Polymer Business Outlook
CPChem uses long term price and supply demand outlooks, calibrated with third party market intelligence, to assess potential risks and test the resilience of the company’s strategy under a range of conditions.
Scenario analysis remains integral to this approach, enabling CPChem to monitor dynamic regulatory and market environments and refine planning assumptions as conditions evolve, consistent with prior Sustainability Reports. This disciplined, high level framework supports continuity in decision making while acknowledging ongoing uncertainty in global polymers markets.
In 2025, the polymer business landscape was heavily impacted by uneven economic growth, regional supply demand imbalances and heightened geopolitical fragmentation. Protectionism, trade realignment and regionalization continue to influence the production and consumption of polymers, with feedstock and energy volatility reinforcing the importance of cost competitiveness and operational flexibility. These dynamics underscore the need for resilient business models capable of navigating market cycles, shifting trade flows and evolving policy frameworks.
Against this backdrop, the circular economy and lower-carbon transition remain important in CPChem’s Polymer Business Outlook. While cost and performance continue to drive plastics demand, expectations from customers, brand owners and regulators increasingly include a call for solutions that address plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Circular and lower carbon intensity polymers are expected to complement, rather than displace, current asset production, with growth influenced by regional regulations, infrastructure readiness and the availability of quality recycled materials. CPChem’s Polymer Business Outlook reflects the view that progress in scalable circularity will depend on supportive policy, clear market signals and collaborative action across the value chain.
Consistent with CPChem’s updated aspirational sustainability targets, the company continues to prioritize agility, innovation and collaboration. This strategic focus supports progress toward a more circular, lower carbon polymer system while strengthening CPChem’s resilience and competitive position in a dynamic global market.
