Recycling Giant Sells PP Business! UK Develops First-of-Its-Kind Washing Machine to Capture Microplastic Fibers

International News Digest:

• Raw Material News - Ecobat Completes Sale of Italian Business to Haiki Dallas
• Recycling News - Plastics Recycling Facility Launched in Cornwall to Process Microfibres from Laundry
• Toy News - New Company Structure Sparks Rumors of Sale at One of Germany's Largest Toy Manufacturers
• Macro News - U.S. Government Sends Letter to American Companies, Clearing the Way for Resuming Ethane Exports to China
• Price Information - RMB Central Parity Rate Against USD Reported at 7.1523, up 23 Points

The following is the detail of international news:

1、Ecobat Completes Sale of Italian Business to Haiki Dallas

Ecobat, a global leader in battery recycling, today announced the successful completion of the sale of its battery and polypropylene recycling business in Italy to Haiki + S.p.A.  The transaction includes Ecobat’s facilities in Marcianise, Paderno Dugnano, and Bologna, and marks Ecobat’s exit from the Italian market.

2、Black Swan Graphene to Partner with METCO for Graphene-Enhanced Masterbatches

Black Swan Graphene announces that it has entered into a non-exclusive distribution and sales agreement with METCO Resources, an Indian supplier of specialty materials and polymers, to supply Black Swan’s graphene-enhanced masterbatches for a wide range of polymer applications

3、Covestro Strengthens Cast Polyurethane Elastomers Business Presence in Taiwan

Covestro strengthens cast polyurethane elastomers business presence in TaiwanCovestro has announced to strengthen its Cast Polyurethane (CPU) elastomers business network in Taiwan.

This targets demands in automated equipment, smart logistics, offshore wind power, waterproofing for construction and infrastructure, and pulp & paper industries. This strategic deployment deepens local service and sales support for innovative material systems and edge cutting casting machines, embodying the group's customer-centric philosophy.

4、Industry Collaboration Aims to Streamline Certification for rPET / EPBP Liaises with European Committee for Standardisation

A joint industry initiative has seen the publication of a guidance on certification schemes to support waste management operators and sorters in complying with EU Regulation 2022/1616.The regulation mandates third-party certification of quality assurance systems for food-contact recycled plastics. The guidance provides a detailed interpretation of the legal framework and is intended as a practical tool for both EU and non-EU operators, as the latter must meet equivalent requirements.

5、Plastics Recycling Facility Launched in Cornwall to Process Microfibres from Laundry

A “WORLD-FIRST” recycling centre has been launched in Cornwall, UK which will recycle plastics extracted from up to 86 t/y of microfibres captured in washing machines.

6、New Corporate Structure, Germany's Largest Toy Manufacturer Triggers Sale Rumors

Once all the rage, almost occupying every child's roomPlaymobil toys no longer enjoy the same market glory as they once did. The Geobra Brandstätter Group, based in Zirndorf, Germany, recorded a significant loss of 120 million euros in the 2023/24 fiscal year, marking the group's most severe crisis in years. To reverse the downturn, the group recently announced plans for structural reorganization while firmly denying rumors about selling off parts of its business.

According to the information disclosed by the group,The Playmobil theme park, logistics department, and its flowerpot brand Lechuza will be divided into separate subsidiaries. The group stated that this adjustment aims to improve organizational efficiency, grant each department greater autonomy and responsibility, thereby enhancing overall competitiveness.

The following is overseas macro market information:

【Siemens says U.S. has lifted export restrictions on chip design software to China】

It was learned on July 2 local time that Germany's Siemens AG received notification from the U.S. government that the U.S. has lifted export restrictions on chip design software to China. According to the company's statement, the German supplier has restored Chinese customers' full access to its software and technology. Synopsys said the U.S. has revoked export restrictions targeting China. Several Chinese semiconductor companies also confirmed receiving relevant notices from overseas EDA enterprises.

【Reuters: U.S. government sends letter to American companies, revoking a restrictive licensing requirement to clear the way for resuming ethane exports to China】

According to Reuters, the U.S. government sent letters to two major American ethane producers and exporters, Enterprise Products Partners and Energy Transfer, on Wednesday (July 2) local time, revoking a restrictive licensing requirement imposed a few weeks ago, clearing the way for resuming ethane exports to China. The report noted that this is a sign of the ongoing trade war truce between the U.S. and China. It also stated that after the restrictions were lifted, eight ships have sailed to China.

【Ecuador suspends operation of two oil pipelines due to heavy rains】

Ecuador's state-owned oil company announced on July 2 local time that heavy rains have caused increased water flow in the Loco River in El Chaco, Napo Province. To protect infrastructure and the environment, the operation of two oil pipelines in Ecuador's pipeline system has been suspended as a precaution. The announcement said professional technicians are urgently building a bypass pipeline to ensure the safe transportation of crude oil, with the project expected to be completed in about three days.

Price information:

【RMB central parity rate against USD】

The central parity rate of RMB against USD was reported at 7.1523, up 23 points; the previous trading day's central parity rate was 7.1546, the previous trading day's official closing price was 7.1670, and the previous night's closing price was 7.1622.

【Raw material USD market prices】

• Ethylene Asia: CFR Northeast Asia 850 USD/ton; CFR Southeast Asia 860 USD/ton.
• Propylene Northeast Asia: FOB Korea average 745 USD/ton; CFR China average 795 USD/ton.
• Northeast Asia frozen cargo CIF: Propane 523-525 USD/ton; Butane 495-497 USD/ton.
• South China frozen cargo CIF for early August: Propane 563-573 USD/ton; Butane 528-538 USD/ton.
• Taiwan region frozen cargo CIF: Propane 523-525 USD/ton; Butane 495-497 USD/ton.

【LLDPE USD market prices】

• Film: 875-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);
• Injection molding: 940 USD/ton (CFR Dongguan).

【HDPE USD market prices】

• Film: 910-930 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);
• Blow molding: 860-870 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu).

【LDPE USD market prices】

• Film: 1080-1090 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);
• Coating: 1350 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu).

【PP USD market prices】

• Homopolymer: 935-980 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);
• Copolymer: 965-995 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);
• Film grade: 1000 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);
• Transparent grade: 1085 USD/ton (CFR Huangpu);
• Pipe grade: 1160 USD/ton (CFR Shanghai).