The 12th ICIS World Polyolefins Conference will convene senior executives, strategic leaders, and innovators from across the global polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) value chains for two days of in-depth discussions, industry insights, and networking. The event is scheduled for 21–22 April 2026 at the Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre in Brussels, Belgium.
Bringing together major industry participants such as LyondellBasell (LYB), TotalEnergies, Borealis, and Dow, the conference will deliver practical perspectives on the key challenges and emerging opportunities shaping the polyolefins sector. It continues to serve as a vital platform for strategic exchange across the global value chain.
In its twelfth edition, the conference returns to Europe at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in the Middle East, which is adding fresh instability to global polyolefins markets. Combined with ongoing structural overcapacity and evolving regulatory frameworks, these tensions are further complicating supply chains.
Recent developments in the Middle East have intensified market pressures, contributing to price volatility and logistical constraints. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—an essential route for global energy and petrochemical trade—have heightened uncertainty around feedstock availability and disrupted trade flows. These challenges are especially significant for European producers already facing elevated energy costs and weakening regional demand.
Against this backdrop, the conference will examine the key market drivers, policy shifts, and technological innovations influencing the future of polyolefins. It will also explore forward-looking scenarios on how geopolitical developments may impact project timelines, trade patterns, and production rates across major regions.
Sessions will delve into global supply-demand dynamics while considering what success means for Europe’s polyolefins industry in an increasingly competitive and unpredictable environment.
Key themes include:
Polyolefins markets under strain
Global PE and PP markets continue to experience oversupply and softer demand, reshaping trade dynamics. Discussions will focus on how producers are managing margin pressures, feedstock uncertainty, and logistical challenges while maintaining short-term stability.
Europe’s competitiveness in a changing landscape
Rising energy costs, regulatory shifts, and growing international competition are putting pressure on Europe’s production base. Sessions will explore strategies to move beyond survival mode, including optimizing operations, enhancing energy efficiency, diversifying feedstocks, and targeting higher-value applications.
Asia’s growing influence on global trade
Significant capacity expansions in China are expected to transform global supply patterns, with the country on track to become a net exporter of polypropylene. Participants will assess how this shift will intensify competition and require established exporters to adapt their strategies.
Advancing circularity at scale
As Europe moves from sustainability goals to implementation, the industry is prioritizing scalable recycling solutions. Regulatory developments are accelerating both mechanical and chemical recycling, while encouraging clearer feedstock strategies to support circular economies.
Responding to evolving end-user needs
Rapid changes in end-use industries are redefining performance standards and quality expectations. Through focused roundtable discussions, attendees will gain insights into how sectors such as packaging, automotive, healthcare, and electronics are driving material innovation and value creation.
A key highlight of the programme will be the participation of Dorothee Arns, Director General of Fecc, in the Industry Leaders Panel titled “The future of polyolefins – defining success for Europe’s polyolefins industry,” scheduled for 21 April. She will join other senior leaders to discuss strategic direction, competitiveness, and long-term prospects for the sector.
The opening keynote will offer an honest evaluation of the outlook for polyolefin manufacturing in Europe, addressing how producers can remain competitive amid fragmented supply chains, rising energy costs, and increasing global competition.
“Polyolefins markets are at a critical juncture,” said Lorenzo Meazza, PhD, Senior Analyst at ICIS. “With structural oversupply, regulatory change, and supply chain disruptions reshaping global trade, industry leaders must strike a balance between short-term resilience and long-term strategic transformation. This year’s conference will provide the insights and dialogue needed to shape Europe’s competitive future in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Custom sponsorship packages are also available, providing organizations with a strong platform to showcase innovations, enhance brand visibility, and engage directly with senior decision-makers across the polyolefins value chain.
Click here to know more.
Bringing together major industry participants such as LyondellBasell (LYB), TotalEnergies, Borealis, and Dow, the conference will deliver practical perspectives on the key challenges and emerging opportunities shaping the polyolefins sector. It continues to serve as a vital platform for strategic exchange across the global value chain.
In its twelfth edition, the conference returns to Europe at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, particularly in the Middle East, which is adding fresh instability to global polyolefins markets. Combined with ongoing structural overcapacity and evolving regulatory frameworks, these tensions are further complicating supply chains.
Recent developments in the Middle East have intensified market pressures, contributing to price volatility and logistical constraints. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—an essential route for global energy and petrochemical trade—have heightened uncertainty around feedstock availability and disrupted trade flows. These challenges are especially significant for European producers already facing elevated energy costs and weakening regional demand.
Against this backdrop, the conference will examine the key market drivers, policy shifts, and technological innovations influencing the future of polyolefins. It will also explore forward-looking scenarios on how geopolitical developments may impact project timelines, trade patterns, and production rates across major regions.
Sessions will delve into global supply-demand dynamics while considering what success means for Europe’s polyolefins industry in an increasingly competitive and unpredictable environment.
Key themes include:
Polyolefins markets under strain
Global PE and PP markets continue to experience oversupply and softer demand, reshaping trade dynamics. Discussions will focus on how producers are managing margin pressures, feedstock uncertainty, and logistical challenges while maintaining short-term stability.
Europe’s competitiveness in a changing landscape
Rising energy costs, regulatory shifts, and growing international competition are putting pressure on Europe’s production base. Sessions will explore strategies to move beyond survival mode, including optimizing operations, enhancing energy efficiency, diversifying feedstocks, and targeting higher-value applications.
Asia’s growing influence on global trade
Significant capacity expansions in China are expected to transform global supply patterns, with the country on track to become a net exporter of polypropylene. Participants will assess how this shift will intensify competition and require established exporters to adapt their strategies.
Advancing circularity at scale
As Europe moves from sustainability goals to implementation, the industry is prioritizing scalable recycling solutions. Regulatory developments are accelerating both mechanical and chemical recycling, while encouraging clearer feedstock strategies to support circular economies.
Responding to evolving end-user needs
Rapid changes in end-use industries are redefining performance standards and quality expectations. Through focused roundtable discussions, attendees will gain insights into how sectors such as packaging, automotive, healthcare, and electronics are driving material innovation and value creation.
A key highlight of the programme will be the participation of Dorothee Arns, Director General of Fecc, in the Industry Leaders Panel titled “The future of polyolefins – defining success for Europe’s polyolefins industry,” scheduled for 21 April. She will join other senior leaders to discuss strategic direction, competitiveness, and long-term prospects for the sector.
The opening keynote will offer an honest evaluation of the outlook for polyolefin manufacturing in Europe, addressing how producers can remain competitive amid fragmented supply chains, rising energy costs, and increasing global competition.
“Polyolefins markets are at a critical juncture,” said Lorenzo Meazza, PhD, Senior Analyst at ICIS. “With structural oversupply, regulatory change, and supply chain disruptions reshaping global trade, industry leaders must strike a balance between short-term resilience and long-term strategic transformation. This year’s conference will provide the insights and dialogue needed to shape Europe’s competitive future in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Custom sponsorship packages are also available, providing organizations with a strong platform to showcase innovations, enhance brand visibility, and engage directly with senior decision-makers across the polyolefins value chain.
Click here to know more.