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1. Governmental and Lobbying
One agreement in plastics treaty talks? Stick to the UN path
While it remains unclear what’s next in the United Nations’ plastics treaty talks, there are signs from more ambitious nations that they prefer to stick with the UN-led negotiations rather than form their own agreement for the «coalition of the willing.»
After the sixth round of talks in Geneva in August again failed to strike a deal, some called for countries favoring a more ambitious approach to start with an agreement outside the UN and hope others follow, similar to a path taken for a global deal on trade in endangered species.
But in statements on the sidelines of the Sept. 9-28 UN General Assembly meeting in New York, countries that favor a far-reaching treaty — including global targets to restrict chemicals in plastics and tackle «unsustainable» levels of consumption and production — are suggesting it’s better to stay within what has been a very contentious UN-led process.
Why a global price cap on virgin plastics could break the treaty deadlock
The latest round of negotiations on the global plastics treaty ended in familiar frustration. Once again, delegates left the table divided, with little more than vague promises and hardened positions. For those of us hoping for decisive progress, it’s easy to feel disheartened. But in hindsight, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised.
The talks are caught between two entrenched camps. On one side are governments and advocates pressing for an ambitious treaty, one that places real limits on plastic production, curbs pollution at its source and charts a credible path to solving the plastics crisis. On the other side sit the petrostates and their allies, whose economies depend heavily on fossil fuels. Their position is predictable: focus the treaty narrowly on downstream waste management and avoid any serious conversation about scaling back production.
The reality is that we cannot expect hydrocarbon economies to voluntarily agree to reduce the very petroleum-based products their constituencies rely on for revenues and jobs. No political leader in those nations can sell such a deal at home. Which means that if we continue to center the negotiations around production caps, we are setting ourselves up for more stalemates. We need a fresh approach.
2. Features and News Articles
Introducing Plastics News’ Notable Leaders in Sustainability 2025
Plastics NewsÂ’ third-annual Notable Leaders in Sustainability highlights 20 of the industryÂ’s most influential innovators and trailblazers, from engineers to executives to company founders. Their careers are proof that whatÂ’s good for the environment also is good for business.
WeÂ’re recognizing leaders who are driving plastics toward a circular future.
Material Insights: PS prices fall after three straight months of gains
In this week’s Material Insights, senior reporter Frank Esposito breaks down the price drop in polystyrene resin following three straight months of increases. He explains that the September decline aligns with a sharp drop in benzene prices, which fell 23 cents for the month.
Esposito also notes that demand for polystyrene remains flat at best, as the material continues to face competition from alternatives like polyethylene and polypropylene. Some buyers pushed for a steeper decrease, but most of the market saw the same modest reduction.
European recycled resin prices pressured by low demand
Most classes of standard recycled resins in Europe have come under pressure over the last two months, forcing recyclers to reduce prices. Demand for recyclate was curbed further by the summer holidays in August and hasnÂ’t yet seen a notable upturn once converters returned to work in September. Recyclers have also faced growing competitive pressure from the lower cost of off-spec virgin material and aggressively priced imports.
In August, prices for most standard recycled materials fell slightly because of low demand and competition from the lower cost of standard thermoplastics, even though input costs had risen. Recycled PET and recycled high density polyethylene prices fell by €10-20 per metric ton and recycled polypropylene and high impact polystyrene prices fell by €20 per tonne. Only recycled low density PE prices remained unchanged from the previous month’s level.
In September, prices for all classes of standard recyclate have fallen, primarily because of low demand. Recyclers also continued to face pressure from lower cost virgin material and competitively-priced imports. As a result, there was a growing supply of material available even though recyclers continued to curb production.
Take a look at our processor rankings
Top Six Plastic Processor Rankings plus Recyclers and Mold Makers.Â
Mergers & Acquisition Tracker
Updated list of merger and acquisition deals within the plastics industry. Details include the buyer and the company or assets being purchased, along with a link to read more about each transaction.
3. Recycling and Sustainability
Plastics Recycling World Magazine
September 2025 issue:
Rigid Packaging Still Has Problems to Solve
Technical and market challenges are continuing for those involved in creating circularity in rigid consumer packaging. Read on to examine some of the initiatives being implemented that are working to tackle the issues…
RecyclersÂ’ Guide to K2025
The latest edition of the K show runs from October 8 to October 15 in Dusseldorf. This edition’s theme is: The Power of Plastics! Green – Smart – Responsible, reflecting the industry’s values and targets. The last event in 2022 was attended by 3,020 exhibitors from 59 nations and visitors from 167 countries. K2025 looks set to follow a similar pattern…
The Development of AI for Sorting Recycled Plastics
A look at advances in sorting technology for plastics recycling, many of which involve artificial intelligence.
Second Pass:Â Innovations in Granulators
Advances in granulators and recycling include new models for medical applications, a grinder for large, injection-molded parts, and a method for incorporating predictive maintenance. Read on for all the details…
Upcoming Events:
AMI Plastics Recycling World Expo
November 12-13, 2025
Cleveland, Ohio
Information and Registration:Â https://events.amiplastics.com/plastics-world-expos-na/exhibit/become-an-exhibitor
