Burns & McDonnell
burnsmcd.com
August 11, 2025 Oil, Gas & Chemicals

Polyethylene Demand Climbs but Market Uncertainty Slows Expansion

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.

Read More

Month
Post Image
Environmental
Q&A: Environmental Emergency Response and the Path to Restoration
by The Burns & McDonnell Team
Post Image
Power
Regulations and Emissions Tracking Push Utilities Toward SF₆ Alternatives
by Zach Sutherland
Post Image
Power
Boosting Energy Resilience With Smarter Nuclear Planning
by Luke Krooswyk
Post Image
Environmental
Third-Party Environmental Audits Support Compliance Amid Regulatory Shifts
by Matt Shanahan
Post Image
Environmental
Q&A: Unlocking Small Modular Reactor Deployment Through Strategic Siting and Streamlined Reviews
by The Burns & McDonnell Team
Post Image
Diversity
From Flooding to Flourishing: Upgrading Westport’s Stormwater Management
by The Burns & McDonnell Team
Post Image
Diversity
A Partnership Rooted in Quality, Trust and Shared Vision
by The Burns & McDonnell Team
Post Image
Environmental
Start Preparing Now for the New PFAS Reporting Deadline
by Katelyn McIntosh
Post Image
Environmental
EPA Compliance: Tips for a Smoother Inspection
by Matt Shanahan
Post Image
Environmental
Decoding EPA’s Compliance Changes for PFAS
by Brittani Jacobsen