Don Loepp

1 week ago | plasticsnews.com | Don Loepp

Plastics get a bad rap most of the time, so it's refreshing to see the industry getting some positive attention. The Economist magazine kicked off the trend last month with a package of stories that echo the man-bites-dog theme that plastics aren't as bad as most people think. Headlines include "Plastics are greener than they seem" and "Don't overlook the many benefits of plastics." The stories include arguments and data that are familiar to our readers, but seldom get attention in other media.

1 week ago | plasticsnews.com | Don Loepp |Frank Esposito

Polystyrene resin prices dropped an average of 5 cents per pound in April, driven by falling feedstock and oil costs, according to senior reporter Frank Esposito. Demand remains soft in 2025 as lower-cost resins like polypropylene continue to gain market share. Join Frank on May 20 for more resin insights in our next Polymer Points Live. And don't miss our free PN Live on tariffs and the plastics industry. Letter to the Editor Do you have an opinion about this story?

2 weeks ago | plasticsnews.com | Don Loepp |Frank Esposito

Compounders and materials firms are facing difficulties with antimony trioxide — a key flame retardant material — shortages as trade with China was already strained six months before the recent tariff woes. Senior reporter Frank Esposito explains the shortage situation and what compounders are doing as prices for the material are increasing. Also, Esposito explains the bankruptcy filing by Ascend Performance Materials, which the company says is a move to restructure its finances.

2 weeks ago | sustainableplastics.com | Don Loepp

LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) used its first quarter earnings call to spotlight the growing threat of global tariffs and to address rumors that China will exempt U.S. polyethylene from retaliatory tariffs. CEO Peter Vanacker made clear that tariff risk is "top of mind" for leadership, but he emphasized that LYB's global supply network — with 75 percent of sales in local markets — largely insulates the company from direct exposure.

2 weeks ago | plasticsnews.com | Don Loepp

LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) used its first quarter earnings call to spotlight the growing threat of global tariffs and to address rumors that China will exempt U.S. polyethylene from retaliatory tariffs. CEO Peter Vanacker made clear that tariff risk is "top of mind" for leadership, but he emphasized that LYB's global supply network — with 75 percent of sales in local markets — largely insulates the company from direct exposure.