Polyethylene
The UAW strike against the Detroit 3 is already impacting the resin market. PN's Sarah Kominek talks with Matt Zessin, global director of automotive for M. Holland, at the Detroit auto show. Also, a surprising price increase for polyethylene, driven by exports to China and supply issues at Chevron Phillips and Nova Chemicals.
This marks the second time this year that Nova Chemicals' Moore Township, Ontario, site has operated under supply limits because of an ethylene supply issue.
Polyethylene production and prices are the talk of this month's Polymer Points Live with senior reporter Frank Esposito, and Dow CEO Jim Fitterling also sees balancing on the horizon for polyurethanes.
Suppliers of both materials are trying to recover from shortages while also attempting to meet strong demand.
A new grade of Paxon HDPE also offers sustainable options.
Global oil giant Saudi Aramco plans to invest $15 billion in a Reliance Industries Ltd. unit that includes one of the world's largest polypropylene businesses.
Polyethylene composite product has interlocking system for use as temporary access roads, work platforms, crane pads and more. The product is lighter, more durable than wood competitors, and it can be recycled after 10-15-years of use.
Performance Pipe's manufacturing operation in Plano, Texas, earned a Star Site designation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for operating 13 years without a recordable injury.
The PE market "could move from robust to having excess supply," IHS Markit experts said. "The global economy is slowing down, and PE demand is closely linked to GDP."
The longtime plastics executive also said the firm is working to improve sustainability.
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 |