Ethylene copolymers, derived from the polymerization of ethylene and a comonomer (e.g., vinyl acetate, ethyl acrylate, acrylic acid, or methyl acrylate), extend the performance range of the broad class of high pressure polyethylene resins. The inclusion of a comonomer reduces the crystallinity of the copolymer, as well as its melting point, resulting in improved flexibility, impact strength, and heat sealing characteristics. This report discusses these various specialty LDPE copolymers and also includes cost of production estimates for EVA and other specialty copolymers for the United States and China regions.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the tire industry's shift towards sustainability, focusing on reducing dependence on petroleum-based materials and expanding the use of recycled and bio-based alternatives. It highlights how the electric vehicle (EV) transition is driving growth for tire companies, particularly in the demand for EV-specific tires. The analysis covers a wide range of sustainable materials, including but not limited to bio-isoprene, bio-butadiene, and natural rubber, while addressing key environmental challenges such as tire pollution, waste management, and the sourcing of raw materials like natural and synthetic rubber, and carbon black. The report also presents an economic margin analysis, comparing sustainable tire configurations to conventional tire baselines. It delves into end-of-life tire management strategies, including pyrolysis, retreading, and mechanical recycling, with a detailed cost of production (COP) analysis for recovered carbon black from pyrolysis. Finally, the report profiles 16 leading tire manufacturers, offering an in-depth look at their financial performance, manufacturing practices, and sustainability strategies, showcasing their progress and innovations in driving a more sustainable future.

This report provides an overview of commercial and developing technologies for linear alpha olefins exploring the chemistry and process technology. Comparative economics and carbon intensities are presented for full-range technologies (Chevron Phillips, INEOS, Shell, ExxonMobil, SABIC/Linde, Axens, Idemitsu) and on-purpose production of butene-1 (Axens, Zeon), hexene-1 (Chevron Phillips, Axens, Sasol), and octene-1 (Dow, Sasol). A regional capacity overview is also included, with a breakdown by company in each region.

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a polyethylene with a molecular weight range of two to six million, compared with 300 000 to 500 000 for high density polyethylene. UHMWPE is a specialty polymer with performance that exceeds many types of polymers and steel, and as such is found in an increasing number of applications. This report covers the manufacturing process and fabrication methods to make UHMWPE products, as well as the cost of production for UHMWPE fabrication in different regions.