The Plastic Resin Buyer Brief

This week on Resin Market Moves, Michael Workman covers the full Q2 resin market picture from the prior week.The headline: producers are moving beyond cost recovery and into margin expansion — layering increases across March, April, and now May in PE and PP. The Hormuz situation is real supply risk and it's providing strategic cover for moves that were coming regardless.This episode covers PE, PP, ABS, PS, PC, Nylon 6, PA66, PVC, and PET — with a specific buyer action for each.The two critical markets this week: ABS and PS. Benzene is above $4.00/gal. Multiple producers have April increases on the table. If you don't have a qualified alternate, you are unprotected heading into June nominations.The opportunity market: PC. BPA is flat. China oversupply is capping the ceiling. The buyer leverage window is open right now and will not stay open.Also covered: force majeure declared on PA66 in China, what the Invista PDH outage means for PP, and why new home sales hitting a 3.5-year low matters for your PVC contracts.Purchase wisely.ResinSmart | Powered by RTi | resinsmart.ai

This week on Resin Market Moves, Michael Workman covers the most consequential week in resin pricing in recent memory — and breaks down exactly what buyers should do about it.The conflict in the Middle East has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to meaningful trade flow. Over 20% of global crude and more than 5% of global PP moves through that channel. It is not moving right now. The result: feedstock costs spiking across the board, producers pushing increases in every major resin simultaneously, and export demand pulling hard at US domestic supply.This is not a single-resin story. This is a portfolio-level event. And the buyers who understand what is driving each specific market — as opposed to accepting every increase as inevitable — will protect their margins in Q2.WHAT WE COVER:PE: Up to $0.10/lb March, $0.15/lb April. Brent at $110–$115. Ethylene toward 30 cents/lb.PP: PGP spot at 51 cents/lb, a 50%+ jump month to date. Invista PDH still offline. One producer at +10 cents/lb April.PS: BZ above $4.00/gal. AmSty 17 cents/lb for April. February supply/demand data actually supports the move.PVC: 3–5 cents/lb March. Heavy turnaround season. One supplier at 7 cents/lb for April.ABS: Celanese $0.20/lb and INEOS $0.15/lb for April. Acrylonitrile up $0.19/lb week over week.PET: Indorama moving immediately. APG and Celanese following. World Cup demand tailwind ahead.PC, PA6, PA66: Celanese moving across engineered materials. April the focus. Demand still soft.The 5 things smart buyers are doing right now before Q2 locks in.RESOURCES:ResinSmart Price Benchmark60-day free trial Weekly newsletter——ResinSmart is the industry's only platform combining real resin market analytics with hands-on supplier negotiation guidance. Powered by RTi — 25+ years, 25B+ lbs of transaction data.Subscribe for weekly episodes every Friday.

If you're a plastic processor, resin is your single largest variable cost — and the market has been engineered to keep you at a disadvantage. Supplier reps walk into every negotiation with hundreds of live transaction prices across their entire book of business. Most buyers walk in with an index and instinct. That gap is real. And it's costing your company money every quarter. In this episode, ResinSmart Commercial Director Michael Workman sits down with two of the sharpest minds in resin procurement to unpack why the system works this way — and what buyers are doing to flip the script. Bill Bowie built his career at Poly America under a mentor who taught him the value of a half a penny — and spent the next 40 years applying that lesson across billions of pounds of polymer. Tyler Wheeler came up buying resin for Amcor, the world's largest packaging company, before joining ResinSmart to build the data platform he always wished he'd had. What you'll hear in this episode: → The Daskasill origin story — why ResinSmart exists and what Bill saw in the buying function that needed to change→ Tyler's polycarbonate story — negotiating a 10-cent win and leaving 40 cents on the table because the data wasn't there→ Why indexes serve two masters — and how non-market adjustments quietly transfer wealth from buyers to suppliers→ The 3 keys every buyer can start applying today: build your network, expand your supply base, expand your resin categories→ What to do with your time when prices are going up and leverage is thin (hint: it's the most important prep work you can do)→ How the ResinSmart platform combines live feedstocks, cost models, LevGauge assessments, and peer-reviewed transaction data into a single, always-current view of your opportunity→ The mindset shift: a price increase nomination is the start of a conversation — not the end of one Notable quotes from this episode: "Markets go up like a rocket. They come down like a feather. What we do at ResinSmart is turn that feather into a rocket." — Bill Bowie "I left 40 cents on the table. I thought I'd won. I had no idea." — Tyler Wheeler "That price increase letter is a nomination. It is not to be held as gospel." — Michael Workman "The people who use us the most have been the people who needed us the least — because they already know what a competitive edge looks like." — Michael Workman ─────────────────────────────Resources mentioned:Free 48-hour benchmark assessment → https://ResinSmart.aiConnect with Michael Workman → LinkedInConnect with Bill Bowie → LinkedInConnect with Tyler Wheeler → LinkedIn

This week, crude oil spiked to a 4-year high near $120/barrel following military action in the Middle East and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. Resin producers across PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET, and engineering resins are pushing price increases — but what does the supply/demand data actually say?In this episode, Michael Workman breaks down data across nine major resin families, explaining where the upward pressure is real, where it's narrative, and what procurement teams should be doing right now to protect their margins.Topics covered:PE: 10¢/lb increase push vs. healthy 38-day inventoriesPP: Feedstock-driven pricing — not demandPVC: Legitimate two-sided squeeze (turnarounds + logistics)Engineering resins: Cost pressure without pricing powerPET: World Cup demand catalyst aheadHow geopolitics actually move resin markets (3 key levers)Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have begun to ripple through energy and petrochemical markets.Crude oil has moved above $70 per barrel, propylene prices have surged, and polyethylene producers are already pushing price increases.But are these signals pointing to a real tightening of the resin market—or simply a shift in supplier narrative?In this episode of Resin Market Moves, we break down:• The connection between energy markets and resin pricing• Why polypropylene is currently a feedstock-driven market• How global trade flows can shift North American resin availability• What procurement leaders should be watching over the next 30–60 daysResin Market Moves delivers clear, data-driven insights to help buyers navigate volatile markets and make smarter purchasing decisions.

Military escalation in the Middle East has introduced significant uncertainty into global polyethylene and polypropylene markets.In 2024, the Middle East accounted for: • 37% of globally traded PE exports • 28% of globally traded PP exportsWith approximately 16 million metric tons of polyethylene exports potentially exposed to disruption, the implications extend far beyond the region.In this episode of Resin Market Moves, we analyze: • The scale of global polyolefins trade exposure • Why North American buyers are indirectly impacted • How export pull can tighten domestic markets • The role of oil and natural gas in near-term cost pressure • Practical steps resin buyers should take immediatelyThis episode is focused on structure, not headlines.Because in volatile markets, discipline is the advantage.

The Supreme Court just reshaped U.S. tariff authority, eliminating IEEPA as a tool for broad-based tariffs. What does that mean for polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC buyers?In this episode, we examine:PE inventory build of 289M lbs Elevated PGP and its impact on PPTurnaround-driven PVC supportFeedstock inflation risksHow structural pricing drift builds in opaque marketsFor executives responsible for resin spend and EBITDA protection in 2026 - subscribe to stay tuned. https://resinsmart.ai/subscribe

Recorded live from Fort Worth, the ResinSmart by RTI team kicks off 2026 with a candid roundtable discussion on the forces shaping resin markets this year.With resin prices near multi-year lows, procurement teams face a new challenge: proving value when the market did most of the work in 2025.In this episode, Michael Workman, Brian Balboa, Kevin Mekaru, and Tyler Wheeler discuss:What polyethylene overcapacity means for buyersHow Non-Market Adjustments reset pricing baselinesWhy tariff volatility has calmed — but risk hasn’t disappearedEngineered resin disruption following major divestituresHow dual sourcing drives real leverageWhy traditional consulting RFP models fall short in resin marketsWhat private equity firms often overlook in resin diligenceThe shift from price reduction to risk managementThis is a practical, strategy-focused discussion for procurement leaders, CFOs, and private equity operators in plastics manufacturing. Key TakeawaysLow prices create leverage — but only if you actNMA drift should be addressed before contract resetProducers are hungry — now is the time to qualify alternatesProcurement credibility matters more in a down marketResin strategy is central to EBITDA in plastics businesses If you want to understand how these market dynamics impact your specific resin portfolio, visit us today at ResinSmart.ai

A major North American pricing index just announced a non-market adjustment (NMA) for polyethylene. Depending on the grade, the impact is between 25cpp-35cpp.On paper, it looks like a massive correction.In reality?It’s creating confusion across procurement, finance, and executive leadership teams.A non-market adjustment corrects index history — it does not automatically change your invoice.It is not driven by supply/demand or feedstock collapse.Once accepted, elevated baselines can persist for multiple cycles.The first move is validation — not panic renegotiation.For polyethylene-heavy buyers, this isn’t just noise.It affects everything.-Budget variance-Margin transparency-Negotiation leverage-Long-term profitabilityThe real damage isn’t the number.It’s what happens if you accept it without understanding your grade-by-grade exposure.In this special edition of the Resin Market Brief, Brian Balboa and Kevin Mekaru break down:What an NMA actually isWhy it happensWhy PE buyers are uniquely exposedWhat smart procurement teams are doing right nowIf your contracts are index-linked, this is required listening.#ResinSmart #Polyethylene #ProcurementStrategy #NonMarketAdjustment #PlasticsIndustry #ResinPricing #CFOInsights

Early 2026 is not behaving like a typical resin cycle.Polyethylene inventories surged nearly 289MM pounds — yet producers are pushing price increases.Polypropylene is seeing feedstock pressure.Polystyrene is reacting to benzene spikes.PVC is tightening due to turnaround season.PET remains weak — for now.So what’s real?In this episode of Resin Market Brief, Michael Workman explains:Why inventory builds don’t automatically mean price reliefHow feedstock reliability is quietly driving polypropyleneWhy engineered resins look stable on the surface — but aren’t underneathThe structural risks resin buyers face in 2026And how forecasting frameworks must evolve to defend decisionsThis episode expands on our recent webinar:“Why Resin Forecasts Break & How Buyers Defend Them.”If you’re responsible for resin procurement, margin protection, or portfolio performance, this conversation will sharpen how you interpret today’s market signals.Visit ResinSmart.ai to explore tools that turn signal into strategy.

There are two types of resin buyers: those who’ve been wrong on a forecast—and those who will be.In this special edition of Resin Market Brief, Michael Workman and Tyler Wheeler discuss why resin forecasts break and what top procurement teams do differently to defend them.Key topics:why forecasts aren’t predictions—they’re decision tools for finance and operationsthe 9 levers that drive resin forecasting (petrochemical chain, supply, demand, margin strategy, freight, tax/tariff/trade, regulatory timing, rebates/credits)signal vs. noise (and why some headlines don’t actually move price)cross-functional validation: turning “my forecast” into “the company forecast”confidence ranges and when to update finance without creating noisewhy most tools provide numbers, but not context—and what to do about itTo explore ResinSmart forecasts and get a complimentary benchmarking assessment, visit https://resinsmart.ai.

In this episode of Resin Market Moves, Michael Workman, Executive Director of ResinSmart, walks through the key risks shaping the North American plastic resin market in early 2026.Rather than a demand-led recovery, markets are being driven by:supply discipline in polyethylenefeedstock volatility in polypropylenecost push without demand support in polystyrenerising raw material costs beneath stable pricing in ABS and polycarbonateearly supplier initiatives in nylonsand continued buyer leverage in PETMichael also shares insights from MD&M West 2026, where medical device manufacturers emphasized the high cost of pricing surprises in regulated, long-cycle environments — and why benchmarking is becoming the preferred first step.This episode focuses on risk, structure, and discipline, not price predictions — and offers a framework buyers can use to navigate 2026 with confidence.

January set the tone for 2026: selective tightening, feedstock volatility, and supplier initiatives moving faster than demand.This week’s Resin Market Moves covers:PE increases driven by supply disciplinePP feedstock pressure from PDH outagesPS cost push without demand supportEngineering resins stable, but RMC risingNylon supplier initiatives ahead of fundamentalsPET rollover and what to watch in Q2Learn more at resinsmart.ai.

In this episode, Michael Workman reviews the key signals shaping resin procurement through late January 2026: cautious macro conditions, energy/feedstock volatility, and supply disruptions that are tightening select resin chains.Key topics:PE: winter storm disruption risk + Ineos FM tightening HD pipe/filmPP: PDH outages lifting PGP and pushing contracts higherPS: benzene-driven cost pressure vs. sluggish demandPVC: capacity reductions vs. weak construction demandEngineering resins: stable base prices but rising RMCPET: slow fundamentals, limited pricing powerThis is a year where signals matter more than narratives—and discipline will determine who holds leverage. Get started today at resinsmart.ai.

This week’s Resin Market Moves breaks down how supply-side events and feedstock pressure are shaping resin pricing early in 2026.We cover:PE force majeure and rising January nominationsPP feedstock-driven pricing pressurePVC capacity closures and pricing riskPS increases tied to benzeneWhat rising RMC means for engineering resinsThis is not a uniform upcycle—it’s a selective, volatility-driven market. Buyers who focus on inventories, operating rates, and feedstocks will retain leverage.Learn more at resinsmart.ai.

In this episode of Resin Market Moves, Michael Workman walks through how North American resin markets are beginning 2026—and why buyers should expect uneven pricing behavior by resin family, not a clean January reset.Soft demand carryover from 2025 continues to weigh on PE and PP, while supply discipline is already pushing PVC prices higher. Meanwhile, rising benzene and styrene costs are giving PS suppliers new leverage heading into Q1. Topics CoveredSoft demand vs. supply discipline in early 2026PE and PP pricing dynamics after a weak 2025Why PVC is tightening despite weak construction demandFeedstock impacts on PS and styrenicsWhat procurement teams should watch as volatility increases Key Takeaway2026 is shaping up to be a year where volatility and selectivity matter more than direction. Buyers who stay disciplined and focus on real market signals will retain leverage as the year unfolds.👉 Learn more about ResinSmart: https://www.resinsmart.ai 👉 Start a free trial: https://app.resinsmart.ai/free-trial

Welcome to the first Resin Market Moves of 2026.In this episode, Michael Workman breaks down one of the year’s first major Black Swan events — the U.S. move to effectively control Venezuelan oil production — and explains what it does and does not mean for North American plastic resin pricing.This is not a headline-driven take. It’s a practical, buyer-focused analysis of how energy markets, refinery economics, and volatility may influence resin costs — and how procurement teams should think about this development heading into 2026. What This Episode Covers• Why Venezuela is an indirect, not direct, resin pricing story • How heavy crude availability affects Gulf Coast refineries • The connection between diesel markets, freight costs, and delivered resin pricing • Why North America’s ethane-based PE advantage remains intact • Where PP, PS, ABS, and PET may see marginal second-order impacts • Why volatility — not a new inflationary cycle — is the real risk in 2026 2026 Resin Outlook by Quarter (High Level)• PE: Structurally insulated; minimal impact across all quarters • PP: Refinery utilization and PDH reliability matter more than crude headlines • PS: Feedstock noise likely exceeds real demand signals • PVC: Demand and housing fundamentals dominate • PET: Minor freight relief possible; no structural pricing change Key ResinSmart Buyer TakeawayThis event does not fundamentally change the resin pricing landscape in 2026 — but it does increase volatility and the likelihood of narrative-driven pricing attempts.Buyers who:separate signals from headlineswatch refinery utilization and feedstock reliabilitybenchmark pricing earlyand prepare for volatilitywill maintain leverage as the year unfolds.👉 Learn more about ResinSmart: https://www.resinsmart.ai 👉 Start a free trial: https://app.resinsmart.ai/free-trial

As the plastics industry closes out 2025, resin buyers are entering a critical planning window for 2026. In this episode of Resin Market Brief, Michael Workman and Kevin Mekaru break down what the data actually says about where resin markets are headed — and how buyers should be preparing.This is not a headline-driven forecast. It’s a practical, buyer-focused discussion on signals vs. noise, why most resin forecasts miss, and how to use forward-looking intelligence to reduce risk and improve negotiation leverage. What We Cover in This Episode• Why resin forecasting is so difficult — and why traditional models fail • The difference between real market signals and market noise • Why starting with real transaction data matters more than index movement • How ResinSmart and RTi build rolling, quarterly forecasts • Why confidence ranges matter more than point predictions 2026 Resin Outlook by Polymer Family• Polyethylene (PE): Balanced to soft early 2026 with tightening risk mid-year • Polypropylene (PP): Near cycle bottom with Q1–Q2 tightening risk tied to PDH reliability • PET: Balanced demand with regional volatility and evolving import dynamics • Polystyrene (PS): Feedstock-driven noise, weak demand limits upside • PVC: Structurally weak entering 2026; housing demand remains the key driver • Engineering Resins (ABS, PC, PA6/66): Flat to slightly down early, selective volatility later Key Takeaway for Resin BuyersForecasting isn’t about certainty — it’s about preparation.The buyers who win in 2026 will be the ones who:benchmark fair pricing early,re-forecast quarterly,separate supplier narratives from real market conditions, anduse forecasts as a negotiation and planning tool — not a crystal ball.This episode is designed to help processors plan with confidence instead of reaction. Learn more about ResinSmart: https://www.resinsmart.ai Start your free trial: https://app.resinsmart.ai/free-trial

In this Christmas Edition of Resin Market Moves, Michael Workman recaps the latest resin market fundamentals and explains how buyers should be thinking about 2026 strategy as supplier behavior begins to shift.Despite producer attempts to push price increases, most resin markets are still characterized by soft demand, ample supply, and strong buyer leverage.What’s Covered in This Episode:• Why PE price increases aren’t supported by demand fundamentals • Why PP is near the bottom of the cycle — and why Q1 2026 matters • Why PVC remains structurally weak heading into the new year • How feedstock noise is affecting PS without real demand recovery • Why engineering resins are setting up for volatility, not inflation • Why PET remains balanced to soft despite tariff concernsBig Picture for Buyers2026 will reward buyers who:benchmark pricing early,plan deliberately,and resist reactive decisions driven by supplier narratives.The real risk next year isn’t paying slightly more — it’s allowing non-market margin creep back into contracts.ResinSmart helps buyers gain clarity before the market turns — not after.👉 Learn more: https://www.resinsmart.ai 👉 Start your free trial: https://app.resinsmart.ai/free-trial

In this episode of Resin Market Moves, Michael Workman provides a year-end recap of the North American resin markets and explains how buyers should be thinking about 2026 strategy.Despite inventory draws in several resin families, demand remains soft across most end markets, leaving buyers with meaningful leverage heading into the new year. Topics Discussed• Polyethylene pricing remains flat despite producer increase attempts • Polypropylene demand weakness suggests the cycle bottom is forming • Polystyrene pricing holds steady despite feedstock volatility • Engineering resins (ABS, PC, nylons) show no year-end momentum • PET remains flat amid seasonal demand slowdown • Why the current macro environment favors disciplined buyers • How to separate real market movement from supplier-driven margin recovery What Buyers Should Take AwayAs 2025 ends, this remains a buyer-friendly market — but that window will not stay open forever.Buyers who benchmark pricing, validate increases, and plan proactively will enter 2026 with a significant advantage.ResinSmart provides the transparency and market intelligence buyers need to negotiate with confidence. Explore ResinSmart: https://www.ResinSmart.aiStart a free trial: https://app.resinsmart.ai/free-trial

Resin distribution is no longer a background procurement decision — it has become strategic infrastructure.In this episode, Michael Workman, Kevin Mekaru, and Tyler Wheeler unpack the realities of today’s resin distribution landscape and explain why buyers heading into 2026 need to rethink long-standing assumptions.This conversation covers what rarely gets discussed publicly — but directly impacts pricing, leverage, service, and risk. Topics Covered• How resin distribution really works behind the scenes • Why consolidation has quietly reduced buyer leverage • The role of channel managers — and why distributors can’t always quote RFQs • How private equity ownership is changing distributor behavior • What happens when resin prices rebound and margin recapture begins • Why distribution strategy now matters as much as price • Practical guidance for evaluating your 2026 distribution approachIf you buy resin — especially through distribution — this episode will change how you think about leverage, optionality, and risk. Next Steps for Listeners• Start a 60-day free trial of ResinSmart to benchmark distributor pricing and validate margins • Schedule a personalized 2026 distribution strategy conversation with the ResinSmart teamVisit ResinSmart.ai to get started.

In this episode of Resin Market Moves, we break down the final month of the 2025 resin market — a year marked by soft demand, oversupply, and steady downward pressure across almost every major resin family.Join Michael Workman as he walks through the latest RTi Drivers data and provides actionable insight for resin buyers preparing for 2026. In This Episode You'll Learn:PE• November contracts flat • Record inventory declines but still weak fundamentals • Increases announced for December/January lack justificationPP• November down 1¢ • Inventories at lowest levels of 2025 • PGP stable in the mid-20s; Q1 tightening expectedPS• Flat pricing; BZ rebound could pressure JanuaryPVC• Inventories down again but demand still depressedABS, PC, PA6, PA66• Stable-to-lower pricing • Automotive + retail weakness persistsPET• Flat fundamentals and weak seasonal demand Final Word: Preparing for 20262025 ends with buyers holding meaningful leverage. Now is the time to: ✔ benchmark your resin pricing ✔ challenge non-market adjustments ✔ solidify 2026 contract strategy ✔ build data-backed negotiation plansResinSmart provides the transparency, benchmarking, and forecasting tools processors need to navigate volatile resin markets with confidence. Start your free trial: https://app.resinsmart.ai/free-trial Learn more: https://www.ResinSmart.ai

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Resin Market Moves, Michael Workman sits down with a true industry icon — Lowell Huovinen, who brings more than 40 years of polypropylene purchasing expertise, including roles at Spectrum Polymers, Poly-America, and nearly three decades with the ResinSmart powered by RTi Global team.Lowell breaks down the current state of the North American polypropylene market, why pricing is sitting at multi-year lows, and why the industry is heading toward what he calls a “perfect storm” in Q1 of 2026.You’ll learn: 🟦 Why PP has been unusually stable for almost two years 🟦 Why processors pulling back on purchases are masking true demand 🟦 How producer run rates have dropped from the mid-80s down to 75% (and may hit 70%) 🟦 Why inventories at ~35 days signal a weak but volatile setup 🟦 How PDH outages, cracker turnarounds, and refinery blend changes will collide in Q1 🟦 Why a Gulf Coast freeze could accelerate PGP and PP price spikes 🟦 What ResinSmart data tells us about 3–5¢/lb increases — or more — once Q1 hits 🟦 Why prices may not fall back after those increases 🟦 How processors should prepare now for 2026 negotiationsOne of Lowell’s most important messages:“This is the bottom of the polypropylene cycle. Prices will rebound, and history tells us the rebound is almost always significant.” Michael and Lowell close the episode with actionable advice for processors planning their 2026 resin strategy — including whether to pre-buy PP in Q4, how to position contracts for the coming cycle, and how ResinSmart can help buyers benchmark and validate pricing in real time.From all of us at ResinSmart and RTi Global — Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday, your favorite side dish, and the buyer’s advantage while it lasts. Learn more or request a pricing benchmark at: https://www.resinsmart.ai

In this week’s episode of Resin Market Moves, we break down the latest fundamentals across North American resin markets.. Even with meaningful October inventory drawdowns, most resin families continue to face weak demand, long supply, and minimal cost-push pressure.This episode covers:PE: –410.5M lbs inventory decline but still weak overall sentiment PP: –126.9M lbs inventory drop; PGP in mid-20s; Q1 tightening expectedPS: Lower feedstocks keep pressure on pricingPVC: Slip in inventory doesn’t change soft demand outlookABS & PC: Stable-to-lower as feedstocks fail to support price initiativesPA6 & PA66: Downstream demand remains slow; RMC easingPET: Seasonal slowdown, flat feedstocks, no Q4 increasesWhether you’re a procurement leader, resin buyer, or supply-chain decision maker, this episode gives you the visibility you need to plan for Q4 and early 2026.Learn how ResinSmart helps processors benchmark pricing, validate supplier increases, and negotiate with confidence:https://www.resinsmart.ai

Fresh off a visit at the AMI Plastics Expo in Cleveland, we report a similar message that we've been reporting for the last several weeks: demand is soft, inventories are long, and attempted price increases don’t have fundamental support.In this Resin Market Moves episode, Michael Workman breaks down:Market HighlightsPolyethylene (PE): Huge October draw (–410M lbs) but still long YoY; producer increases unlikely.Polypropylene (PP): PGP hovering near 25¢/lb; no margin initiatives; inventories elevated.Polystyrene (PS): Down another 2¢; BD and BZ both falling.ABS / PC: Oversupplied, weak auto demand, and +10¢ attempts failing.PVC: Downward pressure continues; no increases for November.Nylon (PA66 & PA6): Stable-to-lower with weak retail and automotive pull.PET: Tariff lift fading; PX/PTA easing; fundamentals remain soft.Key TakeawayQ4 remains one of the most buyer-friendly windows in years. With weak demand, soft feedstocks, high inventories, and defensive producer tactics, buyers have real leverage heading into 2026.ResinSmart gives processors the benchmark data, feedstock models, and C-suite-ready visuals needed to negotiate from strength.Try ResinSmart free → https://www.ResinSmart.ai#ResinSmart #ResinMarketMoves #PlasticsMarket #Polyethylene #Polypropylene #PVC #PET #Nylon #ABS #Polycarbonate #ResinPrices #Procurement #Compounding #SupplyChain

If you’ve ever been blindsided by a last-minute board request, pushed to explain a spike in resin costs, or struggled to prove your value to leadership, this Resin Market Brief is for you.Host Brian Balboa sits down with Tyler Wheeler and Greg Eberhardt, senior procurement leaders at ResinSmart powered by RTi, to unpack how resin buyers can move from “cost negotiator” to true business partner in the eyes of the C-suite.They discuss:The difference between transactional and strategic buyersHow to speak the C-suite’s language: EBITDA, customers, and market share, not just cents per poundThe “three C’s” of executive communication: clear, concise, correctReal-world scenarios: last-minute board questions, “your competitor is paying 25¢/lb” claims, and mid-year budget challengesHow tools like ResinSmart turn market chaos into executive-ready stories and visualsWhether you manage $5 million or $500 million in resin spend, you’ll walk away with practical ideas to:Build credibility with finance and the boardDefend your savings even when the P&L doesn’t show itUse data and visuals to turn resin market moves into strategic decisions🔗 Learn more & start a 60-day free trial: ResinSmart.ai

Flat prices. Weak demand. Long inventories.Welcome to The Waiting Game — where resin buyers hold firm and producers keep testing price increases that the data doesn’t support.In this week’s Resin Market Moves, Michael breaks down what’s happening across North America’s resin markets and what it means for buyers planning year-end negotiations and 2026 budgets. Resin Market HighlightsPolyethylene (PE):Flat in October; producers testing another +3¢/lb for November, but fundamentals say “not likely.” Inventories remain long and exports soft.Polypropylene (PP):October contracts fell 4¢/lb as PGP hit three-year lows. Market near cycle bottom.Polystyrene (PS):Down 2¢/lb in October; weak benzene and BD keep downward pressure.ABS & Polycarbonate (PC):Still stable-to-soft. Proposed +10¢/lb increases for November lack support.PVC:Down 2¢ in October; no proposed hikes for November amid soft construction demand.Nylon (PA6 & PA66):Stable to lower. Feedstocks down again; automotive demand sluggish.PET:Up slightly in October from tariffs, but tariffs aside, fundamentals remain weak and prices should ease again in November.Key TakeawayThe market’s flat — but not quiet.Buyers with real data have leverage, while producers are left waiting for justification that isn’t there.ResinSmart helps processors, OEMs, and brand owners see what’s real — benchmarking contract and spot resin prices against actual market transactions so you can negotiate with confidence.Learn more at https://www.ResinSmart.ai

In this episode of Resin Market Brief – A Buyer’s Journey, hosts Michael Workman and Tyler Wheeler welcome Justin Riney, host of Redefining Plastics and former resin buyer, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to succeed in modern procurement.Together they explore:Why the best resin buyers build relationships instead of relying on RFPsHow trust, transparency, and negotiation psychology drive real savingsThe challenges of “data overload” — and how to know which signals actually matterHow sustainability and regulation (EPR, bioplastics, recycling) are reshaping resin strategyFrom supplier “PIA taxes” to benchmark data, this is a candid, funny, and insightful talk between three pros who’ve lived the resin market from multiple angles.Subscribe on Transistor, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to catch every new episode of Resin Market Brief – Powered by ResinSmart

History repeats. In the resin market — like every commodity cycle before it — price resistance without justification never lasts.This week, Michael breaks down why producers’ attempted increases across PE, PP, PS, PVC, ABS, PC, and PET don’t align with the data — and how buyers can use transparency to push back with confidence.Highlights: • PE: Proposed +3¢/lb for November lacks merit. • PP: Feedstock PGP lowest since 2022. • PS & ABS: Weak feedstocks, falling demand. • PVC: Still sliding amid soft housing. • PET: Tariff-driven bumps fading fast.Key Takeaway: History rewards those who push back with facts.

Despite a September inventory draw, North American resin markets remain oversupplied and weak. Producers are testing increases, but fundamentals say otherwise.Highlights • Polyethylene draw of 336M lbs but still +400M YoY – demand soft. • Polypropylene contracts tracking –4 to –5¢ as PGP costs collapse. • Polystyrene, ABS, PC, PVC – stable to lower pricing. • PET still flat with weak demand and feedstock declines.Key Takeaway: Buyers remain in the driver’s seat as suppliers destock before year-end. Now’s the time to benchmark your pricing and capture margin back.Learn more and start your free trial at 👉 https://www.ResinSmart.ai

Even with the first real inventory draw in months, North American resin remains oversupplied — and buyers still have leverage heading into Q4. In this week’s Resin Market Moves, Michael breaks down what’s happening across PE, PP, PS, PVC, ABS, PC, and PET — and what it means for your negotiations.Resin Market Highlights:Polyethylene (PE): • Inventories down ~336M lbs in September — a meaningful draw, but the market is still long. • Producer price-increase attempts continue to face resistance.Polypropylene (PP): • Feedstock PGP hit its lowest level since 2022. • Weak fundamentals cap upside; buyers retain leverage.Polystyrene (PS): • Sliding again on softer benzene and styrene. • Contracts remain under pressure.PVC: • Soft housing and construction keep prices subdued. • High inventories limit any near-term rebound.ABS & Polycarbonate (PC): • Stable to slightly soft; demand pockets not enough to move pricing.PET: • Producers are testing +6–9¢/lb hikes, but current fundamentals don’t support them.Key Takeaway: Too much resin, not enough demand. With inventories still heavy and feedstocks easing, buyers are winning the Q4 market.If you’re pushing back on supplier pricing, ResinSmart helps you see through the noise and negotiate with confidence — real-time benchmarking, forecasting, and market transparency for processors who are tired of guessing.Learn more or request a benchmark demo: https://www.ResinSmart.aiFollow Michael Workman on LinkedIn for weekly Resin Market Moves updates. Travel safe, everyone — Chicago next!

Even multiple production hiccups couldn’t move this resin market.As we enter mid-Q4, the theme is clear across North America: flat pricing, weak demand, and oversupply.In this week’s Resin Market Moves, Michael breaks down what’s really happening across the major resin families — and what it means for buyers trying to hold the line on costs. Resin Market Highlights:Polyethylene (PE): Dow, ExxonMobil, and CP Chem reported short-lived production issues, but inventories remain near record highs. October’s proposed +3–5¢/lb increases? Still unlikely to stick.Polypropylene (PP): Feedstock propylene (PGP) crashed below $0.25/lb, the lowest since 2022. No margin increases announced — weak fundamentals continue.Polystyrene (PS): Feedstocks fell sharply, with benzene down nearly $0.50/gal, pushing PS contracts lower again.ABS & Polycarbonate (PC): Stable to slightly soft. Auto sector improving, but not enough to move pricing. Sabic’s +10¢ ABS increase for November faces buyer resistance.PVC: Still sluggish. Construction remains slow, with high inventories and no October increase nominations.PET: Flat for September and early October, though producers continue testing +6–9¢/lb increases. Market data doesn’t support it.Key Takeaway:Feedstocks are easing. Inventories are heavy. And producer price-increase letters are running on fumes.Now is the time for buyers to stay disciplined, benchmark their pricing, and push back with confidence.That’s what ResinSmart was built for — real-time resin benchmarking, forecasting, and market transparency for processors who are tired of guessing. Learn more or request a benchmark demo: https://www.ResinSmart.ai Follow Michael Workman on LinkedIn for weekly Resin Market Moves updates.

As we head into Q4, the resin markets across North America tell one story: flat pricing, weak demand and oversupply.In this short video, Michael breaks down what’s happening across key resin families — and what buyers need to know heading into year-end negotiations:🔹 Polyethylene (PE): Flat in September, inventories up +243 million lbs. Producers pushing +3–5¢ for October, but demand won’t support it. 🔹 Polypropylene (PP): Rolled flat. Propylene feedstock below 30¢/lb — lowest since 2022. 🔹 Polystyrene (PS): Down ~2¢/lb as benzene and butadiene soften. 🔹 ABS & Polycarbonate (PC): Stable to slightly soft — auto improving, but not enough to lift demand. 🔹 PVC: Down another 2¢/lb, with housing starts and construction demand lagging. 🔹 PET: Flat for September — producers testing +6–9¢ increases on tariff and logistics pressure.The big picture:Feedstocks are weaker, inventories are high, and producers’ increase letters lack market justification.What this means for buyers: Stay disciplined. Benchmark your resin costs. Push back where pricing doesn’t align with the data.That’s exactly what ResinSmart was built for — to give resin buyers clarity, confidence, and control.Learn more at https://www.ResinSmart.ai and subscribe for weekly Resin Market Moves updates.

Suppliers are nominating increases across PE, PP, PVC, PET, and more — but the data says otherwise.In this week’s Resin Market Moves (Sept 26, 2025), Michael Workman of ResinSmart breaks down the latest market drivers:Key Insights:PE: Inventories +1.2B lbs YoY; +5¢/+3–5¢ nominations lack supportPP: Flat as PGP rolled at 35.5¢; 40 days of supply on handPS: Lower after September benzene contractABS & PC: Flat; long supply and weaker RMCPVC: Inventories at 1B lbs; one producer still chasing +3¢Nylon & PET: Flat; PET producers push +6–9¢ in October despite lower PX/PTATakeaway: Fundamentals remain weak-to-flat. Buyers should benchmark every ask, reject unsupported hikes, and use data to negotiate better terms.Resin Market Moves breaks down the latest shifts in PE, PP, and engineered resin markets—covering price movement, supply/demand trends, inventory levels, and what it all means for your next buy. Get fast, actionable insights to help you negotiate smarter and stay ahead of volatility.Benchmark your portfolio against 3B+ lbs of verified resin data with ResinSmart: www.resinsmart.aiFollow us on LinkedInWatch episodes on YouTube

PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET, ABS, PC, and Nylon all point flat-to-down. Suppliers are nominating increases for September — but the data across PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET, ABS, PC, and Nylon tells a different story. Inventories are high, demand is soft, and feedstocks are easing.***Resin Market Moves breaks down the latest shifts in PE, PP, and engineered resin markets—covering price movement, supply/demand trends, inventory levels, and what it all means for your next buy. Get fast, actionable insights to help you negotiate smarter and stay ahead of volatility.Learn more at www.resinsmart.aiFollow us on LinkedInWatch episodes on YouTube

Suppliers are nominating increases for September, but the fundamentals across PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET, ABS, PC, and Nylon remain weak-to-flat.***Resin Market Moves breaks down the latest shifts in PE, PP, and engineered resin markets—covering price movement, supply/demand trends, inventory levels, and what it all means for your next buy. Get fast, actionable insights to help you negotiate smarter and stay ahead of volatility.Learn more at www.resinsmart.aiFollow us on LinkedInWatch episodes on YouTube

Suppliers are pushing resin price hikes — but the fundamentals across PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET, ABS, PC, and Nylon tell a different story. In this week’s update, Michael Workman, Growth Director at ResinSmart, breaks down the latest RTi Drivers data and what it means for buyers heading into contract season.Learn more at www.resinsmart.aiFollow us on LinkedInWatch episodes on YouTube

Resin Market Moves breaks down the latest shifts in PE, PP, and engineered resin markets—covering price movement, supply/demand trends, inventory levels, and what it all means for your next buy. Get fast, actionable insights to help you negotiate smarter and stay ahead of volatility.Learn more at www.resinsmart.aiFollow us on LinkedInWatch episodes on YouTube