Commodity plastics

Navigate complexity in the dynamic commodity plastics market. 

With rapid shifts in trade flows, escalating sustainability demands, and volatile costs, this vital industry requires agile strategies.

ADI Analytics empowers resin producers, converters, and investors with expert market research, pricing analysis, and strategic consulting across the commodity plastics value chain.

Commodity plastics dominate global plastics markets

Commodity plastics—including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—make up the bulk of global plastics production. These high-volume resins are critical for applications across packaging, automotive, building materials, consumer goods, and industrial components.

Commodity plastics markets are in a constant flux

Production capacity is expanding, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. Meanwhile, global demand continues to shift with macroeconomic conditions, regional consumption trends, and regulatory developments. Recycling policies, cost competitiveness, and tariffs are reshaping trade flows and altering global supply chain dynamics.

Sustainability and market volatility pressures are rising

Demand is rising for recycled content, bio-based alternatives, and lower-carbon feedstocks. At the same time, energy price swings and resin cost volatility further complicate margin management and pricing strategies. To remain competitive, companies must align product portfolios, sourcing strategies, and pricing models with these shifting demand patterns, policy directions, and customer expectations.

How ADI helps

ADI Analytics supports clients across the global commodity plastics value chain with a full suite of consulting and market research services focused on improving commercial outcomes, technical performance, and strategic direction:

• Market intelligence & pricing analysis including demand forecasting by resin and application, grade-level segmentation, pricing trend analysis, trade flow modeling, and margin benchmarking.
• Customer insight & downstream analysis involving voice-of-customer research, buyer needs assessment, converter profiling, and analysis of packaging formats and application trends.
• Sustainability & innovation strategy covering circular economy readiness, recycled resin market trends, evaluation of advanced recycling technologies, and ESG benchmarking.
• Cost & competitiveness assessment including regional cost curve modeling, feedstock analysis, plant benchmarking, and evaluation of production economics across assets and geographies.
• Strategic planning & transaction support involving market entry strategy, portfolio optimization, M&A support, commercial due diligence, and opportunity screening for M&A targets, new markets, and product expansion..

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Polyolefins

We cover every grade and variant of polyolefins, from polyethylene and polypropylene to polyolefin elastomers, synthetic rubbers, cyclic olefin polymers, and polyalphaolefins.

Specialty chemicals

Our expertise spans the diversity of specialty chemicals, including coatings, adhesives, lubes, surfactants, electronic chemicals, and catalysts as well as food and feed additives, personal care ingredients, and agrochemicals.

Methanol & ammonia

Specializing in methanol and ammonia, we provide deep analysis on derivatives including formaldehyde, acetic acid, MTO and MTP, urea, and fertilizers, plus their emerging roles in clean energy.

Specialty polymers

We cover fluoropolymers (e.g., PVDF), polyimides, polyketones (e.g., PEEK), polysulfones, liquid crystal polymers, and engineering thermoplastics (e.g., PC), and their uses in aerospace, healthcare, and electronics.

Engineered materials

We deliver insights on engineered materials from advanced composites (carbon fiber, fiberglass) and technical ceramics (alumina, silicon carbide) to high-performance metals (superalloys, titanium) and functional coatings.

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