Polyethylene remains the largest category within the global ethylene market, with widespread use in consumer packaging, automotive manufacturing, and construction. Low‑density polyethylene (LDPE) demand is projected to grow at a 4.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) until 2030, while high‑density polyethylene (HDPE) is expected to grow at a 3.6% GAGR over the same period. Polyethylene, the world’s most widely produced plastic, remains central to global manufacturing. Yet, despite strong fundamentals and a decade-long expansion forecast, new petrochemical project announcements have slowed. The reason isn’t a lack of demand or technical capacity. It’s constrained capital.