Industry: Specialty polymers

In the October 2025 edition of the ADI Chemicals Newsletter, we begin by examining how POE and POP demand growth will continue in automotive, packaging, and renewable applications. Global demand for polyolefin elastomers (POE) and plastomers (POP) has grown steadily, driven by expanding use in packaging, polymer modification, and foam applications, with increasing adoption in […]

The early 1980s marked a turning point for the chemical industry with the emergence of single-site, homogeneous, or metallocene catalysts for polymer production. This single-site feature allowed for better control over polymer design, driving growth in specialty and engineered polymer applications. Ethylene- or propylene-based polyolefin elastomers (POE) and plastomers (POP) combine the properties of traditional […]

In the September 2025 edition of the ADI chemicals newsletter, we covered the major regulatory changes impacting plastics recycling in the U.S., which are creating both opportunities and challenges. This issue also highlighted several recent plant startups, including an ammonia plant by Cronus Chemicals in Illinois and an alkoxides facility by Evonik Industries in Singapore. […]

Last week, the annual Digitalization in Oil & Gas conference rolled into Houston, and I was grateful for the opportunity to speak at this always-excellent event hosted by our friends at the Energy Conference Network. The panel was charged to talk about building a digital-ready workforce, and I prepared by summarizing ADI Analytics’ consulting and research […]

Plastic waste management in the U.S. is undergoing major regulatory transformation. At the center of this change is advanced recycling, a group of chemical and thermal processes designed to complement traditional mechanical recycling by breaking down used plastics into the raw materials needed to make new plastics. Federal infrastructure programs, state-level policy shifts, and private […]

The plastics processing industry is undergoing a profound transformation. As global markets demand more sustainable, efficient, and digitally integrated manufacturing, the machinery that powers this sector is evolving rapidly. From injection molding to 3D printing, each technology is being reshaped by innovation, regulation, and shifting customer expectations. Exhibit 1. Plastic machinery companies and strategic initiatives […]

The European chemical industry is in the midst of a significant transformation, driven by a perfect storm of weak demand, persistently high energy costs, lingering overcapacity, and the disruptive impact of geopolitical factors like new tariffs. These challenging conditions are forcing major players to make tough decisions, resulting in a wave of strategic divestitures and painful plant closures across the […]

Europe’s chemical industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, marked by a surge in divestitures and plant closures. This challenging environment, driven by weak demand, persistently high energy costs, lingering overcapacity, and geopolitical pressures, highlights the sector’s declining competitiveness. Indeed, a recent Cefic study revealed that in 2023 and 2024 alone, chemical companies announced the closure of over […]

The oil & gas and chemical industries are at an inflection point. For years, growth was a given, but a new era, one characterized by a structural decline in capital and operational spending, is starting to take shape. Recent trends of slowing oil demand growth, oversupplied markets, and shrinking chemical margins as shown in exhibit […]

Resilience through innovation and strategic restructuring is laying the groundwork for a recovery in the chemicals industry. As companies pivot toward high-growth markets and adapt to global challenges, 2025 is expected to bring renewed optimism. Key trends to watch in 2025 include: The rest of this article is available to ADI Plus Essential subscribers. ADI […]

In the 2024 November ADI chemicals newsletter, we discussed how the chemical industry is experiencing significant shifts, with battery recycling poised for exponential growth due to mineral scarcity and regulatory pressures. Concurrently, companies are strategically expanding production capacities and engaging in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market positions, while securing feedstock supply agreements to […]

Selecting the site for a new hydrogen project, chemicals plant, or renewable energy facility can be a long and rigorous process. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is driving investment into new energy transition projects, but location is often a critical factor in a project’s success. Whether it’s the company’s first, second, or hundredth facility, finding […]