The permanent closure of Sabic’s cracker and other facilities at Wilton, UK, shows how tough conditions are in Europe with recyclers also feeling the pinch.

- Closure of UK polymer recycling facilities has been a shock to the industry

- European recyclers find it hard to compete against imports, more support for local recycling needed

- Regulations are helping recycling sector, but more action needed

- Outlook for Europe recycling more positive than for base chemicals

- Chemical plant closures remove good quality jobs which are tough to replace

- Wilton, UK site is perfect for development of circular economy

- EU-US 15% tariff deal removes threat of 30% but many questions remain

In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews James McLeary, managing director for Biffa Polymers and ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown.

Locked down in Shanghai