EU Adopts New Auto Circular Economy Rules to Drive Lifecycle Green Transition,Avient’s Innovative Technologies Empower PET Packaging Recyclability

International News Digest:

Raw Materials - Dow Launches INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to Enable Recyclable BOPE Film Innovation

Circular Economy - Toyobo and DMC Biotechnologies to use biotech to make plastic raw materials

Automotive - Elton Manufacturing buys U.S.-based Decatur Plastic Products

Additives - Songwon To Highlight Stabilizer Technologies and Performance Additives at K2025

Macro - Trump: "Major Announcement" on Russia Coming Next Monday

Price - USD/CNY Central Parity at 7.1475, Up 35 Pips

the Details of International News:

1.Dow Launches INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to Enable Recyclable BOPE Film Innovation

Dow Inc. announced a major technological breakthrough with INNATE™ TF 220 resin, offering a high-performance, recyclable-design biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) film solution for flexible packaging. From material design to end-of-life recycling, Dow is collaborating with partners across the packaging value chain to develop scalable sustainable solutions, translating environmental vision into commercial practice.

2. Toyobo and DMC Biotechnologies to use biotech to make plastic raw materials

Toyobo recently signed a joint research and development contract related to biomanufacturing with DMC Biotechnologies, a U.S. biotech venture company based in Colorado.

The two companies aim to develop and commercialize sustainable key chemical compounds to be used as raw materials for general-purpose plastics by applying synthetic biology technologies to microorganisms.

3. Elton Manufacturing buys U.S.-based Decatur Plastic Products

The acquisition is Mississauga, Ont.-based Elton's first major expansion into the American market.In a move that marks its first major expansion into the U.S., Elton Manufacturing, a Mississauga, Ont.-based supplier of weatherstripping and windows for garage and entry doors, has acquired weatherstripping and door window supplier Decatur Plastic Products Inc. (DPP), of North Vernon, Ind.

4. Avient Launches Oxygen Scavenger to Enhance PET Packaging Recyclability

Avient has launched an oxygen-scavenging additive designed specifically to enhance the recyclability of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging while extending product shelf life.

ColorMatrix Amosorb Oxyloop-1 is the first grade in Avient's new Oxyloop portfolio of oxygen scavengers.

5.TEAM Technologies Announces Acquisition of Duke Empirical

TEAM Technologies, a provider of end-to-end outsourcing manufacturing services for critical medical devices, announced the acquisition of Duke Empirical. Duke Empirical is a designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative medical devices, specializing in high-end catheters and minimally invasive delivery systems. The acquisition further expands TEAM’s capabilities in the minimally invasive medical, cardiology, and interventional therapy markets.

6. EU Adopts New Auto Circular Economy Rules to Drive Lifecycle Green Transition

The European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment (ENVI) and Committee on the Internal Market (IMCO) recently voted to adopt new regulations aimed at comprehensively transforming Europe’s automotive industry toward a circular economy. Covering the entire lifecycle of vehicles from design, production to end-of-life treatment, the regulations include several specific requirements. Under the draft, automakers must design new models with easily detachable components, ensuring authorized treatment facilities (ATFs) can reuse, remanufacture, refurbish, or recycle parts (where technically feasible). Additionally, software restrictions that hinder the replacement or removal of individual components are prohibited.

7.Songwon To Highlight Stabilizer Technologies and Performance Additives at K2025

Songwon Industrial highlights its commitment to the industry and customers at K 2025. As the chemical industry grows more regulated and competitive, customers face pressure to improve performance, focus on sustainability, adapt quickly to changing requirements and maintain continuity.

8.Braskem to expand PE plant capacity in Duque de Caxias

Braskem launches Transforma Rio project to expand the polyethylene (PE) p Braskem to expand PE plant capacity in Duque de Caxias.Braskem launches Transforma Rio project to expand the polyethylene (PE) plant in Duque de Caxias. The project was announced at the official ceremony hosted by Petrobras in Rio de Janeiro.

Overseas Macro Updates:

Houthi Rebels Continue to Ban Israeli-Related Vessels

Reports indicate that Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi stated on July 10 that the group will continue to ban Israeli-related ships from passing through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea as long as Israel continues its aggression and blockade of Gaza. No one is allowed to transport Israeli-related goods through these waters. Within a week, Yemeni Houthi rebels sank two cargo ships in the Red Sea. The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen emphasized the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, protect civilian infrastructure, and prevent Yemen from being drawn into a larger regional conflict.

Trump: "Major Announcement" on Russia Coming Next Monday

U.S. President Trump revealed on July 10 local time that he will make a "major announcement" on Russia next Monday (July 14 local time). In a phone interview with U.S. media, Trump stated that the current Russian airstrikes on Ukraine have intensified, adding that he is "disappointed" with Russian President Putin and describing Putin as "polite in words but without substance."

Second Round of China-Switzerland FTA Upgrade Negotiations Held in Switzerland

From July 7 to 10, the second round of negotiations on upgrading the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement was held in Geneva, Switzerland. The two sides held in-depth discussions on issues including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, rules of origin, trade facilitation, competition, environment and trade, and economic and technological cooperation, achieving positive progress.

Price information:

USD/CNY Central Parity

7.1475, up 35 pips; previous trading day’s central parity 7.1510, previous trading day’s official closing price 7.1776, overnight closing price 7.1780.

 Raw Materials USD Market Prices

Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia $820/tonne; CFR Southeast Asia $830/tonne.

Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average price $740/tonne; CFR China average price $775/tonne.

North Asia frozen cargo CIF price: propane $538-540/tonne; butane $508-510/tonne.

South China frozen cargo for first half of August CIF price: propane $567-574/tonne; butane $537-544/tonne.

Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF price: propane $538-540/tonne; butane $508-510/tonne.

LLDPE USD Market Prices

Film: $875-910/tonne (CFR Huangpu);

Injection molding: $950/tonne (CFR Dongguan).

HDPE USD Market Prices

Film: $920/tonne (CFR Huangpu);

Hollow: $855-860/tonne (CFR Huangpu).

LDPE USD Market Prices

Film: $1,070-1,110/tonne (CFR Huangpu);

Coating: $1,350/tonne (CFR Huangpu).

PP USD Market Prices

Homopolymer: $935-980/tonne (CFR Huangpu);

Copolymer: $965-995/tonne (CFR Huangpu);

Film material: $1,000/tonne (CFR Huangpu);

Transparent: $1,085/tonne (CFR Huangpu);

Pipe material: $1,160/tonne (CFR Shanghai).