Core Insights - The coal chemical industry in China is experiencing unprecedented expansion due to the country's resource endowment and energy security strategy, with domestic polypropylene production capacity nearing 50 million tons by October 2025, and an additional 7.43 million tons expected in 2026, of which 58% will be coal-based [1][3] - The cost structure of coal chemical processes, particularly in coal-to-olefins, shows a significant cost advantage over oil-based processes, with coal-based olefins costing approximately 3,900 RMB per ton compared to 5,500 RMB per ton for oil-based, translating to a price advantage of 800-1,500 RMB per ton for coal-based polyethylene and polypropylene [1][2] Coal Chemical Technology and Cost Advantages - Coal chemical processes convert coal into gas, liquid, and solid fuels and chemicals, with gasification technology being a core component due to its ability to produce syngas and reduce emissions [1] - Recent technological innovations, such as the DMTO-III process by Baofeng Energy, have further reduced production costs, with methanol consumption decreasing from 3 tons to 2.66 tons per ton of product, and additional savings from using green electricity [2] Impact on Plastic Raw Material Market - The expansion of coal chemical capacity is leading to an imbalance in the plastic raw material market, with polypropylene demand growth at only 6% by 2025, while capacity is expected to grow by over 10%, potentially creating a supply-demand gap exceeding 7 million tons [3] - The price of recycled plastics is under pressure due to this supply-demand mismatch, with recycled HDPE prices expected to range between 6,200-8,500 RMB per ton, while coal-based polypropylene prices are positioned within this range, leading to direct competition [3] Strategies for the Recycled Plastic Industry - The recycled plastic industry can navigate the challenges posed by coal chemicals by focusing on technological upgrades, market segmentation, and compliance operations to build differentiated competitive advantages [4] - Companies like Wuhu Baolute Plastics are investing in advanced sorting and cleaning technologies to enhance product purity and performance, thereby reducing reliance on low-price competition [6] - Targeting high-value application scenarios, such as food packaging and automotive parts, allows recycled plastic companies to avoid direct competition with coal-based products and establish market barriers [8] Long-term Value of Circular Economy and Policy Support - The development of coal chemicals aligns with national energy security strategies, while the growth of recycled plastics is driven by circular economy principles and carbon reduction goals, indicating that both can coexist and meet different market needs [13][17] - Policies supporting the recycled plastic industry, such as tax incentives and mandates for recycled content, are expected to boost market demand significantly, with projections indicating a total demand for HDPE recycled pellets exceeding 3 million tons by 2025 [13] - The transition from traditional low-end applications to high-end uses for recycled HDPE is anticipated, driven by policy and market demand, with significant performance improvements expected from advanced recycling technologies [14]