Plastics Industry M&A Activity Tracking
Global Plastics M&A activity recorded 43 transactions in September, up from 29 in August and 10 deals above September 2025. 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for M&A from a volume standpoint. Year-to-date volume reached 343 transactions through September, outpacing 2025 levels by 32 deals and on par with record-setting 2021 levels. Financial buyers have driven most of the year-over-year increase, while strategic activity has remained broadly in line with 2025. Despite persistent geopolitical uncertainty and broader economic headwinds, favorable seller performance and an active buyer pool continue to support elevated M&A activity across the plastics industry.
Major News & Insights
- Newsom Vetoes Spending Plan for $5B Plastics Pollution Fund, Siding with Industry (Plastics News)
- NAW Appeals Oregon Plastics Law to Federal Court (Plastics Today)
- Chemical Sector M&A Rebounds as Plastics Dealmaking Evolves (Plastics Today)
- Canada’s Tariffs on US Plastics Take Effect (Plastics Today)
- ADP Says Private-Sector Hiring Picked Up in September (The Wall Street Journal)
- US Plastics Employment Falls as Shipments Continue to Grow (Plastics News)
Packaging M&A Update – September 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity rebounded in September with 32 transactions announced, double August’s volume and seven above September 2025.
Packaging M&A Update – August 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity softened in August, totaling 16 transactions, down 11 deals compared to July, and the lowest monthly volume recorded since March 2023.
Plastics M&A Update – August 2026
Global Plastics M&A recorded 29 transactions in August, down from 37 in July but in line with the 28 deals announced in August 2025.
Packaging M&A Update – July 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity was unchanged in July with 27 transactions, matching June volume but 10 fewer than in July 2025.
Plastics M&A Update – July 2026
Global Plastics M&A recorded 37 transactions in July, down from 46 in June and 43 in July 2025.