Plastics Industry M&A Activity Tracking
Global Plastics continued to post strong M&A activity down in February 2022 after a record start to the year in January. 31 deals were recorded in the month, which was lower than 47 transactions in January, but higher than February 2021. Deals in the month were driven by active strategic participation while private equity buyer activity slowed compared to high levels in January 2022. February transaction volume represented an increase of 3 deals year-over-year and a continuation of elevated M&A activity experienced throughout 2021.
- Strategic buyers were highly acquisitive in the month, accounting for 20 transactions or 65% of the total deal volume in the month
- Much of the decline in transaction levels month-over-month can be attributed to private equity transactions which decreased from 30 deals in January to 11 deals in February
- Film and Injection Molding transactions accounted for 45% of the deal volume in the month; both subsectors have had a strong start to the year contributing 32 of the 78 year-to-date transactions
- Specialty transactions have accounted for 36% of the year-to-date deal volume, which is up from 20% through this same time last year
- Food & Beverage transactions increased by 3 deals month-over-month, totaling 7 deals in February and 11 deals through the beginning of the year
The Global Plastics M&A market has started off the year strong, building on an unprecedented environment experienced in 2021. If February is any indication, transaction volumes seem to be continuing at elevated levels, however, it is early in the year and 2021 would be tough to replicate given unique circumstances. If you are a plastics company considering a merger, acquisition, sale or recapitalization in the short or longer term, please consider leveraging PMCF’s transaction planning and execution expertise to best position your company in a transaction.
Plastics M&A By Subsector
Total Plastics M&A By End Market
Plastics Transactions By Buyer Type
Notable M&A Activity
Public Entity Performance
Major News
- Economy Gained Momentum in February Despite Inflation Worries (Wall Street Journal)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/economy-gained-momentum-in-february-despite-inflation-worries-11645551346 - Supplies Recovered For Some Materials to Start 2022 Others Remain Turbulent (Plastics News)
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/supplies-recovered-some-materials-start-2022-others-remain-turbulent - Fed Seeks Sweet Spot Between Slowing Inflation, Aiding Growth (Plastics News)
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/fed-seeks-sweet-spot-between-slowing-inflation-aiding-growth - Ukraine Crisis Could Mean Higher Resin Prices (Plastics News)
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/ukraine-invasion-could-mean-higher-resin-prices - U.S. Job Openings, Quits Remained Elevated at End of Last Year (Wall Street Journal)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/job-openings-us-growth-labor-market-turnover-02-01-2022-11643670099
Plastics M&A Update – March 2026
Global Plastics M&A experienced recorded 38 transactions in March, representing an uptick of seven deals from the prior month and five deals from last March.
Packaging M&A Update – March 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity improved in March, with 27 deals announced.
Plastics M&A Pulse – 2025 Year In Review
Global Plastics M&A recorded its fourth consecutive year of deal volume growth with 420 transactions, highlighting a steady rebound following the record-setting activity of 2021.
Packaging M&A Pulse – 2025 Year In Review
The Global Packaging M&A market achieved its third consecutive year of growth in 2025 with 344 transactions, up 22 deals from 2024.
Packaging M&A Update – February 2026
Global Packaging M&A tapered in February as 20 deals were announced in the sector, down more than 30% from prior month and prior year levels.