Plastic Industry Updates & Resources

International News Guide： Policy News: Global Plastics Treaty Talks Set to Resume in Geneva​ Recycling News: ReMA and APR Update Recycled Plastic Specifications​ Automotive News: EPP Loop: New Initiative for Recycling EPP Foam​ Equipment News: Reel Power Delivers "World's Largest" Plastic Pipe Coiler​ Macro News: Saudi Aramco CEO: Market Fundamentals Remain Strong​ Price Information: RMB/USD Central Parity Rate at 7.1366, Up 29 Pips Details of International News：   1. ReMA and APR Update Recycled Plastic Specifications The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) and the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), both based in Washington, recently released updates to ReMA’s ISRI Specifications and the APR Model Bale Specifications. The organizations say that after a “collaborative development process,” the specifications were approved by both of their boards of directors. 2. Global Plastics Treaty Talks Set to Resume in Geneva Eight months after failing to reach a consensus, the global plastics treaty talks led by the United Nations (UN) will resume in Geneva, Switzerland on Aug. 5. For 10 days from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14, delegations from 179 countries will participate as they meet at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, alongside an estimated 1,900 other participants from 618 observer organizations including scientists, environmentalists, and industry representatives. 3. Versalis and Acea Ambiente Collaborate to Promote Circular Plastic RecyclingVersalis, the chemical company of Eni, and Acea Ambiente, a subsidiary of Acea, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of integrated waste management and energy recovery, signed by Versalis CEO Adriano Alfani and Acea Ambiente CEO Gabriele Di Cintio. This agreement marks the start of a collaboration focused on promoting a circular economy through joint recycling programs, recovering value from post-consumer and post-industrial plastics. 4. EU Court Upholds Ruling to Revoke Carcinogenic Classification of Titanium DioxideTitanium dioxide, a white pigment, is widely used in coatings, pharmaceuticals, food, toys, and other products. In 2016, France's National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), suggesting classifying titanium dioxide as a carcinogen when exposed via inhalation. In 2017, ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) adopted the opinion, confirming the scientific basis for this classification. Based on this, the European Commission adopted a regulation in 2019, implementing a classification and labeling system for titanium dioxide—specifically stipulating that when powder contains 1% or more particles with a diameter ≤10 microns, the substance is classified as a "suspected human carcinogen by inhalation." Several titanium dioxide producers, importers, downstream users, and suppliers subsequently filed lawsuits with the General Court of the EU, challenging this classification standard. 5. EPP Loop: New initiative for recycling EPP foam General Industries Deutschland GmbH (GID), based in Kassel, Germany, is calling for active participation in the circular economy for expanded polypropylene (EPP). With its new platform, EPP Loop,' the company aims to give impetus to the circular economy for EPP in Europe. The voluntary initiative aims to return EPP waste to the recycling loop in a resource-saving and climate-friendly manner in collaboration with manufacturers, processors, end users, logistics providers and recyclers. The initiative is based on a take-back and recycling system in which companies along the entire value chain actively participate on a voluntary basis. Its vision is to collect and recycle 75 per cent of all EPP waste generated in Germany by 2030. 6. Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Market to Hit $38.21 Billion by 2030, Driven by EV Boom & E-Waste Recovery The global lithium-ion battery recycling market is on a high-growth trajectory, poised to jump from a valuation of $1.33 billion in 2020 to an impressive $38.21 billion by 2030, expanding at a staggering CAGR of 36.0% from 2021 to 2030. 7. Reel Power Delivers 'World's Largest' Plastic Pipe Coiler Houston-based Reel Power Marine & Energy built the world's largest thermoplastic pipe coiler to meet growing global demand for high-capacity pipe in the energy infrastructure market. 8. Global Plastics Treaty calls intensify as microplastics linked to health impacts With INC-5.2 kicking off tomorrow, WWF and the University of Birmingham underline its importance by linking micro and nanoplastics (MnPs) to various environmental and human health impacts, ranging from disrupted food production to cancer and infertility. Microplastics (typically defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimetres in size) and nanoplastics (fragments smaller than 1 micrometre, or 1/1000th of a millimetre) leach into the environment from plastic products such as packaging. Most are said to be secondary particles, formed as larger pieces of plastic degrade over time.   Overseas Macro Market Information:   【Saudi Aramco CEO: Market Fundamentals Remain Strong】 Saudi Aramco CEO: Market fundamentals are "still strong." Global oil demand is expected to increase by more than 2 million barrels per day in the second half of the year compared to the first half. 【Saudi Aramco's Q2 Total Revenue Exceeds Expectations】Saudi Aramco's Q2 total revenue was 407.14 billion riyals, compared to an estimate of 378.98 billion riyals. Q2 operating profit was 167.09 billion riyals, vs. an estimate of 180.4 billion riyals. Q2 net profit was 85.63 billion riyals, vs. an estimate of 89.34 billion riyals. 【BP's Q2 Adjusted EBITDA Exceeds Expectations】BP's Q2 adjusted EBITDA was $5.25 billion, compared to an estimate of $4.6 billion. Q2 adjusted EBITDA from oil production and operations was $2.26 billion, vs. an estimate of $2.27 billion. Q2 adjusted EBITDA from natural gas and low-carbon energy was $1.46 billion, vs. an estimate of $1.26 billion. Q2 adjusted net profit was $2.35 billion, vs. an estimate of $1.76 billion. 【Indonesia's Q2 Economic Growth Accelerates Unexpectedly, Exporters Rush Shipments Before Tariff Measures Take Effect】Indonesia's statistics bureau announced on Tuesday that gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.12% year-on-year in the three months ending June, exceeding the median forecast of 4.8%. The economy grew 4.04% quarter-on-quarter in Q2, higher than economists' forecast of 3.69%. The export sector of Southeast Asia's largest economy grew, benefiting from advance shipments before the implementation of US tariffs. The US tariff rate on Indonesia has been reduced from the threatened 32% to 19%. 【1-Year USD/Onshore RMB Swap Point Hits 10-Month High, Boosted by Narrowing Domestic-Foreign Interest Rate Spread】The 1-year USD/onshore RMB swap point hit a 10-month high on Tuesday, continuing Monday's sharp rebound. According to multiple traders, the narrowing of domestic and foreign interest rate spreads since last Friday has pushed swap prices higher, with supply and demand temporarily finding a balance below last year's highs. Traders said that since July, Chinese major banks have reduced their one-way USD selling in 1-year swaps, and price fluctuations have begun to be more affected by domestic and foreign interest rates and exchange rate expectations.   Price Information:   【RMB/USD Central Parity Rate Hits Highest Since November 6, 2024】The RMB/USD central parity rate was reported at 7.1366, up 29 pips; the previous session's central parity rate was 7.1395, the previous session's official closing price was 7.1766, and the previous night's closing price was 7.1800. 【Upstream Raw Material USD Market Prices】Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/ton; CFR Southeast Asia $830/ton.Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average $730/ton; CFR China average $765/ton.North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: propane $502-504/ton; butane $472-474/ton.South China frozen cargo CIF price for early September: propane $546-556/ton; butane $516-526/ton.Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane $502-504/ton; butane $472-474/ton. 【LLDPE USD Market Prices】Film: $870-915/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $940/ton (CFR Dongguan). 【HDPE USD Market Prices】Film: $910/ton (CFR Huangpu); Blow molding: $855/ton (CFR Huangpu); Injection molding: $890/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipes: $1030/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【LDPE USD Market Prices】Film: $1075-1095/ton (CFR Huangpu); Coating: $1280/ton (CFR Huangpu). 【PP USD Market Prices】Homopolymer: $910-965/ton (CFR Huangpu); Copolymer: $920-965/ton (CFR Nansha), down $10/ton; Transparent: $1000-1055/ton (CFR Huangpu); Pipes: $1160/ton (CFR Shanghai).    

On August 1, 2025, the European Commission officially announced the launch of the public consultation and evidence collection process for the Circular Economy Act, seeking wide-ranging opinions from the entire society. The deadline is November 6, 2025. The Act is expected to be...Officially implemented in 2026...marks a key step for the EU in building a unified policy framework for the circular economy. The European Commission emphasizes that this legislation will help strengthen the EU inEconomic Security, Strategic Resilience, and Industrial CompetitivenessThe foundation in this aspect, and support its development.Decarbonization and Green Transformation Strategic GoalsIts core vision is:Double the EU material circularity rate by 2030 and establish an efficient and unified secondary raw materials market.。 — 1 — Core content: Establish a single market for recycled materials and promote high-value recycling of electronic waste. The Circular Economy Law is centered on two policy pillars. 1. Focusing on the upgrade of electronic waste management E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the EU (with an annual growth rate of over 2%), yet its recycling rate is below 40%. The bill proposes to increase the recycling rate of critical materials (rare earths, lithium, nickel, etc.). Relevant instructions may be revised to promote standardization and unified implementation. 2. Establish a single market for secondary raw materials Reform the "End-of-Waste" standardsOpen up the legalization channel for recycled materials; Digital Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) System； Public Procurement Green StandardsDrive market demand; Unified authentication system, eliminationRegulatory Fragmentation and Market Barriers Among Member States。 The bill will also be advanced in conjunction with a series of core policies, including the "Competitiveness Compass," the "Single Market Strategy," the "Critical Raw Materials Act," and the "Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation," further improving the institutional foundation of the EU's green economy. — 2 — Background Motivation: Resource Security Anxiety and Policy Fragmentation Driving Transformation The EU's accelerated legislation this time stems from a combination of multiple pressures. Severe resource dependenceHighly dependent on imported primary raw materials, especially in key areas of high technology and manufacturing. High pressure to achieve climate neutralityThe current material recycling rate is only about 11.8%, far from meeting green targets. Policy fragmentation and inefficiencyThe inconsistent standards among member countries and the disconnection in recycling, design, trade, and other links restrict the systematic implementation of the circular economy. Insufficient industrial momentumThe cost of recycled materials is high, and there is a lack of market trust, leading to a lack of willingness from businesses and consumers to adopt them. Therefore, the European Union urgently needs to enact legislation to establish a unified market mechanism, improve the supply quality and market attractiveness of recycled materials, and promote the green economy to transition from "isolated experiments" to "systematic upgrades." — 3 — What is the impact on Chinese enterprises? Challenges and opportunities coexist. For Chinese companies in the fields of plastic recycling and electronics manufacturing, the advancement of the EU Circular Economy Act presents both challenges and opportunities. 1. Compliance thresholds are rising, leading to a comprehensive restructuring of the product design chain. The proportion of recycled materials, recyclability, and product carbon footprint (PCF) will become strict requirements for export.； Chinese suppliers will be required to provide full lifecycle traceability data (connecting with DPP product passports). The fields of electronics, plastics, and automobiles will face large-scale pressure for green transformation. 2. Export of recycled materials must pass the "compliance check." Recycled plastics, rubber, and metals that do not meet the "waste-to-non-waste" standards, May be rejected by the EU； The enterprise is required to provideComplete Compliance Traceability + Certification Report…forcing China’s recycling system to improve and upgrade. Investment and project opportunities are squeezed by local priorities. The EU legislation emphasizesLocal Investment Priority and Green Job Creation； Establish technical trade barriers for enterprises from third countries (such as formats, certification systems).Restrict Chinese enterprises from investing in or participating in space in Europe。 4. EPR responsibility will gradually hold Chinese manufacturing accountable for origin traceability. Electric tools and electronic devices exported from China to the European Union will be subject to a more stringent Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. Register a responsible representative in Europe, pay recycling fees, submit annual reports, etc.Refer to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act and the French EPR system.。 — 4 — Response Recommendations: China Should Shift from "Passive Adaptation" to "Active Shaping" In the face of rule restructuring, China shouldAccelerate response from the aspects of system, industry, and resources.： Policy: Promote national-level legislation on the circular economy Improve the "Circular Economy Promotion Law" by introducingMandatory Full Lifecycle Management Clause； Promote the eco-labeling system for products, such as mandatory labeling of "recycled material content." Establish a domestic green product certification system to enhance international competitiveness. Industry: Accelerating Green Manufacturing and Ecological Design Encourage enterprises to developRepairable, disassemblable, recyclableof the product; Increase support forLCA Life Cycle Assessment, Green Design Standardssupport; Cultivate leading enterprises in green manufacturing chains and build global-level green industrial clusters. Resources: Building a Strategic Regenerative Materials Security System Waste Classification and Recycling Depth； Enhance the quality control and traceability of recycled materials. Strengthen the regulation of renewable resource trade.Prevent the outflow of strategic resources。 — 5 — In conclusion: China cannot be absent from the global green rules game. The "Circular Economy Act" is not only an institutional change within the EU, but may also become...The "Template" for Future Global Green Trade and Resource GovernanceFor China, which is one of the world’s largest recycling markets, it should not merely be a “rule taker,” but should also strive to become a leader.Standard Setter and Industry Leader。

Geneva, August 4, 2025 — Today, the second phase of the fifth meeting (INC-5.2) of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) will officially commence at the United Nations Office at Geneva, marking a critical stage in global negotiations on plastic pollution governance. Representatives from over 170 countries have gathered to strive for a legally binding global plastic treaty. This agreement aims to comprehensively address the threats posed by plastic pollution to the environment and human health, from source to end-of-life. The global plastic treaty negotiations will be held from August 5 to 14 at the Palais des Nations, United Nations Office in Geneva. — 1 — NGO and enterprises join hands to call for "comprehensive lifecycle solutions" During the conference, the environmental organization WRAP and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation jointly hosted a side event focusing on how to turn existing global commitments into concrete actions. WRAP emphasized that a strong, legally binding global treaty is essential and must cover the entire lifecycle of plastics—from production and use to recycling and final disposal. The organization showcases circular economy practices already in place in several countries through its "Plastics Pact Network." This network covers 19 countries and brings together over 900 companies and organizations. It is providing scalable and replicable pathways for global plastic governance by eliminating problematic plastics, promoting reuse systems, and building circular models that meet local needs. Leaders of the Plastic Convention from India, Chile, and Pacific Island countries shared their achievements in promoting circular solutions with business representatives at a side event, demonstrating the potential for cross-industry collaboration to accelerate global implementation. Organizations such as WRAP also support the “Nairobi Declaration,” a joint call endorsed by more than 100 countries, advocating that the treaty should cover the entire life cycle of plastics. It emphasizes that efforts should not focus solely on end-of-life waste management, but should also prevent and reduce pollution at the source. — 2 — Industry: The Debate Between Realism and "Negotiation and Compromise" Meanwhile, the plastics industry is also speaking out. A representative of the Global Plastics Council stated at the World Economic Forum meeting held on August 3 that they hope the treaty will focus on practical and feasible issues, such as waste management and recycling systems, rather than introducing regulations related to chemical health risks in the treaty. He warned that excessive involvement in these "divisive issues" could hinder the conclusion of the treaty. This view immediately sparked skepticism from other delegates in attendance. Some representatives from environmental and policy groups stated bluntly that the treaty should not compromise on health issues and should set clear targets for source management, the banning of toxic substances, and the development of reusable packaging systems. "We cannot sacrifice the ambition of the treaty for the sake of compromise," a representative stated. "We must not allow a minority opposing public health protection to influence the entire negotiation." — 3 — Differences remain, but there is also consensus. EPR, recycling, design reform Despite significant disagreements on issues such as chemical regulation and plastic production limits, the participants have reached preliminary consensus on certain technical measures. For example, extended producer responsibility (EPR), promoting the use of recycled materials in packaging, and enhancing infrastructure for reusable and recyclable packaging. Notably, the business community is also gradually beginning to accept regulatory demands concerning "toxic chemicals." Executives from consumer goods companies have expressed support for the treaty's restrictions on the application scenarios of "chemicals of concern" to prevent them from entering the recycling system. "We need a policy framework that helps to promote the global circular economy. Institutional support is crucial to achieving significant progress in the next five years," an industry representative concluded. — 4 — What is the future of the plastic treaty? The ten-day negotiation is regarded as the "last attempt" following the unsuccessful meeting in South Korea at the end of 2024. All parties hope to reach compromises and breakthroughs on core issues such as the treaty framework, implementation mechanisms, financial support, and chemical management during this round of talks. As one attendee mentioned, "If we cannot reach a consensus on this global pollution issue, it will be a historic regret."

Since the end of June, news about a significant layoff (70%) in the washing machine division of Roborock Technology has been circulating online. This news has been interpreted as Roborock Technology’s "second growth curve" encountering failure and as a signal of a strategic shift under the leadership of a technology-driven team. It is worth noting that Roborock Technology has not yet issued an official response. For a time, the question of how high the barriers to entry are in the "large white goods" industry and the prospects of small kitchen appliances entering the major appliances market have once again sparked discussion. White goods are also a "big cake". Just as major home appliance companies focused on air conditioners and refrigerators ventured into kitchen appliances more than a decade ago, in recent years, small kitchen and bathroom appliance enterprises have also taken steps to enter the major appliance (especially white goods) sector.Previously, major appliance companies ventured into the kitchen appliance sector, viewing it as "the last piece of cake in the home appliance industry." Similarly, current kitchen appliance companies view white goods in the same way. A typical example among them is Dreame. In March this year, the cleaning appliance brand Dreame announced its major appliance strategy and simultaneously showcased innovative products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines. Among these, the "robotic arm air supply technology" of the air conditioner was particularly eye-catching. Just two months later, Dreame's major appliance base, with a total investment of 4 billion yuan, broke ground in Lishui, Nanjing, Jiangsu. It is understood that the base will construct a total of six new production lines for washing machines and refrigerators, with an expected annual production of nearly 5 million units. The facility is expected to be completed and put into operation by mid-2027. In 2023, Stone Technology, which is also in the cleaning appliance industry, embarked on a journey into the washing machine sector. With its self-developed molecular sieve low-temperature drying technology, Stone Technology garnered significant attention and made a splash during that year's 618 shopping festival. As two leading enterprises in the kitchen appliance industry, Fotile and Robam both announced plans to enter the refrigerator market in 2022. Fotile’s refrigerators debuted in 2022, focusing on fully flush built-in designs, and in 2024 introduced ocean-grade nitrogen preservation technology, dedicated to creating a new generation of high-end, fully built-in refrigerators worldwide. "Sheep entering a herd of horses," what exactly is the reason? An industry insider once told me that small kitchen appliance companies entering the air conditioning, refrigerator, and washing machine sectors is a typical case of "a sheep entering a herd of horses." I immediately understood that this description referred only to scale, and nothing else. So what are the reasons that drive companies with a scale of tens of billions to eagerly venture into fields where their peers are valued in the hundreds of billions? The answer is quite simple, mainly four reasons: 1The need for the development of kitchen appliance companies themselves. 2Opportunities brought by scenario-based consumption at the terminal. 3Diversification of channels, especially the rise of new e-commerce platforms. 4Opportunities brought by brand rejuvenation. The first reasonIt goes without saying and need not be stated here. The second reason:Terminal scenario-based consumption refers to the recent trend where users' purchasing habits have evolved from standardized sets to kitchen scenarios, kitchen and bathroom scenarios, and then to home living scenarios in a step-by-step manner. Fundamentally, this reflects users' pursuit of aesthetic unity and convenience and efficiency in consumption. The flip side of this issue is that users are unwilling to put effort into brand selection and comparison. The entry of brands like Fotile and Robam into the refrigerator market belongs to this category. The third reason:In recent years, online channels have been continuously evolving. From platform-based e-commerce to content-driven e-commerce, many new brand success stories have indeed been created. The fourth reason:The essence of brand rejuvenation is that young consumers are taking center stage. More precisely, it’s not just young consumers taking the stage, but rather, in today’s age of fragmented information, users who have grown up in the eras of the internet, mobile internet, and AI are taking the stage in successive waves.The fundamentally different growth environment, information access methods, and preference choices have led young consumers from generation to generation to begin "demystifying brands," which presents an opportunity for newcomers. What is the biggest obstacle? As mentioned earlier, when small kitchen appliance companies venture into the white goods sector, will they be squeezed out like a "sheep among horses," or will they be able to carve out a niche for themselves with their unique characteristics? According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, 2024At the end of the year, the number of air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines per 100 households was 150.6 respectively.Taiwan, 104.8Taihe 99.2 At this level of market penetration, it is evident that the original enterprises in the white goods sector are facing intense internal competition. Strict cost control and the ability to manage the entire industry chain are the primary requirements.In other words, the scale effect in the white goods sector is the primary pressure that small kitchen appliance companies have to face. The second is the technical barrier.Although it is often said that there is a technological ceiling in the white goods sector, especially for air conditioners, the long-standing accumulation of technology and the patent barriers that have been established are not something latecomers can surpass with just one or two technological breakthroughs. This is something that all kitchen appliance companies should reflect on. The third is the depth of channels and the resulting service capabilities.The brand channel penetration capability in the air, ice, and washing sectors has been accumulated over many years, especially with leading brands having penetrated down to the channel capillaries (communities and villages). This is not only something that online-focused cleaning appliance companies cannot achieve, but even leading kitchen appliance companies do not have an advantage in this regard. The last and most important, yet often misunderstood, is brand power. Here, the author prefers to interpret it as the ability to influence the number of consumers.The term "brand demystification" refers to users no longer being blindly loyal to a brand, rather than rejecting the genuine influence of a brand.Regarding brand history, the leading enterprises in the major home appliance sector each have a long journey. Whether in cleaning appliances or kitchen appliances, they have no disadvantages compared to each other. In terms of annual brand building investment, brands with a scale of hundreds of billions, whether in brand investment or R&D investment, are on a completely different level compared to late entrants. If we compare in terms of youthfulness or being closer to consumers, this issue can again be attributed to the level of brand investment. Scale, technology, channels, and service are all important. However, the seemingly intangible brand influence ultimately determines the competitive prospects of small kitchen appliance companies in the white goods industry.A corroborating example is that Xiaomi is also a late entrant and similarly lacks the aforementioned advantages compared to white goods brands. However, at least so far, Xiaomi has met its own expectations. Behind this success is precisely the wide reach and deep engagement of its "Mi Fans." "Let users know you are doing this, let users know you are doing this well," this is brand power, said the aforementioned industry insider. Of course, this is not to say that it is a mistake for small kitchen appliance companies to enter the white goods market. Finding the right positioning and extending and expanding one’s own advantages is, in itself, a form of success. In this respect, there is no shortage of newcomers.

A-share listed companies from Chengdu, SichuanXGIMI Technology(109.680, -0.42, -0.38%)(688696.SH) announced that, in order to meet the needs of the company's internationalization strategy and overseas business expansion, enhance the company's international brand awareness, and strengthen its overall competitiveness, it is planning to issue overseas listed shares (H shares) and apply for listing on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. XGIMI Technology stated that, as of now, the company is in discussions with relevant intermediaries regarding the issuance and listing of H shares. The details of the issuance and listing have not yet been finalized. Founded in 2013, XGIMI Technology is a high-tech innovation enterprise focused on the new display field, specializing in the development of innovative products such as smart projectors and laser TVs. The company integrates design, research and development, manufacturing, sales, and service. XGIMI possesses multiple core technologies and capabilities in areas including optical engine design, hardware circuit design, complete machine structural design, intelligent sensing algorithm development, image quality optimization algorithm development, and software system development. According to IDC data, since breaking the monopoly of foreign brands in the Chinese projector market in 2018, XGIMI has ranked first in shipment volume for five and a half consecutive years, and achieved both the highest shipment volume and sales revenue for three and a half consecutive years, widening the gap with its followers. XGIMI holds a leading position in the overall smart projector industry. XGIMI Technology (688696.SH) was listed on the A-share market on March 3, 2021, with a current market value of approximately 7.711 billion RMB.