-on-year. Behind the rising export data, there are both external factors such as the soaring temperatures caused by global warming, and more importantly, the accelerated overseas expansion of Chinese home appliance companies. These companies are investing in establishing bases around the world, promoting their own brands, and exploring untapped market areas. Especially in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa, these regions have become key battlegrounds for home appliance companies "going abroad." According to a report by the China Industry Research Institute, Hisense Group announced on July 11 this year that its factory in Algeria, built in cooperation with the local Condor Group, has officially launched its first large-scale export operation.Exporting over 5,000 locally produced televisions and washing machines to strategic markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) such as Egypt and Tunisia.。 Midea Group has also been active in South America, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and other regions. On June 16, representatives from Midea and a delegation from the government of Minas Gerais State in Brazil announced four new investment projects in the state. Source: Midea Group official Weibo. As a strategic market for Midea, Brazil has seen the company deepen its supply chain manufacturing layout in recent years. On June 16, representatives from Midea announced four new investment projects in partnership with the government delegation of Minas Gerais State, totaling 198 million reais (approximately 258 million yuan). The new investments will include four projects: a logistics distribution center, a Welling motor factory, a Midea industrial EPS factory in Brazil, and...The new refrigerator factory is planned to officially start production in the first quarter of 2028. In the first half of the year, Midea increased its investment in brand building in South America, Southeast Asia, and other regions, actively expanding sales channels. It held a smart home appliance product launch in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, and also hosted the 2025 Toshiba product launch in Manila, Philippines. Peru is an important part of the Latin American market. In May of this year, Midea held its first product launch event in Lima, the capital of Peru.Since its establishment at the beginning of 2024, Midea's Peru branch has quickly established sales channels for core categories such as smart air conditioners, large-capacity refrigerators, and washing machines, with all products being localized and improved to suit Peru's climate and consumer habits.。 In recent years, Haier has been focusing on brand internationalization and has intensified its efforts to promote its independent brand in Southeast Asia. On May 28, a brand launch and new product release conference was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, announcing...Haier brand officially enters the Vietnamese market.At the event, three new high-end washing machine models from Haier were launched, and a strategic cooperation was announced with DMX, a leading home appliance retail platform in Vietnam. On May 28, Haier Smart Home announced in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, that the Haier brand officially entered the Vietnamese market. Image source: Haier Group WeChat Official Account. The prospectus of Aux Electric shows that as of the three months ending March 31, 2025, overseas revenue accounted for 57.1%. Having tasted the "sweetness" of going abroad, Aux has also increased its globalization efforts this year. In April, the AUX overseas OBM dealer conference was held in Pattaya, Thailand, attracting air conditioning industry partners from over 30 countries around the world.As an important overseas manufacturing base of AUX Group, the AUX Thailand factory will continue to enhance its localization operational capabilities to support production and delivery in the regional market. AUX Air Conditioner officially enters the UAE market. Image source: Screenshot from AUX Air Conditioner's WeChat official account. It's also April.AUX Air Conditioning announces its official establishment in the UAE market.AUX held its first dealer conference in Dubai, where itC-Series Through localized innovative design, it fully meets the multiple expectations of Middle Eastern consumers for product durability, quiet comfort, and easy installation. From May 20 to 22, AUX Group showcased its full range of smart air conditioning solutions for home and commercial use at the 8th Nigeria International Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Exhibition (MEGACLIMA), a benchmark event in the non-refrigeration industry.AUX is engaging in in-depth discussions with multi-national distributors regarding customized services to accumulate strategic resources for the ongoing expansion into the West African market.。 Driven by global high temperatures and changes in market demand, exports have become an important engine for the growth of China's home appliance industry. In the face of intense competition in the international market, domestic electrical enterprises need to further strengthen brand building, enhance independent innovation capabilities, and ensure steady progress in a complex and ever-changing international environment.

A shirt made of polyester fabric actually comes from recycled mineral water bottles. The garment features a rich variety of patterns and is comfortable to wear. This eco-friendly garment manufacturing technology has been widely adopted by Lutai Textile. "Well-known international brands like Burberry and Armani have established strategic partnerships with us. Burberry sources 90% of its shirt fabrics and trench coat linings from us. The market share of mid to high-end colored woven fabrics in export markets accounts for over 18% of the global market." Recently, the "Strengthening the Supply Chain to Benefit Enterprises · Quality Enjoyment in Shandong" media group visited the company’s processing plant to gain insights into the green technology products launched by Lutai Textile, such as recycled polyester and recycled cotton. This series of products achieves resource recycling and biodegradability, effectively protecting the environment while realizing zero waste and low carbon emissions, successfully addressing the environmental challenges faced by the textile industry and reducing energy consumption. Walk into the production workshop. In the factory area, the interview team observed that in the clean and bright workshop, dozens of small weaving machines were operating in an orderly manner. Each machine was equipped with a computer on its right side, displaying pattern designs and other data, while on the left side, automated "hands" were gradually forming different fabric samples with "every stitch and every thread." The entire cycle, including color yarn formulation, weaving process, and finishing inspection, could be completed in an average of five days. Lutai Group's current main products are closely aligned with the industrial positioning of "technology, fashion, and green." They have launched new products such as BlueECO-Mist, comfortable wrinkle-free, and Printedyarn. According to reports, the BlueECO-Mist series uses a salt-free and alkali-free environmentally friendly dyeing process, resulting in less pollution discharge, and the fabric mimics the effects of denim and dyed cotton yarn; the comfortable wrinkle-free series imparts a softer feel to the fabric, offering higher wearing comfort; the Printedyarn series utilizes various cellulose fibers, such as hemp, Tencel, and modal, and can process various high, medium, and low count yarns, especially excelling in high count yarns. The entire production process is green and environmentally friendly, reducing water and chemical additives usage, achieving salt-free dyeing. "In the process of setting carbon reduction targets in the textile industry, we have incorporated the added value of products into our considerations. At the same time, we strengthen the high-value utilization of old textiles, establish a comprehensive recycling, processing, and certification system for regenerated materials, and enhance standardized management within the industry to reduce environmental pollution," said Li Wenji, Deputy General Manager of Lutai Textile Co., Ltd. The company has received positive market feedback for its innovative research and development of self-cleaning fabrics, polar white fabrics, and cross-border knitting. In recent years, Lutai Textile has focused on tackling HCP green non-iron technology to create more wrinkle-resistant high-end fabrics. Additionally, leveraging the advantages of technological innovation across the entire industry chain, we have developed regenerated cotton, achieving zero waste and low carbon, effectively addressing the environmental challenges in the textile industry and saving energy and reducing consumption. Recycling Technology Series Taking recycled polyester as an example, its raw materials come from recycled mineral water bottles. The company compresses the sorted mineral water bottles into bricks, which are then transported to the rough processing workshop. In the rough processing enterprise, the bottles undergo cleaning, crushing, separation, and drying steps, transforming into white flakes. Next, the workshop workers treat the flakes through a series of techniques to produce yarn, which is then woven to create recycled fabric. Nowadays, the series of products using recycling technology have obtained GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification. The production process is environmentally friendly and can effectively protect soil and marine environments, saving nearly 80% of energy compared to conventional polyester production. Recycled cotton products utilize fabric scraps from recycling companies, achieving resource recycling and biodegradability, effectively protecting the environment. The four-way stretch knitted series features richer patterns and textures, combining comfort with a sense of fashion. "According to estimates, every ton of recycled cotton can save 1,600 tons of water, 1,800 kilowatt-hours of electricity, reduce arable land by about 10 acres, and decrease the use of fertilizers and pesticides by approximately 32 tons," Li Wenji introduced. Thanks to breakthroughs in recycling technology, Lutai Textile's production and operational performance has consistently ranked among the top in the national textile industry. The company has been the top in China’s main business revenue for color woven fabrics for seventeen consecutive years, and it holds the largest market share in the mid-to-high-end color woven fabric market globally. Lutai has been recognized as a high-tech enterprise, a national industrial design center, a national enterprise technology center, and a CNAS national recognized laboratory, and is a "demonstration enterprise for champions in single-item manufacturing."

Recently, Eastman launched the latest innovative product in its sustainable fiber portfolio: Naia Renew, used for filling applications, has not only achieved proven success in the field of bedding and towels but is now transforming bedding and towels with its breathable comfort, luxurious softness, and unparalleled ease of care. This represents a significant development in the application of Naia in home textiles, meeting the growing demand for high-performance and more responsible solutions. Naia Renew fiber is made using Eastman's molecular recycling technology and is produced through GRS-certified mass balance, containing 60% sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40% recycled waste. This innovative process reduces waste and carbon footprint while supporting the circular economy. Naia Renew has already gained recognition for its role in the high-end bedding and towel sectors, and it has now expanded into the filling applications field, setting new standards in comfort, performance, and sustainability. When it comes to performance, Naia Renew offers a unique combination of breathability and moisture management, creating a dry and relaxing sleep environment. As the human body produces moisture throughout the night, effectively managing trapped sweat is crucial for maintaining a peaceful microclimate. Naia achieves this by addressing every stage of moisture control: absorption, transmission, and evaporation. High-performance fibers effectively wick away and disperse moisture, while Naia's quick-drying properties create a continuously dry environment, preventing discomfort and supporting uninterrupted rest. This innovative insulating material features a unique Y-shaped fiber cross-section design, providing a fluffy, soft feel and better warmth retention, inheriting Naia fibers' moisture management and breathability. The fibers effectively absorb moisture without becoming saturated, ensuring lightweight comfort. This enables them to respond to all temperature and humidity changes that occur during the night, perfectly adapting to the body's and rest's needs. Naia Renew enhances the breathability of quilts, improving airflow and humidity management, outperforming traditional single-fiber fillings in vapor resistance and transmission tests. This fiber also delivers an ultimate softness, with a silky lightweight feel that brings unparalleled luxury, gently enveloping the body for exceptional comfort. Naia fibers are hypoallergenic and resistant to bacterial growth, reducing odors and keeping things fresh, ensuring the quilt remains clean and inviting. Additionally, Naia Renew fibers are machine washable and pest-resistant, providing a practical and durable solution for busy modern lifestyles. These features make Naia Renew a game-changer in home textile design, offering "all-night comfort" for bedding and quilt fillings, ensuring more lasting relaxation. About Eastman Eastman was founded in 1920 and is a global specialty materials company that produces a variety of products used in everyday life. Aimed at enhancing the quality of life through material means, Eastman collaborates with customers to provide innovative products and solutions while adhering to commitments to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model leverages world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to maintain leadership in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumer goods. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people worldwide and serves customers in over 100 countries. The company reported revenues of about $9.2 billion in 2023 and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.

The current climate crisis has prompted the construction industry to reevaluate its traditional practices. Buildings consume a significant amount of energy during construction and daily operation, leading to a tremendous environmental burden. Therefore, exploring methods to reduce carbon emissions in the industry has become particularly important. Creating a circular built environment is an effective starting point, and its implementation will greatly enhance the sustainability of the construction industry and reduce its impact on the environment. The circular building environment is a design concept aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of buildings throughout their entire lifecycle. This approach emphasizes the recycling and reuse of building materials, avoiding the consumption of raw resources. By using recycled materials, the construction industry can not only reduce the generation of construction waste but also lower the energy consumption required for producing these materials. Another important component of the circular built environment is reusability. This type of building includes materials that can be reused by construction workers at the same site or in other projects. By keeping materials in use, the circular built environment can significantly improve resource efficiency and reduce pressure on the environment. Villa Residu Dutch studio V8 Architects has built two semi-detached houses in the Netherlands, first using recycled and reused materials to demonstrate how circular design principles can be applied to housing. These houses, named Villa Residu, are part of the Koer residential development project by developer VORM in Rotterdam. V8 Architects aims to build houses entirely using recycled and reused materials, except for the foundation and stairs, as a case study on how to implement circular design on a broader scale. Given the challenges of implementing circularity in current large housing projects, V8 Architects hopes that a smaller project will push this to the maximum and learn from the process. V8 Architects also wants to demonstrate that aesthetics, construction methods, and circularity can work in harmony. The design of this green building contrasts sharply with other residences in the area; it is a duplex, which is a typical type in the Netherlands. On the ground, the semi-detached house is built using structural materials recycled from previous projects, with the steel frame and wooden floor respectively sourced from Swanenberg Iron Group and demolition contractor Bork. These houses are enclosed in reusable steel facade panels procured by Van Engeland de Groot, with windows processed, planed, and recoated by CirQ Wood and Kiewit. The glass, railings, profiled panels, waterproofing boards, wooden frames, and insulation materials for the exterior walls also come from previous projects. The block is divided into two parts along the diagonal, with a pair of entrance doors placed side by side under the canopy. Each house's ground floor contains a large family office space that can be accessed separately from the main house, along with a living room. The upper level of each house includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Internally, most of the drywall used for the walls is recycled, while new drywall is used for the ceilings. The internal wooden staircase is also constructed using new materials. The project's license is granted based on extensive material specifications, and the contractor uses professional material brokers to obtain recycled materials. V8 Architects then modified the design as needed throughout the construction process. V8 Architects also stated that focusing on the reuse of materials will affect the way houses are designed and built. It is not enough to just design and expect materials to be available somewhere, like picking them off a bookshelf. Therefore, it is necessary to specify the design in a more universal way, so that various changes can be made within specified dimensions, materials, and shapes two years after the design is completed. According to the studio, the environmental performance (MPG) analysis of the buildings shows that these houses score 56% higher than the statutory standards. Focusing on circularity, the building is also designed to be disassemblable. V8 Architects believe that "flexibility is key" when it comes to using reused materials. If circular design is to be more widely adopted, the demand for material warehouses will continue to grow. There will be a huge demand for interfaces between warehouses or markets, as the availability and necessity are difficult to match in a timely manner. Reuse is not always cheaper than using new materials, and the necessary structural approvals for recycling or reusable materials are more complex. In this regard, specific legislation and taxation on non-circular materials may be helpful. V8 Architects also hope to see the government introduce financial incentives to encourage reuse, as this project has shown the studio that new materials are often cheaper than recycled materials.   In the face of the escalating climate crisis, all industries need to enhance sustainability, and the construction industry is particularly important. By utilizing circular building methods, resource consumption and carbon footprints can be significantly reduced. Despite certain limitations, by strengthening the use of recycled materials and promoting sustainable practices, the construction industry can move towards a more environmentally friendly future, creating more buildings as sustainable climate-positive structures.

On July 17, news reported that Xiaopeng Motors Vice President @Thomas Electric Train stated today that recent actions are being taken against three individuals who are keen on maliciously slandering and discrediting Xiaopeng. A special team has been established to take more severe actions through comprehensive methods. IT Home includes the original text as follows: It was previously explained that recently, there have been three individuals who are keen on maliciously slandering and discrediting Xiaopeng with their negative rhetoric.Taking action in coordination with relevant departments.。 What everyone sees is just the initial processing.The matter is not over.For those who have long been slandering and attempting to achieve personal gain through various means, we have established a special task force.Give a more severe blow through a comprehensive approach."Don't think that playing word games is harmless; in fact, it is already a serious violation of laws and regulations. Right now, you may not face any consequences, but it could just be because you are still on the road."

International News Digest:   Raw Material News - Ocean Conservancy Report Claims Most States Lagging in Plastic Pollution Efforts Automotive News - Renault Appoints Interim CEO and Lowers 2025 Profit Forecast Electronics News - Researchers Develop Breakthrough Heat - Conductive Plastic to Help Prevent Overheating in Advanced Electronic Devices Medical News - Medical Disposables Manufacturer Reshores Operations to North Carolina Macro News - AMD Announces Resumption of AI Chip Exports to China Price Information - RMB/USD Central Parity Rate Reported at 7.1526, Down 28 Pips   Details of International News:   Ocean Conservancy Report Claims Most States Lagging in Plastic Pollution Efforts The Washington-based Ocean Conservancy has released a new report, "United States of Plastics," that analyzes state-level efforts to combat plastic pollution on a five-star scale. According to the report, on average, U.S. states scored 1.5 stars, or “needs improvement,” with 44 out of 50 states and Washington D.C. scoring below three stars.“Overall, the results are disappointing,” Ocean Conservancy Director of Plastics Policy Anja Brandon says. “Four in five Americans consider plastic pollution to be the most pressing issue facing our ocean, yet only six states ranked as ‘good’ or above in our study. We hope that the 'United States of Plastics' report inspires policy change and gives a benchmark for states to measure their progress in combating plastic pollution in the years to come.” Anya, Plastic Policy Director of the Ocean ConservancyBrandon stated, "Overall, the results are disappointing. Four out of five Americans believe plastic pollution is the most urgent issue facing the oceans; however, in our study, only six states were rated 'good' or above. We hope the 'State of Plastic in America' report can drive policy change and provide a benchmark for states to measure their progress in addressing plastic pollution in the coming years." Stratasys Unveils 'True' Silicone 3D-printing Material The new P3 Silicone 25A is a high-performance material developed in a strategic collaboration with Shin-Etsu and designed exclusively for the Stratasys Origin DLP platform. It can be used to produce a range of products, including suction cups.   Medical Disposables Manufacturer Reshores Operations to North Carolina A manufacturer of medical disposables headquartered in Hauppauge, NY, with manufacturing operations in China, GMAX Industries Inc. has chosen to locate its base of manufacturing operations in Winston-Salem, NC, according to a news report from Greater Winston Salem Inc. The decision is described as a strategic initiative to relocate manufacturing in the United States. Researchers Develop Breakthrough Heat - Conductive Plastic to Help Prevent Overheating in Advanced Electronic Devices Anyone who has left a phone in a hot car knows that electronic devices shut down when they overheat. According to foreign media reports, researchers at Northeastern University have developed a new type of lightweight plastic - ceramic composite material that can conduct heat and more effectively cool advanced electronic devices. "Heat management is a huge challenge for devices such as power electronics and radar antennas," said Professor Randall Erb, head of Northeastern University's Directed Assembly of Particles and Suspensions (DAPS) Laboratory and lead researcher on the project. "When electronic devices overheat, you either have to slow them down or shut them off. That might be okay for a phone, but not for critical systems like radar." In collaboration with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, researchers at Northeastern University have developed a material that combines ceramics, polymers, and additives to form a 3D - printable plastic composite. It has a unique nanoscale ordered internal structure that allows heat to pass through easily. Renault Appoints Interim CEO and Lowers 2025 Profit Forecast Following the unexpected departure of the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of French automaker Renault, the company has lowered its 2025 profit forecast and appointed its current Chief Financial Officer, Duncan Minto, as interim CEO. Duncan Minto will replace Luca de Meo, who is set to become CEO of Kering. On July 15, Renault stated that it is actively searching for a long - term CEO. According to people familiar with the matter, potential candidates include Denis Le Vot, head of the Dacia brand; Francois Provost, Renault's purchasing director; and former Stellantis executive Maxime Picat.   Overseas Macro Market Information:   【U.S. Treasury Secretary Explains Export of H20 Chips to China: China Has Developed Chips with Equivalent Performance, So We Can Sell Them】 According to Reference News, on July 15 local time, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said in an interview with Bloomberg Television when talking about Nvidia's approval to export H20 chips that China has developed chips with performance equivalent to H20 chips, so there is no problem with Nvidia selling H20 chips. 【U.S. Proposes South Korea to Refer to Japan's Example: Establish a Sovereign Fund to Lend to South Korean Enterprises for U.S. Factory Construction】 According to South Korea's Chosun Ilbo, South Korean government officials familiar with relevant trade negotiations revealed that the U.S. has asked South Korea to take the lead in setting up a multi - billion - dollar investment fund aimed at boosting U.S. manufacturing. The fund, tentatively named the "Manufacturing Cooperation Promotion Fund", will provide financing support for South Korean enterprises to build factories, expand plants, or invest in local partners in the U.S. This request, confirmed on July 15, marks a significant shift from the U.S.'s previous focus on easing trade barriers in the agricultural and digital data sectors. 【AMD Announces Resumption of AI Chip Exports to China】 According to Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao website on July 16, U.S. chip company Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) said that it plans to resume exports of its MI308 chips to China after the U.S. announced it would approve the sales. Previously, the U.S. made a similar decision regarding a Nvidia chip. 【Trump Says Pharmaceutical Tariffs May Be Introduced Before August 1, Downplaying the Possibility of Reaching More Trade Agreements】 U.S. President Donald Trump said he could impose tariffs on pharmaceuticals as early as the end of this month and may soon impose tariffs on semiconductors, suggesting that these import taxes could be implemented along with the broad "reciprocal" tariffs set to take effect on August 1.   Price information:   【RMB/USD Central Parity Rate】 The RMB/USD central parity rate was reported at 7.1526, down 28 pips; the central parity rate of the previous trading day was 7.1498, the official closing price of the previous trading day was 7.1734, and the night session closing price of the previous day was 7.1810. 【Upstream Raw Material USD Market Prices】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia at 820 USD/ton; CFR Southeast Asia at 830 USD/ton. Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB South Korea average at 740 USD/ton; CFR China average at 775 USD/ton. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: Propane at 521 - 523 USD/ton; Butane at 491 - 493 USD/ton. South China frozen cargo CIF price for early August: Propane at 558 - 568 USD/ton; Butane at 529 - 537 USD/ton. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: Propane at 536 - 538 USD/ton; Butane at 491 - 493 USD/ton. 【LLDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: 875 - 910 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection Molding: 950 USD/ton (CFR Dongguan). 【HDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: 920 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Blow Molding: 855 - 860 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【LDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: 1070 - 1110 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: 1350 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【PP USD Market Prices】 Homopolymer: 935 - 965 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 -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 -LyondellBasell and Polynt collaborate to advance styrene solutions for marine applications; Circular Economy News - Your Sunscreen May Be Making Plastic Marine Pollution Worse; Automotive News - Teijin Automotive Technologies North America renamed CSP, transforming into an independent private enterprise; Packaging News - EuPC warns reusable alternatives to SUP pallet wraps could backfire Macro News - Malaysia strengthens export controls on U.S. high-end AI chips; Price Information - Central parity rate of RMB against USD reported at 7.1491, down 16 pips. Details of International News: 1. Covestro AG: Reduced outlook for 2025 Covestro reduces its forecast for EBITDA, free operating cash flow (FOCF) and return on capital employed over weighted average cost of capital (ROCE over WACC) for fiscal year 2025. This is a consequence of a continuously weak global economy without signs of a short-term recovery.  2.Your Sunscreen May Be Making Plastic Marine Pollution Worse Scientists have identified a new threat to marine ecosystems from sunscreen – specifically a common active ingredient that may be quietly supercharging ocean plastic pollution.A team of researchers at Scotland’s University of Stirling launched a first-of-its-kind exploration of the combined effects of plastic pollution and chemical contaminants from sunscreen. The study focuses on a phenomenon known as “co-pollution,” in which marine plastics serve as a platform for other pollutants like ultraviolet (UV) filters.  3. LyondellBasell and Polynt collaborate to advance styrene solutions for marine applications LyondellBasell announces the expansion of its long-standing collaboration with Polynt, a global expert in specialty polymers and intermediates. Together, the companies are working to develop a high-quality resin for the marine industry, which leverages the LYB Styrene +LC (low carbon) solution. 4. Singapore's PCX Launches Recycled Plastic Trading Platform, Using Market Forces to Accelerate the Transformation of Plastic Circular Economy Plastmatch reported on July 14 that PCX Markets, a Singapore-based plastic credit platform, has launched a recycled plastic trading market. The service, named PCX Circular Plastic, provides brands with recycled PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, and PE in the forms of flakes, pellets, and powders. These recycled materials come from five recycling partners with a total annual capacity of 70,000 tons across Indonesia, India, and the Philippines.5. EuPC warns reusable alternatives to SUP pallet wraps could backfire A transition from single-use plastic (SUP) pallet wraps to a reusable solution would come with additional costs that could be another blow to Europe’s competitiveness, according to the results of a study commissioned by the European Plastics Converters (EuPC) association.Looking at eight key sectors, the study sees carbon emissions rising by up to 1700%, with an estimated additional annual cost of EUR 4.9 bn. EuPC noted that the impact across the EU could be more substantial. 6. Teijin Automotive Technologies North America Renamed CSP, Transforming into an Independent Private Enterprise As part of its transformation into an independent private enterprise, Teijin Automotive Technologies North America has been renamed CSP. This rebranding follows the acquisition of the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company by Aurelius Private Equity Mid-Market Buyout from Munich, Germany, in March 2025.   Overseas Macro Market Information:   【Malaysia Strengthens Export Controls on U.S. High-End AI Chips】 Malaysia has tightened export controls on U.S. high-end artificial intelligence chips, implementing a licensing system for trade in such chips. 【Bank of England Governor Bailey Warns Banks Against Issuing Their Own Stablecoins】 Bank of England Governor Bailey warned some of the world's largest banks against issuing their own stablecoins. In an interview with The Times, he stated that he "would much prefer" banks to offer digital versions of traditional currencies—known as tokenized deposits—rather than issuing stablecoins. He also warned that stablecoins could drain funds from the banking system, reducing the availability of capital for lending. 【Second Round of Negotiations for the Upgrade of China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement Held in Switzerland】 From July 7 to 10, the second round of negotiations for the upgrade of the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on issues such as trade in goods, trade in services, investment, rules of origin, trade facilitation, competition, environment and trade, and economic and technological cooperation, achieving positive progress. 【Japan's Long-Term Bond Yields Continue to Rise】 Japan's 40-year government bond yield rose by 16.5 basis points to 3.49%; the 20-year government bond yield climbed to its highest level since 2000.   Price Information:   【Central Parity Rate of RMB against USD】 The central parity rate of RMB against USD was reported at 7.1491, down 16 pips; the central parity rate of the previous trading day was 7.1475, the official closing price of the previous trading day was 7.1710, and the night session closing price of the previous day was 7.1702. 【USD Market Prices of Raw Materials】 Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia at USD 820/ton; CFR Southeast Asia at USD 830/ton.Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average at USD 740/ton; CFR China average at USD 775/ton.North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: Propane at USD 538-540/ton; Butane at USD 508-510/ton.South China frozen cargo CIF price for early August: Propane at USD 567-574/ton; Butane at USD 537-544/ton.Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: Propane at USD 538-540/ton; Butane at USD 508-510/ton. 【LLDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: USD 875-910/ton (CFR Huangpu);Injection molding: USD 950/ton (CFR Dongguan). 【HDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: USD 920/ton (CFR Huangpu);Blow molding: USD 855-860/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【LDPE USD Market Prices】 Film: USD 1,070-1,110/ton (CFR Huangpu);Coating: USD 1,350/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【PP USD Market Prices】 Homopolymer: USD 935-965/ton (CFR Huangpu), down USD 15/ton;Copolymer: USD 965-995/ton (CFR Huangpu);Film grade: USD 1,000/ton (CFR Huangpu);Transparent grade: USD 1,085/ton (CFR Huangpu);Pipe grade: USD 1,160/ton (CFR Shanghai).

A study commissioned by the European Plastics Converters (EuPC) shows that if a shift is made from single-use plastic (SUP) pallet wrapping films to reusable solutions, the resulting additional costs could further weaken Europe's competitiveness. EuPC warns that changing SUP pallet packaging could incur huge costs (photo: Smarterpix/Kalinovskiy) The study covers eight key industries, with results indicating that carbon emissions could potentially rise by 1700%, and the estimated annual additional cost could reach 4.9 billion euros. The European Plastics Converters Association points out that the impact within the EU could be even more significant. Due to the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which will set multiple reuse targets for pallet wrapping films starting in August 2026, and allows for exemptions in "specific industries facing special economic constraints," the industry association has commissioned the Belgian sustainability consulting firm RDC to analyze the impact of this transition. The report assessed the economic viability of transitioning from single-use plastic wrap and covers (currently the most commonly used transport packaging) to alternatives that comply with PPWR requirements (such as reusable covers and reusable stackable turnover boxes/pallet boxes), focusing on eight major industrial sectors in the EU: agriculture, cement, construction, dairy, glass, plastics, retail, and water services. For different industries of plastic products, the study selected a 1-liter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) milk bottle (filled), a 25-kilogram plastic granule bag, and a 1.5-liter polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle (filled) as analysis objects, corresponding to the dairy, plastics, and water industries. The research data was mainly collected through 4 field visits and 31 interviews, aiming to clarify the functions of various types of pallet packaging and related costs. The results show that if the EU fully transitions to a reusable pallet packaging system in the long term, the annual production cost for milk bottles will increase by 297 million euros (an increase of 2.2%), plastic granule bags will increase by 167 million euros (an increase of 0.3%), and PET bottles will increase by 947 million euros (an increase of 2.7%). The additional costs mainly stem from two aspects: first, the new equipment required at the end of the automated production line, and second, the procurement costs of the reusable packaging itself. The analysis points out that the rising production costs of reusable packaging systems will also impact the EU's "cost-sensitive" export trade. The report mentions: "Operators engaged in export business within and outside the EU may still need to retain the currently globally used disposable pallet packaging systems." This means that, in the short to medium term, manufacturers will need to operate both disposable and reusable systems simultaneously in their production facilities, which will complicate logistics processes, and multiple competing reusable standards will coexist. Due to the current lack of large-scale application of alternative reusable systems, the research results are based on multiple assumptions. RDC Environment Company states that there is "significant uncertainty" in the market regarding the transition from manual operations to automated, optimized reusable systems on a large scale. Therefore, the long-term scenario set in the study is that improved reusable solutions are widely applied and compatible with automated systems. The European Plastics Converters Association previously stated that it plans to use the research results to engage in "constructive dialogue" with European legislators on the formulation of the implementation details of the "Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation."

International News Digest: Raw Materials - Dow Launches INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to Enable Recyclable BOPE Film Innovation Circular Economy - Toyobo and DMC Biotechnologies to use biotech to make plastic raw materials Automotive - Elton Manufacturing buys U.S.-based Decatur Plastic Products Additives - Songwon To Highlight Stabilizer Technologies and Performance Additives at K2025 Macro - Trump: "Major Announcement" on Russia Coming Next Monday Price - USD/CNY Central Parity at 7.1475, Up 35 Pips   the Details of International News: 1.Dow Launches INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to Enable Recyclable BOPE Film Innovation Dow Inc. announced a major technological breakthrough with INNATE™ TF 220 resin, offering a high-performance, recyclable-design biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) film solution for flexible packaging. From material design to end-of-life recycling, Dow is collaborating with partners across the packaging value chain to develop scalable sustainable solutions, translating environmental vision into commercial practice. 2. Toyobo and DMC Biotechnologies to use biotech to make plastic raw materials Toyobo recently signed a joint research and development contract related to biomanufacturing with DMC Biotechnologies, a U.S. biotech venture company based in Colorado. The two companies aim to develop and commercialize sustainable key chemical compounds to be used as raw materials for general-purpose plastics by applying synthetic biology technologies to microorganisms. 3. Elton Manufacturing buys U.S.-based Decatur Plastic Products The acquisition is Mississauga, Ont.-based Elton's first major expansion into the American market.In a move that marks its first major expansion into the U.S., Elton Manufacturing, a Mississauga, Ont.-based supplier of weatherstripping and windows for garage and entry doors, has acquired weatherstripping and door window supplier Decatur Plastic Products Inc. (DPP), of North Vernon, Ind. 4. Avient Launches Oxygen Scavenger to Enhance PET Packaging Recyclability Avient has launched an oxygen-scavenging additive designed specifically to enhance the recyclability of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging while extending product shelf life. ColorMatrix Amosorb Oxyloop-1 is the first grade in Avient's new Oxyloop portfolio of oxygen scavengers. 5.TEAM Technologies Announces Acquisition of Duke Empirical TEAM Technologies, a provider of end-to-end outsourcing manufacturing services for critical medical devices, announced the acquisition of Duke Empirical. Duke Empirical is a designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative medical devices, specializing in high-end catheters and minimally invasive delivery systems. The acquisition further expands TEAM’s capabilities in the minimally invasive medical, cardiology, and interventional therapy markets. 6. EU Adopts New Auto Circular Economy Rules to Drive Lifecycle Green Transition The European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment (ENVI) and Committee on the Internal Market (IMCO) recently voted to adopt new regulations aimed at comprehensively transforming Europe’s automotive industry toward a circular economy. Covering the entire lifecycle of vehicles from design, production to end-of-life treatment, the regulations include several specific requirements. Under the draft, automakers must design new models with easily detachable components, ensuring authorized treatment facilities (ATFs) can reuse, remanufacture, refurbish, or recycle parts (where technically feasible). Additionally, software restrictions that hinder the replacement or removal of individual components are prohibited. 7.Songwon To Highlight Stabilizer Technologies and Performance Additives at K2025 Songwon Industrial highlights its commitment to the industry and customers at K 2025. As the chemical industry grows more regulated and competitive, customers face pressure to improve performance, focus on sustainability, adapt quickly to changing requirements and maintain continuity. 8.Braskem to expand PE plant capacity in Duque de Caxias Braskem launches Transforma Rio project to expand the polyethylene (PE) p Braskem to expand PE plant capacity in Duque de Caxias.Braskem launches Transforma Rio project to expand the polyethylene (PE) plant in Duque de Caxias. The project was announced at the official ceremony hosted by Petrobras in Rio de Janeiro.   Overseas Macro Updates: Houthi Rebels Continue to Ban Israeli-Related Vessels Reports indicate that Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stated on July 10 that the group will continue to ban Israeli-related ships from passing through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea as long as Israel continues its aggression and blockade of Gaza. No one is allowed to transport Israeli-related goods through these waters. Within a week, Yemeni Houthi rebels sank two cargo ships in the Red Sea. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen emphasized the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, protect civilian infrastructure, and prevent Yemen from being drawn into a larger regional conflict. Trump: "Major Announcement" on Russia Coming Next Monday U.S. President Trump revealed on July 10 local time that he will make a "major announcement" on Russia next Monday (July 14 local time). In a phone interview with U.S. media, Trump stated that the current Russian airstrikes on Ukraine have intensified, adding that he is "disappointed" with Russian President Putin and describing Putin as "polite in words but without substance." Second Round of China-Switzerland FTA Upgrade Negotiations Held in Switzerland From July 7 to 10, the second round of negotiations on upgrading the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The two sides held in-depth discussions on issues including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, rules of origin, trade facilitation, competition, environment and trade, and economic and technological cooperation, achieving positive progress.   Price information:   USD/CNY Central Parity 7.1475, up 35 pips; previous trading day’s central parity 7.1510, previous trading day’s official closing price 7.1776, overnight closing price 7.1780.  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 $538-540/tonne; butane $508-510/tonne. South China frozen cargo for first half of August CIF price: propane $567-574/tonne; butane $537-544/tonne. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane $538-540/tonne; butane $508-510/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: $935-980/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 Materials - Röhm Shutters Louisiana Plant, Texas Mega-facility Launches Automotive - $7,500 Tax Credit Expiring! EV Makers Urge U.S. Consumers to "Buy Now" Additives -Sanyo Chemical Industries introduces additive to reduce wear and seizure in EV drive units Packaging -Veolia announces £70m plastics recycling facility in Shropshire Macro - Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Copper, Effective August 1 Price - USD/CNY Central Parity at 7.1510, Up 31 Pips International News Details 1. Röhm Officially Closes Louisiana MMA Plant, Launches Another World-Class Facility   Röhm has confirmed the official closure of its methyl methacrylate (MMA) production facility in Westwego, Louisiana. The site marks the end of an era as production shifts to the newly operational world-class plant in Bay City, Texas. The Westwego plant was shut down as scheduled at the end of June, fully aligned with the strategic transformation plan announced two years ago. The closure coincides with the successful launch of Röhm’s new flagship MMA production facility in Texas. The Bay City plant represents a major technological advancement for the company, using Röhm’s proprietary LiMA technology with an annual MMA capacity of 250,000 tonnes. MMA is a key raw material used in various plastics and polymer applications. 2. Africa’s First Battery Recycling Hub Established, Hinckley Leads Resource Recycling in Nigeria Hinckley E-Waste Recycling Company recently secured a new round of strategic investment, co-funded by Goodwell Investments and Alitheia Capital through the uMunthu II Impact Fund. The funds will be used to build Nigeria’s first specialized lithium-ion and lead-acid battery recycling plant in Ogun State. Designed to process 30,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, the project will simultaneously expand export operations, helping the company consolidate its position as a benchmark in Africa’s sustainable recycling sector. This financing marks Goodwell’s first foray into waste management, reflecting growing international confidence in African green infrastructure. Facing the dual challenges of surging global e-waste and Africa’s underdeveloped recycling systems, Hinckley is breaking new ground with a "dual-drive model" of environmental governance and industrial upgrading. 3.$7,500 Tax Credit Expiring! EV Makers Urge U.S. Consumers to "Buy Now " Automakers are urging U.S. consumers to rush to purchase electric vehicles before the $7,500 tax credit expires. Tesla’s homepage displayed a banner on Tuesday: "The $7,500 tax credit is ending. Take delivery by September 30, 2025." On the same day, Ford extended free home charging stations and installation services until the end of September to attract EV buyers. The comprehensive tax and budget bill in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" will eliminate the $7,500 tax credit for purchasing or leasing new EVs and the $4,000 credit for used EVs by the end of September. The U.S. Congress approved the $7,500 tax credit for EVs and plug-in hybrids in 2008. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act under the Biden administration extended the credit while restricting it to EVs produced in the U.S. with batteries and related materials meeting certain domestic sourcing ratios. 4. Sanyo Chemical Launches Additive to Reduce Wear and Galling in EV Drive Units Sanyo Chemical has developed a new anti-wear polymer additive, ACLUBE NS-100, specifically designed for E-Axle drive units in electric vehicles (EVs). The additive addresses challenges associated with the trend toward low-viscosity lubricants (E-fluids) in EVs, such as thinner oil films and risks of wear and galling. ACLUBE NS-100 exhibits excellent anti-wear and anti-galling properties. Additionally, it offers multiple characteristics required for E-fluids, including copper corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, and oxidation stability. These features help enhance the durability of E-Axle units and contribute to improved EV range and energy efficiency. 5. £70 Million Investment, 80,000 Tonnes Annual Plastic Processing! Veolia to Build Plastic Recycling Plant in UK Veolia has confirmed a £70 million investment to convert a disused industrial facility at Battlefield, near Shrewsbury, into a high-capacity plastic sorting and recycling plant. The facility, set to process 80,000 tonnes of plastic annually, will create over 130 permanent jobs in addition to those required during construction. Operations are scheduled to begin in early 2026. The announcement coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK and marks Veolia’s largest plastics recycling investment in the country to date. The development will include the UK’s first dedicated "tray-to-tray" closed-loop PET recycling facility, processing post-consumer PET1 trays and bottles into food-grade flake for new packaging, primarily supplying the UK grocery and food manufacturing sectors. 6. RTI and Kinova Partner to Accelerate Development of Next-Generation Medical Robotics Systems Real-Time Innovations (RTI), a software framework company focusing on physical artificial intelligence systems, has announced a partnership with Kinova, a global leader in professional and medical robotics. The collaboration aims to seamlessly integrate advanced robotics technology with data center-style connectivity, simplifying and accelerating product lifecycles, reducing project risks, and "redefining possibilities" in the new era of physical AI for advanced systems like surgical robots. 7.OMV and ADNOC’s $13.4 Billion Acquisition of Nova Cleared by EU The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Nova Chemicals by Borouge Group International, a proposed joint venture between petrochemical giants OMV and ADNOC. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and the Austrian firm announced the $13.4 billion deal in March 2025. With this acquisition, Borouge Group International will rank among the world’s top four polyolefin producers. 8.Trump’s Second Wave of "Tariff Letters" Targets 8 Countries, Brazil Faces 50% Rate Following 14 "tariff notification letters" issued on Monday, Trump’s second wave of tariff letters arrived on Wednesday, covering 8 countries. U.S. President Trump posted letters to Brunei, Algeria, Moldova, Iraq, the Philippines, and Libya on his social media platform Truth Social. Trump stated that the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on products from Brunei and Moldova, 30% on Algeria, Iraq, and Libya, and 20% on the Philippines, effective August 1. Shortly after, Trump released a letter to Sri Lanka, announcing a 30% tariff on all Sri Lankan products starting August 1, 2025. Additionally, Trump posted a letter to Brazil on Truth Social, stating that the U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian products from August 1, 2025—far exceeding the 10% reciprocal tariff rate for Brazil announced by Trump on April 2.   Overseas macro market information: Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Copper, Effective August 1 U.S. President Trump posted on social media: "After receiving a strong national security assessment, I am announcing a 50% tariff on copper, effective August 1, 2025." Facing 50% Tariff Amid Trade Deficit, Lula Vows Retaliation; Brazilian Assets Plummet Brazil, which runs a trade deficit with the U.S., is not spared from tariffs. Trump linked the tariff decision to Brazil’s judicial trial of former President Bolsonaro, clearly political. Lula responded that Brazil will not be "instructed" by anyone and warned of retaliation under Brazil’s economic reciprocity law against any unilateral tariff hikes. Copper Traders Divert to Hawaii, Puerto Rico to Avoid Trump’s 50% Tariff Reports indicate that copper traders are urgently adjusting shipping routes, diverting copper cargoes to Hawaii and Puerto Rico to avoid the 50% tariff on copper imports imposed by the Trump administration starting August 1. Originally taking over a month, the emergency rerouting allows delivery in just 10 days. As a typically speculative commodity, copper can gain a 25% premium during this period, impacting New York copper futures prices with a range comparable to global benchmarks. Peru Issues Preliminary Anti-Dumping Ruling on Chinese Wire Rods According to the Ministry of Commerce, on July 8, 2025, Peru’s National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI) published Announcement No. 092-2025/CDB-INDECOPI in the official gazette El Peruano, issuing a preliminary anti-dumping ruling on Chinese-origin wire rods (Spanish: alambrón de acero sin aleación, de bajo y alto carbono, de sección y superficie lisa, y con un diámetro que varía entre 5.5 mm y 16 mm). A provisional anti-dumping duty of $64.6/tonne is imposed, effective the day after the announcement. Colombia Issues Final Anti-Dumping Sunset Review Ruling on Chinese Steel Strand According to the Ministry of Commerce, on July 3, 2025, Colombia’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism published Announcement No. 166 in the official gazette, issuing a final anti-dumping sunset review ruling on Chinese-origin steel strand (Spanish: cables de acero, torón galvanizado y torón para concreto preesforzado). A minimum FOB price of $3.36/kg is maintained; for products declared below this price, a differential anti-dumping duty will be imposed. The Colombian tariff code for the products is 7312.10.90.00. The measure takes effect the day after the announcement, with a five-year validity.   Price information: USD/CNY Central Parity   7.1510, up 31 pips; previous trading day’s central parity 7.1541, previous trading day’s official closing price 7.1824, overnight closing price 7.1815.   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, down $10/tonne. North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: propane $542-544/tonne; butane $512-514/tonne. South China frozen cargo for first half of August CIF price: propane $568-575/tonne; butane $538-545/tonne. Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane $542-544/tonne; butane $512-514/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), down $10/tonne; Coating: $1,350/tonne (CFR Huangpu). PP USD Market Prices Homopolymer: $935-980/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).