Resin supplies are improving but many companies are still short on materials; LyondellBasell Industries launches Circulen, a materials line that provides a lower carbon footprint; and Texans for Clean Water pushes legislation that would put a 1-cent fee on shopping bags, PET bottles and retail drink cups.

The polypropylene market remains unpredictable as prices take a tumble; polyurethane markets also see tight supplies and high prices; and the Council of the Great Lakes Region announced March 31 that it is launching a five-year effort to identify projects to tackle plastic pollution. 

Strong demand and tight supply continue to plague resin buyers, but production plant operating rates are improving; former Lucent Polymers executives were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in fraud; and plastics pollution legislation is introduced in Congress.