Frank Esposito

Mergers and acquisitions deals in the plastics industry were climbing high early in 2026, but slowed as the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. Industry watchers expect to see recovery in the second half of the year.

The M&A market was buoyed by companies such as Forvia trimming operations and by interest for companies to pick up units to balance their market share or improve a geographic footprint.

In this week’s Material Insights, senior reporter Frank Esposito explains why supply-and-demand fundamentals have regained control — and why another price decrease in July is increasingly possible.

Two German financial firms — Mutares and Aequita — will take over the bulk of Sabic's plastics businesses in a deal announced in the first half of 2026.

Senior reporter Frank Esposito shared in the July Polymer Points Live that polyethylene prices could fall another 10 to 15 cents per pound as weak demand and high inventories outweigh higher oil prices.

July's resin price movements are a reflection of feedstock costs and lower demand.

LyondellBasell and Huntsman say artificial intelligence is helping speed product development and improve plastics and chemicals formulations.

Avient posted stronger second-quarter results as packaging demand remained robust and executives identified artificial intelligence infrastructure as a $2 billion long-term growth opportunity.

In this week’s Material Insights, Plastics News Senior Reporter Frank Esposito breaks down what’s driving the North American polyethylene market, examines the balance between inventories and demand, and shares his outlook for upcoming supplier pricing efforts.

Feedstock costs are prompting price changes for North American resin.