As Plastics News senior reporter Frank Esposito highlights, North American resin markets may experience significant price volatility in 2025. Industry analysts point to proposed tariffs from the incoming Trump administration, including 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10 percent on imports from China, which could disrupt trade flows for key materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC and PET. With Canada, Mexico, and China collectively accounting for over 40 percent of U.S. resin exports, any retaliatory actions could impact supply chains and drive price fluctuations across these major polymers.
Dec. 16: Economic resilience in plastics | Major packaging deal | Auto industry uncertainty
According to Sarah Kominek, staff writer for Plastics News, the North American auto sector faces significant turbulence. President-elect Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports threaten to disrupt supply chains governed by the USMCA agreement. These tariffs, along with uncertainties surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act, could lead to retaliatory measures, raising costs across the auto industry.
As Catherine Kavanaugh reports, the recyclability of flexible plastics like pouches is under fire. Critics argue that these materials lack viable end markets and are challenging to sort and process, which erodes public trust. This skepticism stems from past programs that oversaturated recycling streams with low-value plastics, highlighting ongoing challenges in sustainable packaging solutions.
Jim Johnson, a senior reporter at Plastics News, dives into Novolex’s acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen for $6.7 billion. The deal combines strengths in flexible and thermoformed packaging markets, with Novolex aiming for $650 million in cost synergies. Analysts see this move as part of a larger industry consolidation trend, positioning the company for global competitiveness.
As staff writer Catherine Kavanaugh explains, HDPE conduit is being transformed into artificial reefs in Texas lakes, mimicking submerged vegetation. These structures provide shelter for baitfish, attracting larger game fish and boosting angling opportunities. The innovative reuse of recycled plastics highlights a sustainable approach that also benefits local ecosystems.
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