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).

This week, the downward trend of polyester filament has not stopped, continuing to drop by 50-100 yuan/ton compared to last week. When will such continuous decline come to an end?   The thunder is loud, but the rain is light in the reduced harvest. Recently, with the continuous decline in polyester prices, news of reduced production for polyester filament has been rampant. Reports indicate that two factories in Wuxi have shut down for maintenance, with one having a capacity of 240,000 tons and the other 400,000 tons. Two leading enterprises in Tongxiang have a combined maintenance of 1.645 million tons of capacity (1.495 million tons + 150,000 tons). A large factory in Xiaoshan has a 150,000-ton unit undergoing maintenance, while an 80,000-ton unit in a factory in Shaoxing has stopped production. The Ningbo region has seen particularly concentrated reductions, involving multiple companies, including a complete shutdown of a 250,000-ton unit, maintenance of 144,000 tons and 120,000 tons units, and a complete closure of another 120,000-ton capacity. The northern and Shandong regions have also been affected, with a factory in Liaoning having a 200,000-ton unit undergoing maintenance, and a small enterprise in Weifang, Shandong, halting a capacity of 35,000 tons. If we add up all these capacities, the total amount involved reaches as high as 3.384 million tons, which is quite substantial. According to data statistics from Longzhong Information, in the recent week, the production of polyester filament reached 759,200 tons, an increase of 9,600 tons compared to the previous week, with a growth rate of 1.28%. The capacity utilization rate was 92.94%, an increase of 1.17 percentage points from the previous week. The production of polyester filament not only did not decrease but instead increased. From the current situation, this round of production cuts indeed seems to be all noise and no substance, and it has largely contributed to the downward trend in polyester filament prices.   No promotions, no selling silk. Although the reduction in polyester filament production is insufficient and the output has increased instead of decreased, the final result is a continuous increase in inventory. With prices continuing to decline and a significant halt in production on the weaving side during the off-season, the downstream market is currently showing a clear wait-and-see attitude, with only essential purchases being made. Since late June, the production and sales of polyester filament have been mediocre. Last week, the weekly average production and sales rate of polyester filament was 37%. During the week, the overall production and sales rate of manufacturing enterprises was around 30-40%. Only on July 10 did the production and sales rate see a partial rebound, reaching around 200% on that day, with the average production and sales rate of sample enterprises exceeding 50%. This week, the weekly average production and sales of polyester filament has not shown significant improvement, remaining at only 38%, with production and sales under pressure. The inventory of manufacturing enterprises continues to grow. As of July 17, the inventory of polyester POY factories rose to 25.4 days, the inventory of polyester FDY factories increased to 25.6 days, and the inventory of polyester DTY rose to 30.7 days. Once the inventory comes under pressure, polyester factories begin to promote discounts, leading to a continuous decline in the price of polyester filament.   Polyester chips have started to reduce production. Although the reduction in polyester filament production is currently not as strong as expected, the reduction in another important area of polyester, polyester chips, is being carried out vigorously. On the evening of July 3, Wankai New Materials announced that, based on the overall industry situation and the company's production and operational needs, it plans to gradually adjust its PET production schedule starting from recent days, and will organize equipment maintenance during the reduction period. This production cut and maintenance will involve a PET capacity of 600,000 tons, accounting for 20% of the company's total capacity. According to statistics, between June and July, several leading companies have joined the production reduction campaign: China Resources Chemical has started to reduce production by 20% at its three factories since June 22, involving a capacity of 660,000 tons of polyester bottle flakes; Sanfangxiang has cumulatively stopped 1 million tons of capacity since the end of May, with no confirmed restart date; Yisheng plans to implement production cuts starting July 1, with a shutdown of 750,000 tons at its Hainan base and 350,000 tons at its Daqing base. This concentrated production reduction involves a total capacity of 3.36 million tons, accounting for 16.3% of domestic total capacity. As the plan progresses, the domestic polyester bottle flakes operating rate is expected to drop to around 75%. With the increased reduction in polyester chip production, the prices of polyester chips have begun to stabilize recently amid a decline in upstream raw materials, and profits have started to rebound. Perhaps it will be only when the major factories in the filament sector truly reach a consensus on production cuts, like in the slicing industry, that the price of polyester filament can return to stability.

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.

Ineos has completed a major £30 million (€34.6 million) investment at its Hull manufacturing site, converting the facility to run on clean-burning hydrogen instead of natural gas. This results in a 75% cut in carbon emissions – the equivalent of taking around 160,000 petrol cars off the road. This advances Ineos’ net-zero commitment, well ahead of the 2050 target. This investment will deliver a transformational step change improvement in the site’s product carbon footprint. © Ineos he investment is part of Ineos’ wider strategy to decarbonise its operations across the UK and Europe. Ineos Acetyls is the only industrial-scale manufacturer of acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and ethyl acetate in Europe. These products are essential chemicals used in everyday life, from medicines to clean water, and the Saltend-based site now operates with dramatically lower emissions thanks to the switch to hydrogen. David Brooks, CEO, Ineos Acetyls, said: “We’ve put £30 million into Hull to do the right thing – cut emissions, clean up the site, and future-proof our operations. We’ve slashed CO2 by 75%. That’s not a plan. That’s a result." This investment will deliver a transformational step change improvement in the site’s product carbon footprint, which is already world-leading. The hydrogen used at the site is produced as a co-product from existing manufacturing processes, making it a smart, efficient use of resources already on hand. It’s a model Ineos believes can be replicated across the industry. David Brooks, CEO, Ineos Acetyls © Ineos   The Hull upgrade is one of several major decarbonisation projects underway across Ineos sites, including Grangemouth and Köln, as the company pushes hard to meet – and beat – its climate targets. Ineos Acetyls employs more than 500 people worldwide. In Hull, it directly employs more than 300 people, supporting hundreds more through its supply chain. source： Ineos

The podiatry team at Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore is pioneering an innovative approach to diabetic foot care. Currently, the team is producing custom 3D-printed orthotic insoles in-house. These insoles are made of thermoplastic polyurethane.TPUThe new insoles, made through 3D printing, show preliminary results indicating that compared to traditional insoles (with a 23% reduction in peak pressure and a 40% improvement in pressure distribution), the new insoles can reduce peak pressure by up to 28.5% and achieve a pressure distribution improvement rate of 52.7%. Singapore does not produce standard pressure-reducing EVA foam insoles locally and needs to source them from overseas. Patients must wait two months from placing an order to receiving the product, and if adjustments are needed, it takes even longer. However, 3D printing technology can provide patients with precisely customized insoles in just one week. The team pointed out that there are currently over 400,000 diabetes patients in Singapore, and if the current trend continues, the number of patients could exceed one million by 2050. As many as one-quarter of diabetes patients may develop foot ulcers, and over 80% of lower limb amputation surgeries are caused by these ulcers. Customized pressure-reducing insoles are crucial for preventing new ulcers and promoting wound healing, especially for patients with diabetic neuropathy.   First, the doctor creates a foam mold of the patient's foot and performs a digital scan. Based on the scanning data, insoles with different densities and precise shape adjustments are designed for different areas of the foot. The digital workflow allows for quick modifications to the design plan at any time. The podiatry treatment team at Sengkang General Hospital collaborated with the orthopedic and plastic surgery teams at the hospital and the 3D printing center at Singapore General Hospital to develop this product. Through detailed biomechanical examinations and pressure distribution analysis, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to create a precise digital model tailored to each patient's foot structure and pressure points. Orthopedic doctor Dickson Chau stated, "The advances in 3D printing technology have opened up new possibilities for patient care. After extensive testing of different materials and printing parameters, as well as valuable exchanges of experience with the 3D printing center at Singapore General Hospital, we have established a production process that ensures stable and reliable quality of insoles. This self-production capability allows us to quickly optimize products based on patient feedback, which is crucial for achieving the best therapeutic effects."

As the construction industry transitions towards sustainability, automation, and digitalization, polymer composites (PCs) combined with 3D printing technology are becoming a significant driving force for innovation in civil engineering. This technology not only enables the efficient fabrication of complex engineering structures but also significantly reduces material waste, offering new possibilities for future infrastructure development. Based on the latest research from the journal *Automation in Construction*, this article systematically explores the current applications, real-world cases, and future development trends of polymer composites in 3D printing, while analyzing existing technical challenges and potential solutions. 1. Material System and Printing Technology 1. Classification of Polymer Matrices In terms of material selection, polymer composites are mainly divided into two categories: thermoplastics and thermosets. Thermoplastic polymers such as PLA, ABS, and PEEK have become the preferred materials for 3D printing due to their recyclability and ease of processing. Among them, PLA, as a biodegradable material, has environmental advantages, but its heat resistance and impact resistance are poor, necessitating performance enhancement through modification techniques. In contrast, ABS, with its excellent impact resistance and higher glass transition temperature, is more suitable for outdoor structural components. High-performance materials like PEEK and ULTEM are widely used in infrastructure projects in extreme environments due to their outstanding high-temperature resistance, mechanical strength, and chemical stability. Thermosetting polymers are formed through photopolymerization techniques (such as SLA/DLP); although they possess excellent heat resistance and dimensional stability, their irreversible cross-linked structure makes recycling difficult, limiting their application in sustainable construction. Additionally, the introduction of recycled polymers like PET and HDPE further reduces environmental burden, but the performance degradation issues caused by multiple processing still need to be addressed. 2. Enhanced Composites In terms of enhanced materials, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites stand out. Glass fiber (GFRP) has become an ideal choice for cyclic load structures due to its high cost-performance ratio and excellent fatigue resistance. Carbon fiber (CFRP), on the other hand, occupies an important position in precision structural components due to its extremely high strength-to-weight ratio and low thermal expansion coefficient. At the same time, the introduction of natural fibers (such as bamboo and hemp) gives composites biodegradable properties, but issues such as poor moisture resistance and weather resistance still need to be addressed. The addition of particulate reinforcement materials like silica and alumina further enhances the stiffness and wear resistance of the composites, while the introduction of carbon-based materials improves electrical conductivity, providing possibilities for the development of multifunctional structures. 3. Large Component Printing Technology In the field of large component manufacturing, 3D printing technology exhibits unique advantages. Extrusion-based 3D printing (E3DP) is currently the most widely used technology in civil engineering, capable of handling concrete, ceramics, and various thermoplastic materials to meet the manufacturing needs of large-scale structures. The binder jetting technology effectively avoids thermal deformation issues by layer-by-layer binding of powder materials (such as gypsum and cement). The introduction of robotic manufacturing systems (RLFAM) enables support-free printing of complex geometries through multi-axis robotic arms and supports continuous fiber reinforcement, opening new avenues for the manufacturing of high-performance structures. Figure 1 (a) The world's largest polymer 3D printer developed by the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, (b) The CEAD company Flexbot large-scale robotic 3D printing and milling system. II. Innovative Application Cases Bridge Engineering Practical engineering cases have fully demonstrated the tremendous potential of this technology. In bridge construction, a 6.5-meter span pedestrian bridge in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was made using glass fiber reinforced PET material, achieving a 50% reduction in carbon footprint while showcasing excellent durability. The Liu Yun Bridge project in China utilized ASA-3012 material and completed the printing of a 17.5-meter long bridge in just 35 days, withstanding severe environmental tests thanks to its weather resistance. Figure 2 3D printed fiber-reinforced composite material cases: (a) pedestrian bridge in Rotterdam, Netherlands, (b) pedestrian bridge in the Limerick area, Netherlands, (c) 3D printed FRP components of the Liuyun Bridge, China. 2. Architectural Structure In the field of architecture, the American BioHome 3D project uses 100% wood fiber and bio-resin for printing, completing the entire construction in just 48 hours, with all materials being recyclable. Australia's Jindi modular housing project innovatively uses recycled plastic as its core material, covered with a cement layer, addressing the issue of plastic pollution while meeting fire safety requirements. The 3D-printed houses developed by Azure in Los Angeles can be completed in just 24 hours per 200-square-foot module, while also consuming 150,000 discarded plastic bottles, providing a new approach to urban waste management. Figure 3 3D printed fiber-reinforced composite building: (a) BioHome 3D house developed by the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, (b) Azur tiny house in the United States. Reinforcement and Seismic Resistance In the field of structural reinforcement, 3D printing technology has also made remarkable contributions. The application of carbon fiber reinforced PLA reinforcement has improved the energy dissipation capacity of concrete beam-column joints after high-temperature damage by 40%. Additionally, concrete slabs reinforced with continuously 3D printed carbon fiber/nylon grids have demonstrated a significant increase in shear modulus, providing a new solution for seismic reinforcement of building structures. Three, Core Challenges However, this technology still faces numerous challenges. Firstly, the layer-by-layer deposition manufacturing method leads to anisotropic mechanical properties of the materials, and insufficient interlayer bonding strength directly affects the load-bearing capacity of the overall structure. Secondly, there are significant environmental durability issues; ultraviolet radiation and moisture erosion can accelerate the aging of natural fiber composites, while the fire ratings of most polymer materials often fail to meet building safety standards. Furthermore, there are bottlenecks in large-scale production; large printing equipment requires substantial space and has low production efficiency, as printing a 5,800-kilogram bridge, for instance, may take continuously 30 days to complete. In addition, the lack of industry standards results in a lack of unified specifications for the design, certification, and quality control of 3D printed structures. Finally, the issue of material recycling urgently needs to be addressed, especially since the closed-loop recycling technology for thermosetting polymers and fiber-reinforced composites is not yet mature. Four. Future Directions Looking to the future, breakthroughs need to be achieved in multiple areas. Process optimization is the primary task; developing multi-axis printing and in-situ consolidation technology is expected to improve interlayer bonding strength, while combining additive manufacturing with traditional subtractive processes can enhance forming precision. The integration of smart materials will endow structures with new functions, such as embedding sensors for health monitoring or using self-repairing polymers to extend service life. The research and development of sustainable materials is also crucial; the promotion and application of bio-based polymers and natural fiber composites will significantly reduce carbon emissions in the industry. For specific application scenarios, such as maritime engineering, customized solutions that are corrosion-resistant and flood-resistant need to be developed. Finally, policy-driven support is essential; establishing a comprehensive performance database and lifecycle assessment standards will provide institutional guarantees for the promotion of technology. V. Conclusion In summary, the 3D printing technology for polymer composites is reshaping the field of civil engineering through its unique capabilities in customized design, lightweight advantages, and rapid construction. Although challenges such as performance consistency, environmental durability, and large-scale production still exist, with advancements in material innovation, process improvements, and the establishment of standard systems, this technology will undoubtedly play a more critical role in future infrastructure development, providing key technical support for achieving a sustainable and high-performance built environment. In practical cases, CFRP composites have achieved tensile strengths of over 500MPa, GFRP's flexural strength can reach 200MPa, and the use of recycled PET materials can reduce virgin plastic consumption by 70%. The production process of bio-based PLA can decrease energy consumption by 60%. Although robotic printing can reduce the cost of complex components by 30%, the current material costs are still higher than traditional concrete, which will be a key area for future breakthroughs.

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.

Recently, Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group Co., Ltd. announced2025 semi-annual performance forecast, expecting to achieve a net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company between 5.4 billion and 5.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 63% to 78%. The significant increase in performance is attributed to the production launch of the Inner Mongolia olefin project, with a significant year-on-year increase in the production and sales of olefin products. Baofeng Energy's steady growth in performance is inseparable from its deep cultivation in the coal-to-olefins sector. Behind this achievement lies the strong momentum injected by the orderly advancement of several key projects. What major projects has Baofeng Energy implemented or is currently advancing? What is the production capacity scale of its high-end olefin products? What new directions is it exploring in emerging industries?   I. Key Project Inventory of Baofeng Energy As a leading enterprise in the domestic coal-to-olefins sector, Baofeng Energy's project matrix has always focused on extending the coal-based olefins industrial chain. Below is a summary of Baofeng Energy's key projects. 1、The world's largest single-plant coal-to-olefins project. Baofeng Energy InvestmentThe coal-based new material demonstration project, built at a cost of 67.3 billion yuan, completed its first phase in just 18 months, becoming the world's largest industrial chemical plant for producing polyethylene and polypropylene from coal instead of oil. It has an annual production capacity of 3 million tons of olefins, 1.5 million tons of polyethylene, and 1.5 million tons of polypropylene, accounting for 23.4% of the national total output. Compared to oil-based olefin projects, it has significant cost advantages and market competitiveness. June 16, 2025The largest coal-to-olefins project in the world at a single plant scale.A grand production commencement summary conference was held in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, marking the official transition of the project into a new development phase. For Baofeng Energy, this signifies...After the project is completed, the total production capacity of coal-to-olefins will be significantly increased to5.2 million tons per year, approximately 2.4 times the current capacity, will become the largest capacity in the domestic coal-to-olefins industry. It is worth mentioning that,All the equipment and devices used in this project are produced and manufactured independently by our country, achieving import substitution.23 key core equipment have reached international top levels, creating five global maximum single-unit capacities in gasification, purification, methanol synthesis, full-density polyethylene, and methanol-to-olefins separation coupled steam cracking units, as well as three national maximum single-unit capacities in DMTO, polypropylene, and air separation units. This injects strong momentum into the high-quality development of China's equipment manufacturing industry and supports the construction of a "strong manufacturing nation." Baofeng Energy Inner Mongolia Coal-Based New Materials Project Purification Device   2. High-end coal-based chemical demonstration projects (including polyvinyl alcohol, POE, MMA, PC, etc.) In May 2025, with a total investment of 19.8 billion yuan! A new project by Ningxia Baofeng Energy has been announced, namedHigh-end coal-based chemical products demonstration projectThe construction site is located in the Linhe Comprehensive Industrial Park of the Ningdong Energy and Chemical Base in Ningxia.Area A. The construction scale is an annual output of200,000 tons of polyvinyl alcohol, 200,000 tons of POE, 200,000 tons of MMA, 260,000 tons of PC, 800,000 tons of acrylic acid and esters, and other products. Mainly build air separation, gasification, purification, methanol synthesis, sulfur recovery, methanol to olefins.Production facilities for α-olefins, POE, vinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, MMA, acrylic acid and esters, phenol/acetone, bisphenol A, polycarbonate, etc., along with the construction of public utilities and auxiliary production facilities.  3. New-type energy storage cathode, anode, and electrolyte factory project On April 27, 2025, the concentrated construction site promotion meeting for the Baofeng Energy storage positive electrode, negative electrode, electrolyte plant, and Baofeng Energy Phase IV olefin new materials project was held at the Ningdong base. Total investment in the new type of energy storage positive electrode, negative electrode, and electrolyte plant project10.5 billion yuan, the project will accelerate the construction and production of 250,000 tons of lithium iron phosphate cathode materials, 150,000 tons of artificial graphite anode materials, 170,000 tons of electrolyte materials, 100GWh lithium batteries and energy storage systems, and energy storage station projects. Baofeng Energy Storage Cathode Factory Baofeng Energy Storage Anode Factory Baofeng Energy Storage Electrolyte Plant   II. Key Domestic Coal-to-Olefins Projects Coal-to-olefins is one of the important technological processes for producing olefins in China. It uses coal as raw material to first produce methanol through gasification, conversion, purification, and synthesis processes, and then produces olefins (ethylene) from methanol.(plus propylene), and then produce polyolefins (polyethylene, polypropylene) and other downstream products.。 Coal-to-olefinsCTO includes coal-to-methanol (CTM) and methanol-to-olefins (MTO), with the main process being coal → synthesis gas → methanol → olefins. Below, Special Plastic Vision will take you to review the domestic coal-to-olefins projects. 1. Zhongtian Hechuang Coal-to-Olefins Project Zhongtian Hechuang is one of the largest coal-to-olefins projects in China, using the methanol-to-olefins technology developed by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.The DMTO technology has an annual production capacity of 1.37 million tons of ethylene and propylene. This project has achieved energy optimization across the entire process, with a significant increase in the efficiency of by-product utilization, making it a benchmark for modern coal chemical industry.   2. Shenhua Ningmei Coal-to-Oil and Olefin Project Shenhua Ningmei is the world's largest single-set coal-to-olefins project, employing methanol-to-olefins technology, with an annual production of ethylene and propylene.1.36 million tons, and achieve green manufacturing through exhaust gas recovery and wastewater treatment, reducing carbon footprint and contributing to the country's "dual carbon" goals. The construction content includes methanol production using gasification technology, olefin production and polyolefin using DMTO-II technology, adding an annual production capacity of 800,000 tons of high-density polyethylene, and enhancing the overall level of circular economy and green chemistry. 3. Yanzhou Coal Yulin Coal-to-Olefin Project The Yulin project of Yanzhou Coal Mining Company produces ethylene and propylene through methanol-to-olefins technology, while also developing downstream products such as polypropylene and polyethylene. The project utilizes an efficient water-coal slurry gasification process, with a water resource utilization rate that is at the industry-leading level. The project has a designed annual output of...600,000 tons of polypropylene and 400,000 tons of polyethylene, along with the addition of waste gas treatment facilities and green low-carbon transformation, will comprehensively enhance environmental protection and energy utilization efficiency. 4. Yanchang Petroleum Coal Chemical Project Yanchang Petroleum has established a large coal-to-olefins base in Yulin, focusing on downstream deep processing of methanol to olefins, promoting the diversification of the industrial chain. The project integrates local coal resources with new energy development, forming a resource recycling system. The project uses self-developed gasification technology, with an annual production capacity of...600,000 tons of polyethylene and 500,000 tons of polypropylene, along with the construction of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) facilities, as well as a methanol production facility with an annual output of 300,000 tons, to promote green and low-carbon transformation. Shandong Energy Yanzhou Mining 800,000 tons/year coal-to-olefins project in Xinjiang The project is currently in the overall design stage. The total investment of the project20.858 billion yuan, the main project includes 13 production units such as air separation, gasification, conversion, low-temperature methanol washing, sulfur recovery, methanol synthesis, methanol to olefins, olefin separation, steam cracking, 1-butene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and electrolysis water devices.  6. Xinjiang Sheneng Chemical 800,000 tons/year coal-to-olefins project The project is inApproved in February 2025, the first phase is currently under civil construction, with a total investment of over 20 billion yuan. It involves the use of coal gasification under pressure combined with green hydrogen technology, producing 800,000 tons of olefins annually, which include polyethylene and polypropylene, along with supporting air separation and sulfur recovery units.   Editor: Yun Shimeng (Carrie) Source: Jingyan Chemical Platform, Polyolefins People, Olefins and High-end Downstream, Process Industry, New Energy and Environmental Protection

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.

Dyneema®, owned by Avient Corporation, an innovator of materials solutions, has once again pushed the boundaries of fabric engineering — this time by increasing the Dyneema® layers in its latest advanced composite fabric material. These new Dyneema® Woven Composites take material performance to the next level by combining the unmatched strength of a Dyneema® composite core with a 100% Dyneema® abrasion-resistant woven face fabric.  Fifteen times stronger than steel This next-generation composite fabric material can offer up to 10 times more abrasion resistance, 5 times better tear resistance, and 34% weight savings compared to the existing Dyneema® high-performance composite portfolio. Fifteen times stronger than steel yet light enough to float on water, Dyneema® is the original ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber, which is trusted in countless applications where performance is paramount and reliability is critical.  The secret is in the science. Dyneema® Woven Composites feature a dual-layer composite structure that combines the strength, abrasion resistance, and durability of a fully woven Dyneema® face fabric with the dimensional stability, structural integrity, and lightweight waterproof properties of Dyneema® composite technology. The result is a fabric that is highly durable under significant load conditions and after prolonged use. “Dyneema® Woven Composites are a major breakthrough in materials engineering,” said Chiharu Pidgeon, Global Business manager, Fabrics & Composites for Dyneema®, Avient. “By harnessing the full potential of Dyneema® fiber with precision-layered construction, we’ve created a fabric that doesn’t just resist wear – it redefines strength and stability in high-performance applications.” Featuring first in Hyperlite's backpacks Dyneema® R&D specialists spent two years extensively testing the new fabric with longtime collaborator, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, a leading outdoor gear manufacturer. With the help of Hyperlite’s extensive network of elite athletes and mountaineers, they tested prototype backpacks during months-long expeditions on some of the most extreme hiking trails from the Alaskan wilderness to the summit of the Rockies and beyond.  The consensus was clear: the world’s strongest fiber™ just got stronger. Backpacks from Hyperlite are the first products on the market to feature this game-changing technology and are available to consumers and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide starting July 15, 2025. This innovation pushes fabric engineering to new heights, delivering a composite that can withstand some of the most extreme and demanding environments, reinforcing Dyneema® as the global leader in fiber technology. source：Avient  

The podiatry team at Sengkang General Hospital in Singapore is pioneering an innovative approach to diabetic foot care. Currently, the team is producing custom 3D-printed orthotic insoles in-house. These insoles are made of thermoplastic polyurethane.TPUThe new insoles, made through 3D printing, show preliminary results indicating that compared to traditional insoles (with a 23% reduction in peak pressure and a 40% improvement in pressure distribution), the new insoles can reduce peak pressure by up to 28.5% and achieve a pressure distribution improvement rate of 52.7%. Singapore does not produce standard pressure-reducing EVA foam insoles locally and needs to source them from overseas. Patients must wait two months from placing an order to receiving the product, and if adjustments are needed, it takes even longer. However, 3D printing technology can provide patients with precisely customized insoles in just one week. The team pointed out that there are currently over 400,000 diabetes patients in Singapore, and if the current trend continues, the number of patients could exceed one million by 2050. As many as one-quarter of diabetes patients may develop foot ulcers, and over 80% of lower limb amputation surgeries are caused by these ulcers. Customized pressure-reducing insoles are crucial for preventing new ulcers and promoting wound healing, especially for patients with diabetic neuropathy.   First, the doctor creates a foam mold of the patient's foot and performs a digital scan. Based on the scanning data, insoles with different densities and precise shape adjustments are designed for different areas of the foot. The digital workflow allows for quick modifications to the design plan at any time. The podiatry treatment team at Sengkang General Hospital collaborated with the orthopedic and plastic surgery teams at the hospital and the 3D printing center at Singapore General Hospital to develop this product. Through detailed biomechanical examinations and pressure distribution analysis, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to create a precise digital model tailored to each patient's foot structure and pressure points. Orthopedic doctor Dickson Chau stated, "The advances in 3D printing technology have opened up new possibilities for patient care. After extensive testing of different materials and printing parameters, as well as valuable exchanges of experience with the 3D printing center at Singapore General Hospital, we have established a production process that ensures stable and reliable quality of insoles. This self-production capability allows us to quickly optimize products based on patient feedback, which is crucial for achieving the best therapeutic effects."

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

Domestic transactions flourish while cross-border deals decline, with 82 domestic deals announced in H1 2025, representing an increase of seven deals compared to H2 2024.Maks_Lab/iStock via Getty Images   At a Glance Amcor-Berry merger reshapes plastics industry with $10.5 billion deal. Flexible packaging has seen the most consolidation in the first half of 2025. ESG considerations increasingly drive plastics acquisition valuations higher. The plastics industry has witnessed robust merger and acquisition activity during the first half of 2025, with deal volume maintaining strong momentum from the start of the year. The Amcor-Berry Global merger represents one of the largest transactions in the industry's history. The shadow of that $10.5 billion deal has loomed large over other M&A activity in the sector during H1 2025, and it has had a ripple effect throughout the plastics industry. Trevor Hulett, managing director of St. Louis, MO–based investment bank R.L. Hulett and Company Inc., said his company is expecting an uptick in activity following the Amcor-Berry Global merger, which significantly expanded Amcor's packaging capabilities across both product lines and geographic markets. "The scale and synergies unlocked by the Amcor-Berry transaction have set a new benchmark, prompting other large players to reevaluate their own portfolios and pursue acquisitions that strengthen core offerings, improve supply chain resilience, and accelerate sustainable packaging initiatives," he said. John Hart, managing director at PMCF, an investment bank providing merger and acquisition services to companies worldwide, told PlasticsToday that prior to 2024, the plastics manufacturing industry experienced several years of relative stability, with limited major consolidation activity among top players. Related:Plasan North America Cuts 64 Jobs Following Government Contract Cancellation "However, 2024 marked a turning point, with a wave of significant mergers and acquisitions reshaping the competitive landscape," he said. "Notable recent transactions include the Amcor-Berry merger, Novolex's acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen, SIG's purchase of Schoeller Allibert, IPL's merger with Schoeller Allibert, Silgan's acquisition of Weener, and Sonoco's divestiture of its thermoforming business. These deals signal a renewed momentum in strategic consolidation across the sector." According to Hart, this trend has two key implications for the M&A market: Opportunities for middle-market players. As large companies consolidate, they often become less agile and may outgrow their traditional middle-market customer base. This creates opportunities for smaller and mid-sized businesses to increase wallet share and capture market share by offering more tailored and responsive solutions. Portfolio rationalization. Large-scale consolidations typically lead to plant closures and business unit divestitures as companies streamline operations. While we haven't seen significant rationalization yet, it is likely that over the next few years, these newly formed platforms will begin optimizing their portfolios — creating acquisition opportunities for strategic and financial buyers. Related:Röhm Shutters Louisiana Plant, Texas Mega-facility Launches Hart also pointed out that capital invested in plastics M&A increased dramatically in Q1 2025 ($9.4B, up 193.8% from Q4 2024). There are several factors driving this surge in transaction values despite the slight decline in deal volume. "Deal volume declined in Q2, likely reflecting a period of adjustment as both buyers and sellers assessed the implications of the new tariff environment," Hart added. "Despite this slowdown, larger transactions — particularly those with strong fundamentals and resilience to macroeconomic volatility — continue to move forward." Moreover, Hart explained that the current market presents a compelling environment for transformational M&A. With significant capital still available and valuations at more attractive levels, strategic investors are well-positioned to pursue high-impact opportunities. "We've seen significant activity in the Mid-Atlantic region and Canada during Q1," he said. Hart added that while PMCF doesn't typically track deal activity by region, Q2 data revealed a notable concentration along the East Coast. "Over half of all US-based transactions were completed in the Northeast and Southeast — consistent with historical M&A trends. Additionally, the Midwest reported a strong quarter, accounting for more than 25% of total Q2 deal volume, highlighting continued momentum in that region," he said. Related:Dow Slashes European Operations Amid Profitability Push Hulett said the Southeast US region saw an increase in M&A activity in Q2 with 9 transactions. Most notable in this region was Toppan's $1.8 billion acquisition of Sonoco. Subsector activity Hulett pointed out that flexible packaging has seen the most consolidation in the first half of 2025, as larger players continue acquiring competitors to gain scale, drive down costs, and expand their sustainable packaging capabilities. "While segments like specialty materials and machinery have also experienced increased deal activity, they haven't matched the pace or volume seen in packaging so far this year," he said. Hart noted that during H1, injection molding and resin/color & compounding have remained among the most active subsectors from an M&A perspective. "Both are currently tracking above their H1 2024 deal volumes and are aligned with the pace observed in H2 2024," he said. "Drivers of activity in these subsectors are different. In injection molding, a highly fragmented area of the market with vast applications, deal volume is mainly driven by a robust supply of active sellers. On the resin/color & compounding side, a more concentrated market and active buyers has led to stronger multiples than in other subsectors, which may be the cause of increased activity." Moreover, Hart noted that specialty transactions — which include deals in extrusion, machinery, composites, and distribution — have also seen a steady increase in recent years. The 89 deals recorded in H1 2025 exceeded H1 2024 levels, though they fell slightly short of H2 2024. Nonetheless, Hart explained the sustained activity in specialty subsectors reflects a growing trend of consolidation in niche areas of the plastics industry, which continue to attract strong interest from both strategic and private equity buyers. Hulett said his company saw capital investment moderate in Q2 to $2.2 billion, but H1 2025 was still up meaningfully over H1 of the prior year. "Several large transactions in early 2025 helped open the floodgates for even bigger deals across the plastics industry," he said. "This increase in larger sized deals is driven by both strategic consolidations and private equity interest. Valuations have continued to climb, particularly in high-growth areas like sustainable packaging, where buyers are willing to pay a premium for long-term positioning and ESG alignment." Cross-border transactions There were several cross-border transactions in Q1, including Sudarshan Chemical's acquisition of Germany's Heubach. Hart noted that cross-border transactions in the plastics sector declined year-over-year in the first half of 2025, with only 19 deals recorded — down from 30 and 34 in the previous two halves, respectively. "This slowdown may be attributed to ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs, as both buyers and sellers take time to assess the potential impact on their operations and deal structures," he said. "In contrast, domestic M&A activity has remained strong. A total of 82 domestic deals were announced in H1 2025, representing an increase of seven deals compared to H2 2024. While cross-border activity has slowed, it continues to play a role in the market, albeit at a reduced pace relative to prior periods." Moreover, Hulett cautioned that global tariff uncertainty has led to more cautious deal structuring, with a noticeable rise in the use of earn-out provisions and more rigorous due diligence. "At the same time, supply chain security has become a key focus in the first half of 2025, prompting many companies to strategically reposition operations and acquisitions in regions that offer greater stability and logistical efficiency," he said. Trends driving M&A Tom Blaige, chairman and CEO of Chicago, IL–based Blaige and Company, a plastics, packaging, and chemicals investment banking firm, noted that in 2024, 80% of all plastics deals were strategically motivated, including 55% strategic buyers and 25% financial add-ons. Blaige also noted that 73% of all plastics M&A deals last year involved an international participant. "International-only deals have increased from 40% of deals in 2001 to 57% in 2024, reflecting an ongoing trend toward globalization over the last two decades," the company noted in its report. Plastics remains the most fragmented market, with 72% of companies posting annual sales under $50 million, and 82% posting sales under $100 million. By the end of the year, Blaige forecasts that the top 50 companies in injection molding; blow molding; film and sheet; labels; pipe, profile and tubing; thermoforming; and adhesives and sealants will have been eliminated or changed ownership since 2001. "M&A is 10% financial analysis, and 90% psychoanalysis," Blaige said. It is key for companies poised to make a deal to have a succession plan in place; pursue niche leadership; have enough funding to double or triple down to stay competitive; focus on "glass half full" buyers who may view business as complementary; and understand that vertical, horizontal, and geographic integration trends could impact margins and growth. ESG considerations and future outlook Hart also noted that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns remain a key topic of discussion among plastic packaging providers and continue to present growth opportunities for specialty material science companies. "While ESG remains relevant, its influence has been somewhat tempered under the current administration," Hart said. "In non-packaging plastic subsectors, we continue to see limited viable alternatives to plastics, reinforcing the material's role in a range of industrial applications despite ongoing sustainability debates." Hulett pointed out that ESG has taken on a larger role in plastics M&A, with buyers placing a premium on targets that demonstrate strong sustainability practices. "It's no longer just a consideration, it's become a core value driver in how deals are evaluated, negotiated, and ultimately priced," he noted. Based on H1 2025 activity, from an M&A perspective, Hart said he remains cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the year. "While uncertainty — particularly around tariffs and macroeconomic policy — can dampen deal activity by increasing perceived risk, there is growing confidence that the second half of the year will bring greater clarity on trade policy," he said. "Additionally, market sentiment is buoyed by the possibility of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which would create a more favorable environment for transactions." Hart cautioned that market conditions can shift quickly. "However, based on our current positioning and the conversations we're having across the industry, the outlook appears positive," he explained. "Notably, we've seen a significant uptick in pre-deal activity, which we view as a strong leading indicator of continued momentum. In general, niche companies with domestic supply chains are likely to outperform, given their resilience to global disruptions. No single subsector stands out as a clear beneficiary; deal activity has remained relatively balanced across the industry year-over-year." Within the broader plastics sector, Hulett said his company believes packaging as a subsector is expected to remain the most active segment for M&A in the second half of 2025, particularly in areas tied to scale, automation, and sustainability. "Specialty materials, advanced machinery, and ESG-focused technologies are also likely to attract strong interest, with private equity continuing to pursue strategic acquisitions and platform growth across the sector," he concluded.

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.

According to the China Trade Relief Information Network, on July 16, 2025, the Turkish Ministry of Trade issued announcement No. 2025/15, stating that the anti-dumping measures on waterproof tarpaulins made of polyethylene and polypropylene originating from China and Vietnam, as well as similar polymer plastic products [in Turkish: Polietilen ve polipropilenden mamul şerit veya benzerlerinden dokunmuş mensucat (yalnız dokuma brandalar)], will expire on May 6, 2026. Interested parties should submit applications and evidence materials for the sunset review investigation no later than three months before the expiration date. The Turkish tax numbers for the products involved 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 publication. On January 11, 2008, Turkey initiated an anti-dumping investigation against waterproof tarpaulin made from polyethylene and polypropylene originating from China and Vietnam, as well as products made from polymer plastics. On November 15, 2008, Turkey made a positive final ruling in the case and began to impose anti-dumping duties on the involved products from China and Vietnam. Subsequently, Turkey conducted two sunset reviews, making positive rulings on November 11, 2014, and May 6, 2021, extending the duration of the duties.

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

Background Briefing Hexamethylenediamine, also known as hexamethylenediamine, is an important chemical intermediate. It is mainly used for the production of polyamide 66 (also known as nylon 66 or PA66), which is widely used in automotive, electrical and electronic, aerospace, machinery, chemical, and textile industries due to its excellent overall performance. In addition, hexamethylenediamine is also used to produce specialty polyamides (such as PA610, PA6T, etc.), polyurethane raw materials such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), epoxy resin curing agents, rubber vulcanization accelerators, and as stabilizers in the textile and paper industries, among other applications. Process technology route There are multiple routes for the global production of hexamethylenediamine, with the butadiene cyanohydrin method occupying a dominant position. 01 Self-dicarbonitrile hydrogenation method According to the different raw materials, the process of hydrogenating hexanedinitrile to produce hexanediamine can be divided into three methods: butadiene cyanohydrin method, propionitrile electrolytic dimerization method, and hexanedioic acid catalytic amination method. 02 Caprolactam Ammoniation Dehydration Method Using caprolactam as a raw material, aminocapronitrile is first produced through ammoniation and dehydration, and then hydrogenated to obtain hexamethylenediamine. Representative companies include Toray Industries from Japan, Yangnong Ruitai under Sinochem in China, and Pingmei Shenma. Toray Industries commissioned its hexamethylenediamine plant in 1965, but at that time, the price of caprolactam was high, making it economically unfeasible. In April 2024, Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Group, Xiamen University, and Ningxia Ruitai Technology Co., Ltd. jointly completed the "Key Technology Development and Industrialization of High-Quality Hexamethylenediamine Production via Caprolactam Method," filling the technological gap in the production of hexamethylenediamine using the caprolactam method and breaking the international monopoly. Ningbo Galnew Material Technology Co., Ltd. has acquired Japanese process technology and patents, and after optimization and improvement, has formed independent intellectual property rights. Pingmei Shenma Group is collaborating with this company to construct the Aisuan project. In June 2025, the first phase of the project, with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons of aminocapronitrile, will be put into production, and there are plans to build a hexamethylenediamine project.   Global Hexamethylenediamine Industry Review In 2024, global hexamethylenediamine production capacity will exceed 2 million tons per year, with a high market concentration. The capacity is mainly concentrated in international chemical giants such as Ascend, Invista, and BASF, as well as advanced domestic enterprises like Chongqing Huafeng, Pingmei Shenma, and Tianchen Qixiang. The global production and consumption of hexamethylenediamine in 2024 is estimated to be around 1.55 million tons, with an actual operating rate of about 75%. Ascend is currently the largest producer of hexamethylenediamine in the world, with a total production capacity of 600,000 tons per year. Its production bases include the Pensacola plant in Florida and the Decatur plant in Alabama in the United States, as well as the Lianyungang plant in Jiangsu, China. However, due to multiple factors such as global trade frictions, industry cyclical fluctuations, and increasing market competition, Ascend is facing significant operational pressure. In April 2025, Ascend announced its entry into bankruptcy reorganization to reduce debt and optimize its capital structure; on June 17, the company announced the orderly shutdown of the Lianyungang plant in Jiangsu. Invista's global capacity for hexamethylenediamine exceeds 500,000 tons per year, with production bases located in the United States, Canada, and Shanghai, China. Notably, Invista originally planned to shut down the hexamethylenediamine and hexamethylendiamine units at its Orange facility in the U.S. starting in 2023. According to the initial plan, the hexamethylenediamine production unit at the Orange facility was to immediately initiate safety shutdown procedures, while the hexamethylenediamine production was scheduled to cease in mid-2024. However, in October 2024, Invista announced a partnership with Dow, deciding to continue long-term production of hexamethylenediamine at the Orange facility, given its demonstrated safety, reliability, and competitive operational capabilities when producing solely hexamethylenediamine. Additionally, in July 2024, Invista announced the restart of the hexamethylenediamine production line at its Maitland facility in Canada, which resumed production in the first quarter of 2025. BASF announced in June 2025 that its new hexanediamine plant in Chalampé, France, has been successfully put into operation, increasing its global hexanediamine production capacity to 260,000 tons per year. The implementation of this project not only consolidates BASF's competitive advantage in the upstream of the polyamide industry chain but also provides a stable raw material guarantee for the polyamide industry in Europe.   Review of China's Hexamethylenediamine Industry 1 Supply Analysis: In 2024, there are a total of 8 caprolactam production enterprises in China, with a combined production capacity of 1.37 million tons per year, and the industry's effective operating rate is approximately 55%. By the end of 2024, China's total production capacity of hexamethylenediamine will reach 1.371 million tons per year, with the new capacity mainly concentrated in the East China region. The domestic production of hexamethylenediamine in 2024 is expected to be approximately 463,000 tons, an increase of 18.4% year-on-year. From the perspective of competitive landscape, China's hexamethylenediamine production enterprises are mainly concentrated in the East China region, including Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Chongqing. The East China region accounts for 65% of the production capacity. The industry has a high concentration, with the top three enterprises (TOP3) collectively accounting for about 52% of the national total production capacity. Major production enterprises include Invista, Tianchen Qixiang, and Huafeng Group. From 2021 to 2024, domestic hexamethylenediamine production capacity is rapidly increasing, especially with significant capacity expansion in 2024. The main reasons driving the rapid expansion of China's hexamethylenediamine capacity include: (1) National policy support. The government has introduced a series of policies to support the upgrading of the chemical industry and the localization of key materials, encouraging enterprises to break through "bottleneck" technologies such as hexanediamine and hexanedinitrile. These policies create a favorable environment for capacity expansion and enhance the overall competitiveness of the polyamide industry. (2) Breakthrough in the domestication of upstream raw material adiponitrile. Hexamethylenediamine is produced by hydrogenating adiponitrile. In the past, the production technology of adiponitrile has long been monopolized by overseas companies, which restricted the development of the domestic hexamethylenediamine industry. Since 2022, domestic companies such as Huafeng Group and Tianchen Qixiang have made significant breakthroughs in adiponitrile production technology, achieving large-scale production and successfully resolving the supply bottleneck of upstream raw materials for hexamethylenediamine, laying a solid foundation for the capacity expansion of hexamethylenediamine. (3) Strong demand from downstream markets. The main downstream products of hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) are PA66 and HDI. Among them, the application demand for PA66 in the automotive, electronics, and engineering plastics sectors continues to grow; the consumption of HDI in high-performance coatings and adhesives markets is rapidly increasing. The robust demand in the downstream market directly drives the consumption growth of the raw material HMDA, further promoting capacity expansion. 2 Demand Analysis: With the rapid growth of PA66 and HDI consumption, the consumption of hexamethylenediamine is expected to increase by 15% year-on-year in 2024. In 2024, China's consumption of hexamethylenediamine reached 495,000 tons, a year-on-year increase of 15.1%. Currently, PA66 is the largest consumption field for hexamethylenediamine in China. In 2024, domestic PA66 production capacity is 1.292 million tons/year, with a production volume of approximately 701,000 tons and a consumption volume of about 725,000 tons. In 2024, the domestic production of PA66 is expected to grow, primarily due to the continuous release of industry capacity, increased market supply, a favorable export market, and rapid growth in downstream demand. The downstream applications of PA66 are divided into three main categories: engineering plastics, industrial yarns, and civilian yarns. In 2024, the growth in PA66 demand will be mainly driven by the engineering plastics and industrial yarn sectors, with the automotive and electronics industries in the engineering plastics downstream and the tire industry in the industrial yarn downstream being the primary sources of PA66 demand growth. HDI is the second largest consumption field for China's hexamethylenediamine. As an aliphatic isocyanate without a benzene ring structure, HDI-based polyurethane coatings exhibit high resistance to yellowing and chalking, and can maintain the gloss of the paint surface for a long time. It is widely used in automotive, industrial protection, woodwork, and marine applications. The use of HDI aligns with the trend of upgrading polyurethane coatings towards high performance and environmental friendliness, leading to a continuous increase in consumption. In 2024, domestic HDI production capacity is expected to experience explosive growth. In addition to Covestro maintaining its existing capacity of 80,000 tons/year, Wanhua Chemical's Ningbo plant, Meirui New Materials, and Xinheng Cheng's HDI projects will all begin production, with total domestic HDI capacity reaching 330,000 tons/year by the end of 2024, an output of approximately 141,000 tons, and a consumption of about 130,000 tons. The application fields of hexamethylenediamine in China also include the production of special polyamides such as PA610 and PA6T, epoxy resin curing agents, a small amount used as rubber vulcanization accelerators, as well as stabilizers in the textile and paper industries. 3 Supply and demand forecasting: Caprolactam is still in a rapid development stage in China. Due to the accelerated localization of the raw material adiponitrile and the consumption drive from downstream PA66 and HDI, it is expected that the annual average growth rate of caprolactam consumption will remain at 10.1% by 2030. Currently, the domestic hexanediamine industry is still in a rapid development stage, and PA66 and HDI will continue to be the core driving forces for the growth in hexanediamine consumption. PA66 Market Outlook From 2024 to 2030, China's consumption of PA66 is expected to maintain a rapid growth trend, with an overall growth rate of about 8%. The growth in consumption is mainly driven by strong demand in the fields of engineering plastics and industrial yarns. At the same time, domestic PA66 production capacity will continue to expand, with an expected capacity of 2.8 million tons per year by 2030. With the increase in capacity, market supply capability will also be enhanced, and it is anticipated that from 2024 to 2030, the production growth rate will be approximately 11.5%, further driving the demand for hexamethylenediamine. HDI Market Outlook As a key raw material for high-performance polyurethane coatings, the demand for environmentally friendly high-performance coatings in industries such as automotive, construction, and woodworking will drive the continuous increase in HDI consumption in China. It is expected that from 2024 to 2030, domestic HDI consumption will grow rapidly at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%. By 2030, with the gradual implementation of a series of new and expanded projects, domestic HDI production capacity is expected to reach 433,000 tons per year. At that time, market supply capacity will be significantly enhanced, and during the period from 2024 to 2030, production is expected to achieve an average annual growth rate of 8.3%, thereby increasing the demand for hexamethylenediamine. Market Outlook for Diethylamine Chinese enterprises are actively planning new construction and expansion projects for hexamethylenediamine, with a total of 1.752 million tons/year of new capacity planned domestically. Strong companies such as Xinhecheng, Zhejiang Petrochemical, Fujian Gulei, Liaoyang Petrochemical, and Hualu Hengsheng are all entering the market. Assuming all these projects are completed and put into production, combined with the exit of some existing domestic capacity, the total domestic capacity for hexamethylenediamine could reach 2.9 million tons/year. Although there is considerable uncertainty regarding the commissioning of some long-term projects, China's production capacity for hexamethylenediamine will still significantly exceed downstream consumption, leading to a more intense competitive landscape in the market.   China's Hexamethylenediamine Price Analysis In recent years, the price of hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) in China has shown a trend of rising first and then falling. In the first half of 2024, the price of HMDA rose, mainly due to the increase in crude oil prices, the continuous rise in the price of butadiene, a raw material for adiponitrile, which pushed up production costs; short-term supply tightness in the HMDA market; and strong demand from downstream PA66. By the second half of 2024, the price of HMDA fell back, reaching 21,000 yuan/ton by the end of the year. In the first half of 2025, the price of hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) is expected to show a divergent pattern of "international price increase and domestic price decrease" due to three factors: the localization of raw materials, tariff policies, and overcapacity. The hexamethylenediamine industry in China is characterized by a relatively concentrated market structure. If production enterprises cease operations due to equipment maintenance, natural disasters, safety accidents, or other factors, it will directly lead to a short-term supply gap, which will in turn drive the price of hexamethylenediamine to rise rapidly. For those production enterprises that rely on purchasing hexamethylenediamine, they may face the risk of supply disruption.   Thoughts on Ascend's Closure of Its Hexamethylenediamine Factory in China On June 17, 2025, global PA66 integrated producer Ascend Performance Materials announced the orderly closure of its hexamethylenediamine production facility located in Lianyungang, China. The plant has an annual capacity of 200,000 tons, and its closure will reduce the supply of hexamethylenediamine. In the short term, the supply tightness in the hexamethylenediamine market will intensify, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Companies relying on the supply from this plant will face raw material shortages and may need to import from other regions or seek alternative suppliers. Additionally, the reduction in supply and market panic may drive up hexamethylenediamine prices. For downstream companies, since hexamethylenediamine is a key raw material for producing PA66 and HDI, the closure of the plant will increase the difficulty and cost for PA66 and HDI producers to obtain hexamethylenediamine. Some companies dependent on the supply from Ascend's Lianyungang facility may reduce production or even halt operations due to insufficient raw materials. The capacity layout of the Ausun De Lianyungang factory was originally planned to be constructed in three phases. Phase one, with an annual output of 200,000 tons of hexamethylenediamine, also includes specialty amine chemicals such as FlexaTram™ used in coatings, pharmaceuticals, and the oil and gas industries, which began operations in October 2024. Phase two is for the polyamide business, and phase three is for the raw material acrylonitrile. However, Ausun De has announced the orderly shutdown of the factory, less than eight months since the factory officially began operation. Aosenda's main purpose for setting up factories in China is to be closer to the Asia-Pacific market, reduce transportation costs through localized production, and avoid trade barriers (such as US-China tariffs). However, with the domestic breakthroughs in the production of hexamethylenediamine, domestic capacity has seen explosive growth, and market competition has become increasingly fierce. Local companies, leveraging their understanding of domestic market demand and well-established upstream and downstream industrial chain layouts, have demonstrated competitive advantages in cost control, pricing strategies, and customer service, putting Aosenda at a competitive disadvantage. Closing factories is essentially a loss-cutting measure taken by Aosenda to avoid continuous losses in intense competition. From the perspective of strategic adjustment, Ausand's closure of the Lianyungang factory highlights its strategic intention to refocus its business on the United States. By integrating internal resources, Ausand can enhance operational efficiency, concentrating limited resources on core business areas and regions with competitive advantages. At the same time, it will pay more attention to the resilience and security of the supply chain, establishing a more complete and controllable production and supply system in core market areas. Additionally, ongoing trade frictions have profoundly impacted Ausand's global business layout—the changes in tariff policies have significantly increased the cost of exporting products from the U.S. to international markets, directly weakening the price competitiveness of its products in the international market and affecting sales. Therefore, in the near future, it is expected that Ausand will focus on serving the customer base in the domestic U.S. market. For Chinese hexamethylenediamine production enterprises, after Ascend closed its Lianyungang factory, its original market share has become vacant, providing domestic companies with an opportunity to quickly fill the gap. However, the current domestic hexamethylenediamine market has shown a situation of oversupply. If domestic manufacturers want to enhance their competitiveness and expand their market share, the key lies in optimizing production, reducing costs and increasing efficiency, and improving product performance.

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

Under the EU's ban on single-use plastic products (SUP) and China's "14th Five-Year Plan" promoting recycled plastics, the automotive and packaging industries are actively responding to the call for weight reduction and carbon reduction. They are developing products using innovative and recyclable materials, promoting sustainable development in the industry. EPP (expanded polypropylene) due to its excellentSeismic energy absorption, deformation recovery, heat resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, oil resistance, and thermal insulation performance.The widely used characteristics of EPP, such as lightweight, excellent cushioning performance, and recyclability, have found applications in automotive parts (such as bumpers, seat cores, trunks, and foot mats), furniture, and turnover boxes. As global attention to sustainable development continues to deepen, EPP manufacturers are also actively exploring the feasibility of applying recycled polypropylene (rPP) in EPP foaming. Challenge: Stability of recycled polypropylene quality 1 Characteristics requirements of EPP raw materials EPP products have strict requirements for raw material performance during the molding process, especially regarding the stability of foaming ratio and bubble size. Therefore, EPP producers typically require that the melting point fluctuation be controlled within ±0.5°C, and the melt flow index be stable between 8 to 10 g/10min. Recycling polypropylene quality stability Due to the numerous manufacturers of polypropylene products in the market, even similar products may have significant differences in raw material types, resulting in the quality of recycled polypropylene being difficult to meet the above requirements. Solution: Customized RD209APC Applied to Automotive Parts Driven by the circular economy and carbon reduction goals, Bolu has actively invested in the application development of recycled materials. In response to technical challenges from a well-known EPP manufacturer, Bolu, led by the packaging department, integrated company resources over three years, streamlining the entire process from raw materials to products, and ultimately developed RD209APC. Raw Material Quality Assurance Bolok collaborates with downstream customers in the packaging department to secure the source of PIR (Post-Industrial Recycled) materials and completes extrusion granulation and product testing at the Shanghai Lingang factory to ensure the stability of raw material quality. Confirmation of product specifications During the product development process, the Lingang factory coordinated different production lines multiple times, optimized the extrusion granulation process, and established key quality control points. Ultimately, RD209APC passed several rounds of batch production validation, meeting the strict requirements for melting point and melt flow index set by EPP manufacturers, and was successfully applied to automotive components for a well-known international brand. RD209APC has been successfully commercialized in internationally renowned automotive components, marking a solid step for Bolu in promoting the circular economy and the application of high-performance recycled materials.