Don Loepp

In October, North American polypropylene resin prices experienced a significant drop of 6 cents per pound. Prices had been down 4 cents in September.

Two of the world's largest plastics companies are combining as Amcor plc announces an $8.43 billion deal to buy Berry Global Group Inc.

Prices for all commodity resins fell in October, with the latest news being a 3 cent drop in North American polyethylene prices.

Some packaging industry analysts are skeptical that combining two of the world's largest plastics companies will generate any growth.

The North American resin market saw notable price declines in October, with polyethylene and PET bottle resin leading the trend, according to senior reporter Frank Esposito.

Berry Global Group Inc. is making merger and acquisition headlines again, announcing an agreement to sell its specialty tapes business to private equity firm Nautic Partners LLC for $540 million.

Berlin Packaging LLC is expanding in Europe again. The Chicago-based packaging distributor and manufacturer announced Nov. 20 that it has a definitive

TriMas Corp. has opened a 225,000-square-foot packaging plant in Haining, China, that includes injection molding, assembly and a clean room.

Resin prices are shifting, with PVC experiencing its second consecutive monthly decline and third in four months.

In this week's Material Insights, senior reporter Frank Esposito explains recent price decreases in polypropylene and engineering resins. Polypropylene has seen its third consecutive monthly drop driven by reduced demand.