The plastics market continues to shift under the combined influence of sustainability pressures, healthcare innovation, and fluctuating feedstock fundamentals. Mobility OEMs are accelerating the push toward recyclable, circular materials, while the healthcare sector is experiencing strong growth driven by increased demand for drug-delivery devices and new investments in medical-waste recycling. Across major resin categories—including PP, PE, PS, PC, and ABS—pricing movements remain closely tied to operating rates, export dynamics, and year-end demand trends. This month’s Resin Report provides a snapshot of the latest developments shaping each segment.
MARKET SPOTLIGHT
Mobility1
Demand is rising sharply: Consumers and OEMs are actively pushing for sustainable interior materials to meet environmental and CO₂ goals, and circularity is becoming a requirement, not a differentiator.
Circular design is central: Manufacturers aim for every interior component to be recyclable or reusable; monomaterial TPO/TPU constructions facilitate end-of-life recovery.
Market opportunity grows: Sustainable materials create new design possibilities (e.g., speckled TPU from post-industrial waste, bio-fillers like cork/hay) and appeal strongly to EV buyers and emerging OEMs.
Healthcare
Expanded Medicare coverage and wider adoption of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy® and Zepbound® are expected to increase demand for medical-grade plastics used in drug delivery systems, such as autoinjectors, pens, blister packaging, and cold-chain transport components—creating continued growth opportunities across healthcare packaging and device manufacturing. 2
Remedi secured a permit in Texas to recycle regulated medical waste — enabling recovery and reuse of medical-grade plastics and other materials that would otherwise be incinerated or put in landfill. 3
PRODUCT NEWS
Polypropylene
PGP was down $0.04/lb. in October. CDI and CMA both reported out down $0.04/lb. as well.4, 5
CDI is estimating that PGP will be down $0.01/lb. in November and up $0.01/lb. in December.4
ACC and CDI report operating rates at 72.5% and DOH at 39.9 days in September. Operating rates decreased by 3.3% and DOH increased by 0.1 days from August.4, 6
Export5: Prices on the export market followed PGP settlement for October. Demand is reported as being stagnant as year-end approaches
Mexico5: Sales improved following October price settlements. Local producer, Idelpro, continues to run at regular rates. Supply is reported as abundant.
Polyethylene
PE settled flat in October. CDI and CMA both reported flat as well.4, 5
CDI is estimating PE to be flat in November and December.4
Some suppliers have issued price increase letters for November at $0.03/lb.
ACC and CDI report operating rates at 90.9% (varies by segment) and DOH at 46.2 for all of PE in September. Operating rates for all PE decreased by 7.1% and DOH increased by 4.2 days (all PE) from August.4, 6
CMA/IHS will have an Non-Market Adjustment (NMA) in January 2026, but the amount is still TBD.
Export5: There is an expectation that export activities might increase in the coming months, as a result of the truce between the U.S. and China.
Mexico5: Local market demand remains weak while prices continue to be at low levels. Local producer Braskem Idesa is running at regular rates; PEMEX is operating one of their LDPE units intermittently.
ABS4
INEOS is preparing to file 10 antidumping cases with the European Commission, citing an increased flow of low-cost material imports.
U.S. and China have agreed to delay the implementation of port fees for one year, beginning on November 10th.
October ABS benchmark high contract prices, which are forecasted to remain steady, and low prices were adjusted down.
Bearish sentiment in feedstocks has continued for most of this year.
Freight rates continue to see yearly lows, hinting at a floor.
Polycarbonate4
PC October contract prices are forecasted to be lower.
PC domestic production is 11.6% lower year to date versus 2024.
PC market is oversupplied globally.
U.S. trade data is not available due to the government shutdown.
A price increase was announced by one domestic producer.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene contract prices for both CDI and CMA decreased by $0.02/lb. in October.4, 5
As we approach the typical market slowdown ahead of the holiday season, the outlook for Polystyrene pricing is holding steady throughout the remainder of the year.4
Major Polystyrene markets (i.e., packaging, domestic appliances, and construction) are continuing to reflect weak demand.4,
MyNexeo
Shop 3D
Careers
LinkedIn
Language
Blog
MyNexeo
MyNexeo
Careers
LinkedIn
