As we move into early 2026, market conditions across key end markets and resin categories remain mixed, shaped by shifting demand patterns, disciplined production strategies, and evolving regulatory and sustainability dynamics. Packaging and healthcare industries continue to reflect broader structural changes—from recalibrated recycling commitments and infrastructure constraints to innovation in drug delivery and medical devices—while resin markets show early signs of price pressure, supply discipline, and cautious sentiment for the year ahead. This update provides a snapshot of current trends across packaging, healthcare, and major resin families, along with pricing, operating rates, and regional insights to help inform near-term planning and purchasing decisions.
MARKET SPOTLIGHT
Packaging1
Several large consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies — including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Mars, Walmart, and Colgate-Palmolive — are scaling back, modifying, or delaying previously announced plastic recycling and recycled content targets.
Though CPGs are continuing investments and partnerships intended to strengthen longer-term circularity, they cite scarcity of recycled feedstock, slow infrastructure growth, market complexity, and regulatory challenges as reasons for the changes.
Healthcare
Nasal sprays are gaining popularity as drug delivery devices, with two recent FDA approvals offering a new path for drug delivery.2
Advances in hearing aids are vital as the U.S. population ages. Recent studies have linked hearing loss to mental decline, adding to the reasons to address hearing loss. These devices are becoming more accessible with the introduction of over-the-counter versions. In addition, new technologies, including enhancement with AI, lead to advances in the industry.3
PRODUCT NEWS
Polypropylene
PGP was flat in December. CDI and CMA both reported out flat as well.4, 5
CDI is estimating that PGP will be up $0.02/lb. in January and up $0.015/lb. in February.4
ACC and CDI report operating rates at 77.3% and DOH at 42.6 days in November. Operating rates increased by 7.4% and DOH increased by 7.6 days from October.4, 6
Export: Activity in the export markets was reported as flat, despite expectations that prices will rebound in Q1 2026.7
Mexico: Supply is reported as being adequate as producers in the U.S. continue to run their units with discipline to avoid margin erosion and as converters only buy what they need.7
Polyethylene
PE settled flat in December. CDI and CMA both reported flat as well.4, 5
CDI is estimating PE to be up $0.03/lb. in January and flat in February.4
Some suppliers have issued price increase letters between $0.05/lb. and $0.07/lb. for January.
ACC and CDI report operating rates at 94.0% (varies by segment) and DOH at 47.4 for all of PE in November. Operating rates for all PE increased by 6.7% and DOH increased by 2.7 days (all PE) from October.4, 6
CMA/IHS will have an NMA in January 2026.5
Export: The first weeks of December saw an increase in activity, as there is high chance producers will pass through a price increase in January.7
Mexico7: • Demand increased during the last weeks of December as players were trying to secure volumes before a potential price increase in January. A majority of players agree price increases are likely in the next year. • Braskem Idesa reported limitations in their production
ABS4
December ABS contract prices continue to hold flat.
Upstream, Westlake announced closure of its Louisiana styrene site.
Market sources note Q4 demand is easing.
Feedstocks see mixed movement in December.
Freight rates are easing heading further into December, below November average.
Mexico’s tariffs on imports from China will mainly affect finished goods.
Polycarbonate4
PC December contract prices roll over from November.
PC domestic production is 7.2% lower YTD through December versus 2024.
PC market is oversupplied globally.
Polystyrene
December polystyrene (PS) contract prices at ICIS were up $0.03/lb. and CMA indices were up $0.0325/lb.4, 5
Suppliers and indices are continuing to see unseasonable inflated Benzene prices.4
2026 sentiment continues to be muted, flat to 2025.4
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