China’s demand for basic petrochemicals and major plastics increased from about 42 mln tpa in 2000 to 124.7 mln tpa in 2010, expected to increase to 215.033 mln tpa in 2015. This growth provides opportunities for producers from other regions to utilize this demand by setting up joint ventures with Chinese companies. The Middle East has also become an important destination for petrochemicals production as governments in the region provide subsidies on feedstocks, making production significantly cheaper compared to other regions. This has made it difficult for producers in other regions to compete. To deal with this situation, companies from other regions are increasingly partnering with the Middle East companies. Read more Growing demand for petrochemicals in China creates opportunities for the West

Following a brief lull during the onset of worldwide recession, demand for plastic packaging rebounded due to the rising demand from the food and beverage and consumer retail products sector. Plastic materials are fast becoming the preferred choice of manufacturers for packaging new products. With the development of stronger and cost-effective materials with improved barrier protection, and aesthetic qualities, plastic is expected to further encroach into the territories dominated by metal, glass and paper packaging materials. Read about the sectors that have contributed to the growth of this industry, the high growth regions, the growing applications, growing share of bio degradable packaging, etc, read Global packaging industry expected to reach US$820 bln by 2016

Robust growth is estimated in the global plastic packaging industry, driven by growth in the BRIC nations. The packaging industry in Brazil, India, China and Russia is witnessing great strides. To know about each BRIC nations' market size, key trends, drivers, and challenges to 2016 as well as current development, market size, growing sectors, development trend of China plastic packaging industry; read Packaging Industry Outlook in BRIC Countries