The Plastic Resin Buyer Brief

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 Covered
  • Soft demand vs. supply discipline in early 2026
  • PE and PP pricing dynamics after a weak 2025
  • Why PVC is tightening despite weak construction demand
  • Feedstock impacts on PS and styrenics
  • What procurement teams should watch as volatility increases
 
Key Takeaway
2026 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.

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What is The Plastic Resin Buyer Brief?

If you buy plastic resin for a living, this podcast is your edge. Hosted by the experts behind ResinSmart, The Plastic Resin Buyer Brief gives you fast, focused updates on the market forces moving resin prices—and the strategies that smart buyers are using to save money, reduce risk, and make better decisions.

No fluff. No filler. Just the information you actually need—delivered by sourcing pros who’ve managed billions in resin spend.

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