ICIS - chemical podcasts

LONDON (ICIS)--Demand in EU and US epoxy markets remains sluggish, in a still difficult climate, but players are eagerly awaiting anti-dumping duty (ADD) decisions which could provide some domestic demand support into 2025.Senior editor Heidi Finch, who covers the Europe epoxy market, and fellow senior editor Tarun Raizada, who covers the US epoxy market, share insights on key topics discussed at a recent industry event, current market sentiment and near-term expectations. Markets muted in Q4 so far, still fragile climate US market subdued ahead of November duty announcements US players in wait-and-watch mode, no major supply/demand forecasting taking place Slight degree of optimism in US epoxy for 2025, but year-over-year growth expectations tempered EU likely to gain share into 2025, due to the ADD case EU macroeconomics improving slowly, but fundamental recovery likely to take longer, geopolitics major risk Podcast editing by Will Beacham

Weak demand continues to be a concern in the European acetone and phenol chain and in the wider chemicals industry and Q4 will remain tough, in view of year-end considerations, but when will demand turn a corner?Europe ICIS editors Jane Gibson (acetone and phenol), Heidi Finch (bisphenol A and epoxy resins), Meeta Ramnani (polycarbonate), Mathew Jolin-Beech (methyl methacrylate) and ICIS senior analyst Michele Bossi (aromatics and derivatives) discuss current market conditions, in view of residual macro and geopolitical headwinds, although easing interest rates and the trade defence investigation for epoxy brings some hopes and opportunities in Europe.

US recycled plastics Senior Editor, Emily Friedman and Americas recycled plastics Analyst, Josh Dill, reflect on their experiences and key takeaways from the 2024 Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference held in Chicago, Illinois this week.Listen in as they dive into various topics regarding material recovery facilities (MRFs), extended producer responsibility (EPR), recycled content brand committments, chemical recycling and more.

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – Asian methanol markets were driven more by sentiment than changes in fundamentals, in recent weeks as market participants reacted to escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. However, some supply changes in coming months are expected to alter the market landscape in Q1 2025. Gas shortages in Q4 lead to expectations of lower supply China market sees correction after post-holiday exuberance Downstream demand tepid, expected to see slight recovery in Q4 In this chemical podcast, ICIS markets editor Damini Dabholkar and senior analyst Ann Sun discuss recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

Michael Wrights, Technology Manager for BASF, and Martin Hofsteiter, Process Engineer at Linde, delve into the groundbreaking electrically-heated steam cracker furnace. They discuss its potential to slash CO2 emissions by up to 95%, revolutionizing the chemical industry’s carbon footprint. The duo highlights their collaborative innovation journey, unveiling the demo plant's operation in Germany. They also tackle challenges like sourcing renewable energy and scaling up while emphasizing the importance of partnership in driving sustainable advancements.

Markets Editor Stephanie Wix is joined by Senior Editor Manager Vicky Ellis, markets reporter Meeta Ramnani, and Senior Analyst Jincy Varghese, as they discuss the key trends from the 29th Fakuma plastics processing trade fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, in this latest ICIS podcast.They explore discussion topics heard at the event last week, from the highest concerns to the lowest expectations. They also explain the clash of pessimism and optimism between markets including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and also engineering plastics polyacetal (POM) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

SINGAPORE (ICIS) – The short-term demand outlook for recycled polymers from Asia remains sluggish especially for low-value grades, due to multiple factors - mainly poor economics and brand users’ preference of cheaper virgin plastics. Upcoming regulation in deep-sea fails to support Asia r-PET exports Asia r-PE, r-PP remain traded mostly in domestic markets Investments into recycling continue across Asia despite weak demand  In this chemical podcast, ICIS senior editor Arianne Perez discusses recent market conditions with an outlook ahead in Asia.

Join Global Analyst Team Lead for Recycling Helen McGeough as she looks ahead to the 3rd ICIS Recycled Polymers Conference on 7 November in Berlin and tells Matt Tudball what she's looking forward to seeing from the diverse group of topics and presenters, including:  Waste collection challenges and developments   ICIS study on penetration rates of recycling in the wider virgin polymer market Chemical Recycling and its impact on the market Investment in recycling for low carbon solutions Prices of feedstocks impacting the recycled polymers chains  3rd ICIS Recycled Polymers Conference | EuropeHotel Palace Berlin, Germany | Conference: 7 November Training: 6 NovemberYou will be able to hear from out ICIS experts on the following session: Set the scene with ICIS: The European plastics recycling market landscape Panel discussion: Waste collection challenges and developments ICIS insight on pricing trends for plastics, mixed plastic waste and pyrolysis oil To discover more and register you place click here > https://events.icis.com/website/11605/home/ 

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--With 2025 contract discussions for Asia ethylene underway at the olefins trade conference in Xiamen, China, ICIS markets editor Josh Quah outlines what’s at the top of the list of concerns for players as they look ahead to the coming year. Players may take steps to hedge against unpredictability of deep-sea cargoes China’s new capacity takes shape, but lengthy domestic supply may not yet spillover to the import-export market Greater interest from producers to study the feasibility of incorporating ethane as part of cracker feedstock slate 

Chemicals sector executives are increasingly facing up to the idea that the sector is going through a process of reinvention, with no big recovery on the horizon and a return to pre-crisis normalcy less likely. Executives are now looking at what the next steps for the sector will be.In this Think Tank podcast, Tom Brown interviews Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting, Katherine Sale,  ICIS head of editorial strategy, and Chris Barker, senior editor covering PVC and caustic soda, on impressions from the EPCA assembly.