Global negotiations on a plastics treaty ended Aug. 15 in Geneva without consensus as countries clashed over production caps, chemical safety and funding. Despite years of talks, the collapse has fueled calls to bypass consensus and pursue a deal among like-minded nations.
North American plastics processors increased machinery investments slightly in the second quarter of 2025, with shipments totaling $253.8 million — a 0.7 percent gain — despite lingering concerns over tariffs and trade policy.
Plastics News’ Steve Toloken warns that global plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva face a stalemate over production limits, chemicals and financing, with little progress just days before the deadline.
Germany’s family-owned Laumann Group SE, parent of Veka North America, will buy U.K.-based Epwin Group plc for about 167 million euros in an all-cash deal, expanding its geographic footprint and product portfolio in the global building materials market.
With the end of the plastics treaty talks approaching in less than a week, countries warned in a blunt public session Aug. 9 that they’re struggling to reach agreement.
Some business and environmental groups warned Aug. 8 that the plastics treaty talks are at risk of stalling out, and they urged negotiators to push past what some called stalling tactics from major plastics-producing countries.
No matter how the plastics treaty talks in Geneva conclude in the next week — deal or no deal, far-reaching accord or narrower framework — the long-term calls for transparency around plastics will only increase.
Adler Industrial Solutions expands in Erie, Pa., with a new tooling facility, growing workforce and increasing demand for U.S.-built molds due to reshoring and tariff uncertainty.
Advanced Polymer Recycling LLC did not have to look far to find a plastics recycling company.
South Coast Terminals of Houston has acquired Columbia, S.C.-based Lindau Chemicals, a maker of epoxy curing agents and other specialty additives, to strengthen its position in composites and coatings markets.