Plastics Industry M&A Activity Tracking
Global Plastics M&A activity totaled 33 transactions in the month of August, which was up two deals from July levels but still lower than elevated levels in 2021. Despite turbulence in the debt and equity markets, both strategic and financial buyers remained active in Plastics from an M&A standpoint. August M&A levels were the second-highest monthly total recorded in the last five months of 2022. While the threat of a contraction looms over the economy, Plastics M&A is poised to close the third quarter on a high note.
- After a weak month in July, private equity activity rallied to account for ~52% of the deal volume in August; it marked the first time financial buyers accounted for greater than 50% of the deal activity since January 2022
- Resin / Color & Compounding totaled six deals in August, building on a strong July and once again accounting for over 15% of the total transaction volume
- After posting 14 deals in July, Injection Molding M&A activity fell, recording seven deals recorded in August. On average, eight deals are attributable to this subsector per month in 2022 which means the drop in activity is still in line with normal levels
- The Film subsector rebounded in August and posted the highest month-over-month increase of any plastics subsector. Eight Film deals were recorded in August which was the most activity for the subsector from a volume standpoint since January 2022
Through August 2022, Global Plastics M&A continues to display strong transaction volumes. Currently, 269 deals have been recorded in 2022, which is significantly higher than pre-pandemic deal totals. Despite volatility in the overall macroeconomic landscape, current activity would suggest that Plastics M&A will continue to exhibit robust transaction volume in the near term. 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.
Sources: Capital IQ, PitchBook, Thomson Reuters, Company Reports, PMCF. Data as of August 31, 2022
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
- Job Market Stronger Than Previously Reported, Data Show (Wall Street Journal)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/job-market-stronger-than-previously-reported-data-show-11661364957?mod=Searchresults_pos17&page=4 - California Lawmakers Kill Plan to Cut Plastic Packaging in Online Shopping (Plastics News)
https://www.plasticsnews.com/public-policy/california-bill-plastic-packaging-e-commerce-shopping-killed - Supply Chain Problems Continue to Hit US Chemical Sector (Plastics News)
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/supply-chain-problems-continue-hit-us-chemical-sector - US GDP Fell Less Than Previously Thought in Second Quarter (Wall Street Journal)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-jobless-claims-eased-last-week-in-tight-labor-market-11661432194?mod=Searchresults_pos19&page=3 - More Volatility for North American PS, ABS resin prices (Plastics News)
https://www.plasticsnews.com/resin-pricing/polystyrene-resin-prices-abs-resin-prices-chaos-over-feedstocks
Download Plastics M&A Update – August 2022
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.