In the midst of a complex and ever-changing economic landscape, the continuous appreciation of the Renminbi (RMB) and the accompanying macroeconomic policies have captured widespread attention in the market. Concurrently, fluctuations in international interest rates and oil prices are exerting a persistent influence on economic development, all of which, along with regional dynamics, have profound implications for the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) market.
The global container shipping market is currently experiencing fluctuating freight rates, influenced by shifts in demand, capacity adjustments, and ongoing geopolitical dynamics. As of October 11, the Shanghai Export Container Freight Index (SCFI) has recorded a decrease of 3.4%, settling at 2062.57 points, reflecting the complexities of the current shipping landscape.
Recently, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East during China's National Day holiday have triggered a sharp rise in oil prices, affecting the PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) supply chain.
As global environmental challenges intensify, promoting the circular economy for plastics has become a key focus of international cooperation. In the framework of China-Africa modern partnership, environmental sustainability is a core element, paving the way for deeper collaboration in the plastic recycling sector.
Rice University scientists have harnessed the natural adhesive power of mussels to develop bioengineered microorganisms that could transform environmental cleanup efforts. By enhancing the stickiness of bacteria and integrating enzymes that break down plastic, the research team has created a promising new tool for addressing plastic pollution. The study, recently published in Small Methods, also hints at potential solutions for long-standing industrial challenges like biofouling.
Last week, container shipping demand remained weak, leading to a continued decline in freight rates across long-haul routes. According to the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, the Shanghai Export Container Freight Index stood at 2,135.08 points on September 27, reflecting a decrease of 9.8% from the previous period.
Amid increasing global focus on sustainable development, Associate Researcher Guo Yong from East China University of Science and Technology has spearheaded a project to produce 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid (FDCA)—a sustainable plastic monomer—using biomass conversion technology. Presented at the Innovation Expo, the project emphasizes FDCA’s structural similarity to Terephthalic Acid (PTA), a key petrochemical raw material in PET production.
Plastic pollution is increasingly threatening the health of coasts and oceans, with PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles being one of the main culprits. A groundbreaking new study, involving scientists from Professor Ruth Schmitz-Streit's research group at Kiel University, has revealed for the first time that polymers like PET are continuously degraded by an enzyme found in deep-sea microorganisms.
Guinea has taken a significant step toward reducing plastic pollution by banning the manufacture, import, sale, and use of certain single-use plastics, with certain exceptions.
In August 2024, China exported 610,700 tons of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle-grade chips, a 36.6% year-on-year increase. Notably, HS code 39076910 saw exports of 108,000 tons (up 60.9%), while HS code 39076110 accounted for 503,000 tons (up 32.3%). From January to August, high-viscosity PET chips totaled 3.77 million tons, reflecting a 28.4% rise. Overall, total exports are estimated at 4.06 million tons, a 30.5% increase.
A groundbreaking catalytic process developed at the University of California, Berkeley, is transforming common plastic waste—polyethylene and polypropylene—into valuable hydrocarbon monomers. This innovative method, utilizing solid catalysts for increased efficiency and scalability, advances the circular economy by enabling the reuse of plastic materials and reducing reliance on fossil fuels for new plastic production.
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