Recent global developments in specialty materials and plastic recycling have brought a string of high-profile updates. Following the partial business shutdowns or exits by Japan’s Asahi Kasei and Mitsubishi Chemical, a wave of leading European and American companies including Trinseo and Plastic Energy have faced distress filings, restructurings, plant closures and asset divestments.
On May 13, U.S. specialty materials firm Trinseo filed for bankruptcy protection, burdened by approximately $2.8 billion in debt. The company reported a net loss of $546 million last year and a further $116 million in the first quarter of 2026. Trinseo has entered into a restructuring support agreement with key creditors and will implement a prearranged Chapter 11 reorganization plan.
On May 5, 2026, Celanese announced two major moves: first, the closure of its Sakra plant in Singapore; second, the optimization of its North American nylon 6,6 polymerization facilities in Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, West Virginia, which will reduce overall polymer output. Celanese has closed multiple plants in Germany, Belgium, Canada and Switzerland in recent years, pursuing a decisive global footprint contraction.
On May 6, DOMO Chemical agreed to sell its entire PA6/PA66 engineering materials business to an affiliate of Lone Star Fund XII, including three European manufacturing sites, global sales offices and the 70‑year‑old TECHNYL® brand.
On May 11, British chemical recycling firm Plastic Energy entered administration.
On May 12, British waste management and recycling company Viridor plans to shut down its European chemical recycling operations in Oslo, Norway; Skive, Denmark; and Malmö, Sweden, subject to local consultations and negotiations.
In the plastics market, ABS prices were mixed, while PP bucked the trend with an increase of 220.
Post time: May-19-2026