Navigating the Polymer Supply Crunch

Polymer Markets Brace for Prolonged Supply Strain

by Chuck Hoop,Star Business Director

Increasingly, this market is starting to feel a lot like the early days of COVID in 2020. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global oil markets, and because plastics are tied directly to hydrocarbon feedstocks, the impact is already moving through the polymer supply chain. Industry experts expect this to be a longer-term event, and even after conditions improve, it could take six months or more for supply chains to normalize.

We are already seeing signs of stress domestically, with LTL fuel surcharges around 40% of base freight and truckload surcharges in the 20% to 30% range. Asia Pacific, which often leads North America in these situations, is seeing broad polymer price increases, force majeure declarations, and suppliers delaying order confirmation until feedstock, production, and pricing is clear. Historically, shortages move through the chain in stages—olefins first, then styrenics, and finally engineering resins. In the last few weeks alone, we’ve seen well over 20 price increases, force majeure actions, and freight surcharges. For molders, now is the time to stay close to suppliers, review inventory carefully, and communicate risk early with customers.

Stay informed and up to the minute with Chuck Hoop’s Monthly Market Updates.

UL Outdoor Ratings: F1 & F2 Explained

What Is UL 746C?

UL 746C is a standard developed by Underwriters Laboratories that defines how plastic materials are evaluated for outdoor use. It focuses on weatherability, measuring how plastics perform when exposed to environmental stressors like ultraviolet (UV) radiation, moisture, and temperature extremes.

Through controlled testing that simulates real-world outdoor conditions, UL 746C helps determine whether a material can maintain its mechanical strength, appearance, and safety over time.

Key Testing Areas

• • UL 746C evaluates materials based on their resistance to:
• • UV radiation (long-term sunlight exposure)
• • Water exposure (immersion and humidity)
• • Temperature extremes (thermal cycling and heat aging)
• • Mechanical performance retention after environmental exposure
• • These tests ensure materials won’t degrade prematurely in outdoor environments.

F1 vs. F2 Ratings

UL 746C classifies materials using outdoor suitability ratings:

• •F1 Rating – Indicates a material has passed UV, water, and temperature exposure testing. These materials are suitable for prolonged outdoor use.
• •F2 Rating – Indicates partial compliance, typically passing either UV or water exposure testing—but not both. These materials are suitable for limited or less demanding outdoor applications.

Star Plastics offers many products with F1 or F2 ratings. Explore them here.

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Star Backs Community as Chamber Founder

Star Plastics has been a proud supporter of the local business community for more than three decades, beginning with the founding of the Jackson County (WV) Chamber of Commerce in April 1994.

Star founder Doug Ritchie was among the chamber’s original board members, and his name appears in the organization’s Articles of Incorporation. Since that time, both Doug and Star Plastics have remained closely involved with the chamber’s work and mission.

Star Plastics has also hosted chamber gatherings for many years. Since the opening of the company’s Millwood facility in 1998, the company has welcomed members for meetings and events on a regular basis, helping provide a space for local companies to connect and collaborate.

Doug has served the chamber in a number of leadership roles, including several years as treasurer. Today he continues to serve as co-treasurer, maintaining an active role in the organization. As a founding member, his experience and guidance continue to be valued by chamber leadership.

Star Plastics’ long-standing involvement reflects the company’s commitment to supporting strong local business partnerships and community growth.

Why Household Recycling Matters

Environmental Protection: Recycling reduces the volume of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, waterways, and oceans. Studies estimate that 11 million metric tons of plastic enter oceans every year, harming marine life.

Energy Savings: Recycling plastic saves up to 88% of the energy compared to producing virgin plastic.

Economic Value: Recycled plastics can be turned into valuable products—textiles, packaging, furniture, and more.

Community Engagement: Recycling encourages households, schools, and local communities to collaborate in building a circular economy.

Find a complete guide to plastics recycling at Recycling Today’s website.