[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":509},["ShallowReactive",2],{"news-market-update-2026-02-02":3,"author-bailey-robin":502},{"id":4,"title":5,"author":6,"body":7,"description":486,"draft":487,"extension":488,"faqs":489,"featured":487,"image":489,"imageAlt":489,"imageFit":490,"meta":491,"navigation":492,"ogImage":489,"path":493,"publishedAt":494,"seo":495,"sitemap":496,"sourceName":489,"sourceUrl":489,"stem":497,"tags":498,"__hash__":501},"news\u002Fnews\u002Fmarket-update-2026-02-02.md","Material Market Update - February 2, 2026","bailey-robin",{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":456},"minimark",[10,15,19,22,25,28,31,34,46,49,53,216,221,223,227,232,246,249,253,262,265,269,278,281,283,287,291,299,302,306,315,318,322,330,333,335,339,343,351,354,358,366,369,373,381,384,386,390,394,402,405,409,417,420,424,432,435,437,441,445,453],[11,12,14],"h2",{"id":13},"from-the-ceo","From the CEO",[16,17,18],"p",{},"Good morning folks,",[16,20,21],{},"Trump's selection of Kevin Warsh's for Fed Chair sent markets downward as Wall Street had it's bets on a weaker dollar. To be honest, this news initially gave me heartburn. Then I started digging. Warsh aims to decrease the Fed balance sheet, but claims that they can do so while also delivering lower interest rates. Though the suits may not like the pick, Warsh has voiced his sentiment for protecting the consumer - Trump's most valuable bargaining chip. For material markets, a strategy that strengthens the consumer and lowers interest rates is a win.",[16,23,24],{},"In plastics, the news makes it feel like a bloodbath. I've spoken with resin producers who see operating rates staying low and prices hovering for the foreseeable future. With PP\u002FPE resins in the 30's, the recycling industry has to feel like Rocky in the final round. Recyclers surviving this market are incredible operators—be proud to keep the lights on. On the flip side, scrap sources are growing as domestic manufacturing evolves. Manufacturers need to start normalizing that they may no longer get paid for their scrap—and in some cases, will need to pay for removal. The economics are changing and recyclers need to leverage their position.",[16,26,27],{},"At Matium, we want to do our best to help the folks in this industry make ends meet. As many of you know, Matium hosts the only free market for plastic suppliers, buyers, and traders to do business on. Later this week, we will be launching our updated material model to support grades of plastics beyond just commodities - engineering, specialties, and everything in between. Shortly thereafter, we will also update the model to support the trade of paper and metals. With this update, all recyclers will have access to a market that distributes their inventory and services to thousands of potential customers through our AI-matchmaking system.",[16,29,30],{},"The team continues to push the boundaries on industrial trade and we have a few more tricks up our sleeve for Q1. Credit risks and late payments hurt the small guys, but not for long.",[16,32,33],{},"Looking forward to seeing some of you in San Diego for PRC!",[16,35,36,40,43],{},[37,38,39],"em",{},"Thank you,",[41,42],"br",{},[37,44,45],{},"Bailey Robin - Cofounder\u002FCEO",[47,48],"hr",{},[11,50,52],{"id":51},"key-indicators","Key Indicators",[54,55,56,78],"table",{},[57,58,59],"thead",{},[60,61,62,66,69,72,75],"tr",{},[63,64,65],"th",{},"Indicator",[63,67,68],{},"Current",[63,70,71],{},"MoM",[63,73,74],{},"QoQ",[63,76,77],{},"YoY",[79,80,81,99,116,133,150,166,183,199],"tbody",{},[60,82,83,87,90,93,96],{},[84,85,86],"td",{},"Federal Funds Rate, % (FEDFUNDS)",[84,88,89],{},"3.72",[84,91,92],{},"-0.16",[84,94,95],{},"-0.40",[84,97,98],{},"-0.93",[60,100,101,104,107,110,113],{},[84,102,103],{},"PPI - Plastics and Resin (PCU325211325211)",[84,105,106],{},"302.4",[84,108,109],{},"-4.7",[84,111,112],{},"-7.6",[84,114,115],{},"-4.2",[60,117,118,121,124,127,130],{},[84,119,120],{},"PPI - Ocean Freight Rate (PCU483111483111)",[84,122,123],{},"417.6",[84,125,126],{},"28.9",[84,128,129],{},"17.2",[84,131,132],{},"-5.4",[60,134,135,138,141,144,147],{},[84,136,137],{},"PPI - Trucking Rate (PCU484484)",[84,139,140],{},"193.3",[84,142,143],{},"-1.2",[84,145,146],{},"2.2",[84,148,149],{},"4.8",[60,151,152,155,158,161,163],{},[84,153,154],{},"PMI - Manufacturing (ISM)",[84,156,157],{},"47.9",[84,159,160],{},"-0.3",[84,162,160],{},[84,164,165],{},"0.7",[60,167,168,171,174,177,180],{},[84,169,170],{},"US Plastics Imports, $B",[84,172,173],{},"5.08",[84,175,176],{},"-0.44",[84,178,179],{},"-0.65",[84,181,182],{},"-0.30",[60,184,185,188,191,194,197],{},[84,186,187],{},"US Plastics Exports, $B",[84,189,190],{},"5.83",[84,192,193],{},"-0.75",[84,195,196],{},"-0.17",[84,198,92],{},[60,200,201,204,207,210,213],{},[84,202,203],{},"US Plastics Production Index (IPG326S)",[84,205,206],{},"93.1",[84,208,209],{},"0.3",[84,211,212],{},"-1.0",[84,214,215],{},"-2.4",[16,217,218],{},[37,219,220],{},"Sources: FRED, ISM, US Census.",[47,222],{},[11,224,226],{"id":225},"markets-trade","Markets & Trade",[228,229,231],"h3",{"id":230},"_1-dow-makes-case-for-pe-price-hikes-amid-layoffs","1. Dow Makes Case for PE Price Hikes Amid Layoffs",[16,233,234,238,239],{},[235,236,237],"strong",{},"Source:"," ",[240,241,245],"a",{"href":242,"rel":243},"https:\u002F\u002Fresource-recycling.com\u002Fplastics\u002F2026\u002F01\u002F30\u002Fdow-update-january-2026\u002F",[244],"nofollow","Resource Recycling",[16,247,248],{},"Dow announced a significant workforce reduction of 4,500 positions\n(13% of global staff) as part of a cost-cutting initiative driven by AI and\nautomation, following a $2.4 billion annual loss and ongoing margin\npressures in polyethylene (PE) production.\nDespite challenging market conditions, including a 2% year-on-year\ndecline in Q4 packaging and specialty plastics volumes, Dow\nemphasized robust PE demand outpacing GDP and reported a 7.7%\nincrease in US PE exports primarily targeting Asia and Europe.\nDow intends to support PE price increases in 2026, citing declining\ninventories and planned feedstock supply constraints due to scheduled\nmaintenance at its Louisiana steam cracker, potentially tightening\nethylene availability and influencing pricing up the value chain.",[228,250,252],{"id":251},"_2-weekly-chemistry-and-economic-trends-01-30-26","2. Weekly Chemistry and Economic Trends (01-30-26)",[16,254,255,238,257],{},[235,256,237],{},[240,258,261],{"href":259,"rel":260},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.americanchemistry.com\u002Fchemistry-in-america\u002Fnews-trends\u002Fweekly-economic-report\u002F2025\u002Fweekly-chemistry-and-economic-trends-01-30-26",[244],"American Chemistry Council",[16,263,264],{},"Chemical shipments in the U.S. rose for a second consecutive month in\nNovember, up 0.5%, while chemical inventories declined for a third\nstraight month by 0.5%, driving the inventories-to-sales ratio down to\n1.22—the lowest since March 2022.\nChemical producer prices fell 0.6% in December, marking the third\nmonthly decrease, with price declines across bulk petrochemicals,\norganics, plastic resins, synthetic rubber, and manufactured fibers;\nhowever, prices remained 1.1% higher year-on-year.\nChemical railcar loadings reached 33,773 for the week ending January\n24th, representing a 7.0% increase year-to-date, signaling stabilization\nin supply chain activity.\nU.S. trade deficit widened to $56.8 billion in November as imports rose\n5.0% and exports fell 3.6%, with notable declines in the export of\nindustrial supplies and materials (including chemicals), affecting\ndemand for plastic resins.",[228,266,268],{"id":267},"_3-global-poe-and-ppo-markets-set-to-surge-56-annually-through-2036","3. Global POE and PPO Markets Set to Surge 5.6% Annually Through 2036",[16,270,271,238,273],{},[235,272,237],{},[240,274,277],{"href":275,"rel":276},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plasticstoday.com\u002Findustry-trends\u002Fsolid-global-demand-forecast-for-polyolefin-elastomers-and-plastomers",[244],"Plastic Today",[16,279,280],{},"Global demand for polyolefin elastomers (POEs)\nand plastomers (POPs) is projected to grow at a 5.6% CAGR through\n2036, reaching over 4.4 million tonnes, primarily driven by their\nexpanding use in solar module encapsulation and automotive\nlightweighting.\nEnergy sector advancements, such as the adoption of high-efficiency\nsolar cell structures, are increasing reliance on POE and EVA resins for\nreliable encapsulation, with POE expected to slightly outpace EVA in\ngrowth due to rising module outputs.\nAutomotive manufacturers are increasingly utilizing POEs to enhance\nimpact modification in polypropylene compounds, especially as Europe\nmoves toward legislation mandating higher recycled plastic content in\nnew vehicles from 2036 onwards.\nCompetition is intensifying as Chinese POE\u002FPOP producers enter the\nmarket, challenging established suppliers despite initial production\nhurdles, and monomaterial packaging trends are shaping the adoption\nof POPs and alternative sealant films.",[47,282],{},[11,284,286],{"id":285},"business-corporate-strategy","Business & Corporate Strategy",[228,288,290],{"id":289},"_1-pretium-packaging-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-to-restructure-debt","1. Pretium Packaging Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to Restructure Debt",[16,292,293,238,295],{},[235,294,237],{},[240,296,277],{"href":297,"rel":298},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plasticstoday.com\u002Fpackaging\u002Fpretium-packaging-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-to-restructure-debt",[244],[16,300,301],{},"Pretium Packaging, a major US plastic container manufacturer, has filed\nfor Chapter 11 bankruptcy to address long-standing financial pressures\nand reduce debt by over $900 million through a pre-packaged\nrestructuring agreement.\nThe company secured more than $175 million in liquidity, $530 million in\nnew near-term debt commitments from existing lenders, and a $50\nmillion equity investment from Clearlake Capital to support future\ngrowth.\nDespite the bankruptcy proceedings, Pretium will continue normal\noperations, fulfilling vendor and supplier obligations while leveraging its\nimproved financial position to pursue innovation and sustainable\npackaging initiatives.",[228,303,305],{"id":304},"_2-alpek-polyester-usa-in-pennsylvania-set-to-close","2. Alpek Polyester USA in Pennsylvania Set to Close",[16,307,308,238,310],{},[235,309,237],{},[240,311,314],{"href":312,"rel":313},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.recyclingtoday.com\u002Fnews\u002Falpek-polyester-usa-in-reading-pennsylvania-set-to-close-plastics-recycling\u002F",[244],"Recycling Today",[16,316,317],{},"Alpek Polyester USA will close its Reading, Pennsylvania bottle-to-bottle\nPET recycling facility on March 15, impacting 100 employees and\nremoving one of the largest standalone rPET operations in the Americas\nfrom the supply chain.\nThis marks the second closure of an Alpek rPET facility in the U.S. in\nless than a year, following the July 2025 shutdown of its Cedar Creek,\nNorth Carolina site, signaling a significant contraction in the company's\nU.S. recycling capacity.\nThe closures reduce Alpek's domestic recycled PET output at a time\nwhen demand for bottle-grade rPET remains high,\npotentially impacting regional supply for bottlers, especially those relying\non materials collected from major Northeastern cities.",[228,319,321],{"id":320},"_3-betterware-de-méxico-acquires-tupperwares-latin-american-assets","3. Betterware De México Acquires Tupperware's Latin American Assets",[16,323,324,238,326],{},[235,325,237],{},[240,327,277],{"href":328,"rel":329},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plasticstoday.com\u002Fpackaging\u002Fbetterware-de-m-xico-acquires-tupperware-s-latin-american-assets",[244],[16,331,332],{},"Betterware de México has agreed to acquire Tupperware's operating\nassets in Latin America for $250 million, securing exclusive, perpetual\nrights to the Tupperware brand in the region and focusing on the core\nmarkets of Mexico and Brazil.\nThe transaction is engineered to deliver substantial earnings accretion\nand operational synergies for BeFra, with projected immediate EPS\ngrowth, significant EBITDA contribution, and manageable increases in\nleverage, while maintaining the company's dividend policy.\nBeFra intends to preserve the unique brand identities\nof Betterware, Jafra, and Tupperware, leveraging its direct-to-\nconsumer expertise and extensive distribution networks to drive\nrevenue recovery and reinvigorate product innovation across its\nexpanded portfolio.\nTupperware Latin America's established manufacturing presence and\nsales infrastructure will aid BeFra in restoring sales to historical levels\nand further strengthen its leadership position in the region's direct-\nselling and home goods market.",[47,334],{},[11,336,338],{"id":337},"governance-oversight","Governance & Oversight",[228,340,342],{"id":341},"_1-calrecycle-opens-comment-period-on-proposed-sb-54-revisions","1. CalRecycle Opens Comment Period on Proposed SB 54 Revisions",[16,344,345,238,347],{},[235,346,237],{},[240,348,314],{"href":349,"rel":350},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.recyclingtoday.com\u002Fnews\u002Fcalrecycle-opens-comment-period-on-proposed-sb-54-revisions\u002F",[244],[16,352,353],{},"CalRecycle has opened a 15-day public comment period on proposed\nrevisions to the permanent regulations under California's S.B. 54 Plastic\nPollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, ending\nFebruary 13.\nThese proposed changes are a result of prior feedback and focus on\nadjustments to key regulatory language, with stakeholders encouraged\nto submit targeted, section-specific comments related only to the latest\nrevisions.\nThe National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) has voiced both\nappreciation for addressed concerns and new issues with the draft,\nnoting potential challenges such as compressed timelines, ambiguous\nlanguage, and the prospect of inequitable compliance costs for the\nplastics packaging industry.",[228,355,357],{"id":356},"_2-north-carolina-becomes-2nd-state-to-ban-chemical-used-in-medical-devices","2. North Carolina Becomes 2nd State to Ban Chemical Used in Medical Devices",[16,359,360,238,362],{},[235,361,237],{},[240,363,277],{"href":364,"rel":365},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plasticstoday.com\u002Fmedical\u002Fnorth-carolina-becomes-2nd-state-to-ban-chemical-used-in-medical-devices",[244],[16,367,368],{},"North Carolina has become the second U.S. state, after California, to\nban the use of DEHP in medical devices, mandating a complete phase-\nout in IV bags by 2030 and in tubing by 2035.\nThe legislation responds to health concerns linking DEHP—a plasticizer\nused to make medical plastics flexible—to potential cancer and\nendocrine disruption, signaling a broader shift in regulatory standards.\nMajor manufacturers, such as B. Braun and Qosina, are proactively\ntransitioning to DEHP-free alternatives like platinum-cured silicone and\nPVC, anticipating regulatory changes and evolving industry standards.\nGovernment scrutiny of harmful chemicals in plastics, including PFAS\nand ethylene oxide, is accelerating, suggesting manufacturers should\nprepare for further regulatory actions affecting medical device\nmaterials.",[228,370,372],{"id":371},"_3-new-jerseys-skip-the-stuff-law-targets-single-use-plastics","3. New Jersey's Skip the Stuff Law Targets Single-Use Plastics",[16,374,375,238,377],{},[235,376,237],{},[240,378,277],{"href":379,"rel":380},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plasticstoday.com\u002Flegislation-regulations\u002Fnew-jersey-bans-automatic-plastic-utensils-in-takeout-orders-starting-august-2026-under-new-law",[244],[16,382,383],{},"New Jersey enacted a 'skip the stuff' law banning the automatic\ninclusion of single-use plastic cutlery, condiments, and napkins in\ntakeout orders, effective August 2026, requiring customers to request\nthese items.\nThe regulation targets restaurants, catering services, and delivery\nplatforms, and mandates reusable foodware for dine-in establishments\nseating more than 10, with exemptions for schools, healthcare, and\ncorrections facilities.\nBusinesses face escalating penalties for non-compliance and\nmust participate in a statewide education campaign, as the measure\naims to reduce plastic waste and help businesses cut costs.\nThe law builds on New Jersey's broader packaging policies and reflects\na growing national trend toward stricter single-use plastics regulations,\nsignaling increased pressure on businesses to adopt sustainable\npackaging solutions.",[47,385],{},[11,387,389],{"id":388},"innovation-product-development","Innovation & Product Development",[228,391,393],{"id":392},"_1-medical-device-makers-explore-ptfe-alternatives-at-mdm-west-as-pfas-concerns-drive-innovation","1. Medical Device Makers Explore PTFE Alternatives at MD&M West, as PFAS Concerns Drive Innovation",[16,395,396,238,398],{},[235,397,237],{},[240,399,277],{"href":400,"rel":401},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plasticstoday.com\u002Fmedical\u002Fmedical-device-makers-explore-ptfe-alternatives-as-pfas-concerns-drive-innovation-at-mdm-west-2026",[244],[16,403,404],{},"Medical device manufacturers are increasingly seeking alternatives to\nPTFE due to regulatory pressure and public concern over PFAS\n('forever chemicals'), despite PTFE's ongoing FDA approval and\nessential role in medical applications.\nSeveral companies—Americhem, Zeus, Avient, and Insight Polymers—\nare launching new PFAS-free compounds and polymer technologies\ndesigned to deliver similar or superior lubricity, wear resistance, and\nbiocompatibility compared to traditional PTFE.\nThese innovative materials not only address evolving regulatory and\nsustainability requirements but also offer benefits such as improved\nbonding, sterilization options, streamlined manufacturing, and\ncompatibility with thin-walled and high-wear medical device\ncomponents.",[228,406,408],{"id":407},"_2-new-piezoelectric-polymer-breaks-heat-barrier","2. New Piezoelectric Polymer Breaks Heat Barrier",[16,410,411,238,413],{},[235,412,237],{},[240,414,277],{"href":415,"rel":416},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plasticstoday.com\u002Fautomotive-mobility\u002Fnew-piezoelectric-polymer-breaks-heat-barrier",[244],[16,418,419],{},"Toray Industries has developed what is likely the world's first\npiezoelectric polymer that can withstand temperatures over 200°C,\novercoming the limitations of conventional materials like PVDF and lead\nzirconate titanate which have lower heat tolerance or challenging\nphysical properties.\nThe new polymer maintains polarization at high temperatures, enabling\nreliable vibration detection and monitoring for applications in mobility,\nrobotics, industrial machinery, and aerospace, particularly in\nenvironments near engines or hot components.\nAvailable as varnish, film, or nonwoven fabric, the polymer is designed\nfor large-area mounting on complex shapes, improving the versatility\nand deployment of vibration sensors for active noise cancellation and\npredictive maintenance.\nThe material is both lead- and fluorine-free, compliant with RoHS and\nPFAS restrictions, and Toray is collaborating with customers\nto optimize the polymer for practical applications targeted for\nlaunch starting 2028.",[228,421,423],{"id":422},"_3-novel-molding-technology-overcomes-challenges-in-producing-thick-walled-thermoplastic-parts","3. Novel Molding Technology Overcomes Challenges in Producing Thick-Walled Thermoplastic Parts",[16,425,426,238,428],{},[235,427,237],{},[240,429,277],{"href":430,"rel":431},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plasticstoday.com\u002Finjection-molding\u002Fdisplacement-intrusion-molding-shapes-evolving-process",[244],[16,433,434],{},"Displacement intrusion molding (DIM) is a newly patented hybrid\nprocess that combines injection molding, extrusion, and compression\nmolding to enable efficient production of large, thick-walled parts from\nhigh-performance thermoplastics—previously difficult or uneconomical\nwith conventional methods.\nDIM uses thermoplastic pellets rather than powder, expanding\nmaterial selection and yielding cleaner, high-quality parts with improved\ndensity, crystallinity, and reduced internal stresses, often eliminating the\nneed for post-processing like annealing.\nThe modular DIM system can be retrofitted onto standard injection\nmolding machines without major equipment investments, allowing\nmanufacturers to cost-effectively scale production and quickly adapt to\nnew material or design requirements.\nEarly adopters have achieved up to 400% improvements in part quality\nusing DIM with advanced materials (such as PBI, PEEK, and PEKK),\nand the technology is now positioned for broader industry collaboration\nand global expansion.",[47,436],{},[11,438,440],{"id":439},"events-conferences","Events & Conferences",[228,442,444],{"id":443},"_1-sustainable-manufacturing-takes-center-stage-at-mdm-west","1. Sustainable Manufacturing Takes Center Stage at MD&M West",[16,446,447,238,449],{},[235,448,237],{},[240,450,277],{"href":451,"rel":452},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.plasticstoday.com\u002Findustry-trends\u002Fmdm-west-2026-debuts-sustainable-manufacturing-conference-feb-3-5-at-anaheim-convention-center",[244],[16,454,455],{},"The Sustainable Manufacturing Conference, newly introduced at MD&M\nWest 2026 (Feb. 3 to 5, 2026, Anaheim, CA), will focus on reducing\ncarbon footprints and operational costs through advanced\nmanufacturing technologies and strategies, with a significant emphasis\non plastics sector applications.\nKey sessions will highlight the role of computerized maintenance\nmanagement systems (CMMS) and predictive maintenance\nin optimizing sustainability metrics, tracking waste reduction, and\nimproving energy management in manufacturing environments.\nExperts will present on energy-efficient manufacturing of advanced\nmaterials—such as through field-assisted sintering and additive\nmanufacturing—and discuss product design approaches for circularity,\naddressing component to system-level strategies for sustainable\nplastics and industrial products.",{"title":457,"searchDepth":458,"depth":458,"links":459},"",2,[460,461,462,468,473,478,483],{"id":13,"depth":458,"text":14},{"id":51,"depth":458,"text":52},{"id":225,"depth":458,"text":226,"children":463},[464,466,467],{"id":230,"depth":465,"text":231},3,{"id":251,"depth":465,"text":252},{"id":267,"depth":465,"text":268},{"id":285,"depth":458,"text":286,"children":469},[470,471,472],{"id":289,"depth":465,"text":290},{"id":304,"depth":465,"text":305},{"id":320,"depth":465,"text":321},{"id":337,"depth":458,"text":338,"children":474},[475,476,477],{"id":341,"depth":465,"text":342},{"id":356,"depth":465,"text":357},{"id":371,"depth":465,"text":372},{"id":388,"depth":458,"text":389,"children":479},[480,481,482],{"id":392,"depth":465,"text":393},{"id":407,"depth":465,"text":408},{"id":422,"depth":465,"text":423},{"id":439,"depth":458,"text":440,"children":484},[485],{"id":443,"depth":465,"text":444},"Warsh tapped for Fed Chair, PP\u002FPE resins linger in the 30s, and Matium expands its material model into engineering plastics, paper, and metals.",false,"md",null,"cover",{},true,"\u002Fnews\u002Fmarket-update-2026-02-02","2026-02-02 17:00:00",{"title":5,"description":486},{"loc":493},"news\u002Fmarket-update-2026-02-02",[499,500],"Plastics","News","RQ1HWK6S2d1--fgKPV-QMMqlQPWHFW93ol-9z3DzBNI",{"id":503,"extension":504,"meta":505,"name":506,"slug":6,"stem":507,"__hash__":508},"authors\u002Fauthors\u002Fbailey-robin.json","json",{},"Bailey Robin","authors\u002Fbailey-robin","Ry691ft29STuK6IN53mt5WUzlo1VC0Xh4IAlVnkgohw",1779975227636]