【Global News】Italy fines bioplastics maker Novamont ! Samsung Boosts Use of Recycled Plastics; Kuraray Expands Production Again

International News Guide:

• Raw Materials - Malaysia Announces Tighter Plastic Waste Import Rules, Effective July 1
• Automotive - EU End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations Loom, But Implementation Hurdles Persist
• Packaging - Bioplastics Break Performance Bottleneck: AIMPLAS-Lead Project Reshapes Sustainable Packaging
• Electronics - Samsung Reports 31% Recycled Plastic Content in Galaxy Devices
• Macro - Canada Cancels Digital Services Tax to Advance US Trade Talks
• Price - Ethylene Asia: CFR NE Asia $850/ton; CFR SE Asia $860/ton

The following are details of international news:

1.Italy fines bioplastics maker Novamont for abusing dominant

The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (Italian Competition Authority, AGCM) has imposed a €30.4 million fine on bioplastics manufacturer Novamont S.p.A for abuse of its dominant market position. Specifically, the company “abused its dominant position in the national markets for raw materials used in the production of bags (lightweight and ultra-lightweight for fruit and vegetables) by engaging in exclusionary practices targeting competitors,” according to an AGCM press release.

2.Doubling down on double capacity: our second advanced recycling unit is up and running in Baytown

ExxonMobil has commissioned a second advanced recycling unit in Baytown, We’ve expanded our Baytown operations with a second advanced recycling unit. Combined with our first unit, which has been  in operation since late 2022 , we have processed more than 100 million pounds of plastic as of May 2025.

3.Samsung Reports 31% Recycled Plastic Content in Galaxy Devices

Samsung’s 2025 sustainability report reveals that 31% of plastic components in Galaxy smartphones and other products launched in 2024 used recycled materials, a new high for the company. The report notes Samsung has expanded its e-waste recycling program to 80 countries and regions globally, up from 70 in 2023.

4.AkzoNobel Agrees to Sell Majority Stake in Indian Unit to JSW Group

AkzoNobel has signed an agreement to sell its stake in AkzoNobel India Limited (ANIL) to India’s JSW Group, based on an enterprise value of approximately €1.4 billion (22x EV/EBITDA), covering its liquid coatings business in India. AkzoNobel will retain full ownership of ANIL’s powder coatings business and international research center. The divestment is the first step in the company’s strategic portfolio review announced in October 2024 to focus capital and capabilities on leading positions in key global coatings markets.

5.EU Launches Anti-Dumping Investigation into Vietnamese PET Plastic

The European Commission has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic imports from Vietnam, following complaints from EU PET producers alleging dumping at below normal value, harming the EU industry. The investigation, launched on May 22, 2025, covers 2024 export data and targets PET plastic with a viscosity of 78 ml/g or higher (ISO 1628-5), under HS code 39076100.

6.Malaysia Announces Stricter Plastic Waste Import Rules, Effective July 1

Malaysia will implement stricter plastic waste import regulations from July 1, banning all plastic waste imports to align with the Basel Convention and its 2019 Plastic Waste Amendment, including prohibiting trade of specific plastic waste among Convention parties. Currently, Malaysia receives far more plastic waste from wealthy developed nations than other non-OECD countries.

7.Bioplastics Break Performance Bottleneck: AIMPLAS-Lead BIOPROCESS Project Reshapes Sustainable Packaging

Bioplastics are emerging as a more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based non-degradable plastics in packaging, but further research is needed to ensure biodegradable/compostable plastics meet shelf-life requirements. The AIMPLAS-led BIOPROCESS project aims to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of bioplastics for high-performance flexible packaging films in food, cosmetics, personal care, detergents, and cleaning products. Partners include Potato Bioplastics (renewable resource bioplastics manufacturer) and Gaviplas (flexible film producer).

8.Kuraray Expands Production Again, Near-Monopolizing Market

Kuraray has announced plans to expand production of optical polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film "Poval" at its Saijo Plant in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, driven by demand for larger screen sizes. The new line, scheduled for December 2027, will produce wider optical PVA films compatible with 3-meter-wide polarizers, adding 38 million square meters annual capacity and boosting total capacity from 296 million to 334 million square meters.

9.EU End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations Loom, But Implementation Hurdles Persist
In Europe, end-of life vehicles (ELVs) are recycled at a high rate, with an average of 95% of materials being reused and recovered, and 85% being reused and recycled. However, some challenges remain such as the lack of circularity in design and production, the uptake of recycled materials in new vehicles or the low recycling rates for specific materials, such as plastics – with  80% of ELV plastics being currently incinerated or landfilled. This is a missed opportunity with enormous environmental and economic consequences.

As the EU finalises the new the End-of Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation, a crucial piece of legislation designed to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles across their entire lifecycle, there is a critical window to push for real change.

10.Enterprises Including VW, BMW, Mercedes, and Bosch Sign MoU to Co-Develop Automotive Software Platform

Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, and 8 other automotive and tech companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to co-develop and share advanced automotive software platforms, aiming to counter U.S. technological dominance and regain control of future vehicle digital architectures.

Overseas macroeconomic market information:

No Room for Compromise? Trump Says Unwilling to Lower Tariffs on Japanese Cars as Japanese Official Is "Standed Up" by U.S. Treasury Secretary

U.S. President Trump said on June 29 he is not prepared to lower the 25% additional tariff on Japanese cars, the focal point of U.S.-Japan trade talks. Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryohei extended his U.S. visit but failed to meet Treasury Secretary Bessent during his 7th trip.

Indonesia Relaxes Import Regulations for Commodities

Indonesia has relaxed import rules for 10 commodities, planning further deregulation measures.

Indonesian President Says Will Collaborate with Chinese Partners to Promote Power Battery Ecosystem Project

Indonesian President Prabowo said on June 29 that the power battery ecosystem project, a $5.9 billion investment by state miner Antam, Indonesia Battery Corporation, and Ningbo Puqin Times, will make Indonesia the only Southeast Asian country with integrated upstream-to-downstream battery production, inviting Chinese partners to advance the strategic project.

Canada Cancels Digital Services Tax to Advance U.S. Trade Talks

Canadian Prime Minister Kearney and President Trump agreed to resume trade talks to reach an agreement by July 21, after Trump terminated talks over Canada’s digital tax.

Price information:

【USD/CNY Central Parity Rate】

The central parity rate of RMB against USD was set at 7.1586, up 41 pips. The previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1627, official closing price was 7.1690, and overnight closing price was 7.1740.

• Ethylene (Asia):
  • CFR Northeast Asia: $850/ton
  • CFR Southeast Asia: $860/ton
• Propylene (Northeast Asia):
  • FOB Korea average: $745/ton, down $5/ton
  • CFR China average: $795/ton, down $5/ton
• North Asia LPG (CIF):
  • Propane: $536.5-538.5/ton
  • Butane: $506.5-508.5/ton
• South China LPG (August arrival, CIF):
  • Propane: $566-576/ton
  • Butane: $536-546/ton
• Taiwan LPG (CIF):
  • Propane: $536.5-538.5/ton
  • Butane: $506.5-508.5/ton

• Film grade: $880-930/ton (Huangpu)
• Injection grade: $940/ton (Dongguan)

• Film grade: $910-930/ton (Huangpu)
• Hollow grade: $860-870/ton (Huangpu)

• Film grade: $1,105-1,120/ton (Yantian)
• Coating grade: $1,350/ton (Huangpu)

• Homopolymer: $935-980/ton (Huangpu, up $5/ton)
• Copolymer: $965-995/ton (Huangpu)
• Film stock: $1,000/ton (Huangpu)
• Transparent grade: $1,085/ton (Huangpu)
• Pipe grade: $1,160/ton (Shanghai)