ResinSmart FAQ
1. About ResinSmart—Platform Basics

What is ResinSmart? And how does it help resin buyers?

ResinSmart combines real-time resin pricing and market intelligence with hands-on supplier negotiation guidance from experienced advisors. It helps you prepare for supplier conversations faster and understand the real forces driving your costs.

The ResinSmart platform pulls together benchmarks, forecasting, supply insights, and feedstock trends so buyers can see market reality without relying on delayed or supplier-controlled pricing sources. Our advisors then help you turn that data into negotiation strategy and actionable cost savings. We built ResinSmart for both experienced procurement professionals who need to validate their market instincts and newer buyers who need confident talking points before supplier meetings.

Who is ResinSmart designed for?

ResinSmart is designed for procurement teams, plant managers, supply chain leaders, and anyone responsible for buying commodity plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene, as well as engineered plastic resins like polycarbonate or nylon. It gives both new and experienced buyers a transparent view of pricing, market trends, and upcoming risks, plus access to advisors who help you act on what you're seeing.

Teams use it to gain leverage that traditionally belonged only to the largest processors, while larger processors use it to validate pricing and protect margins.

What problems does ResinSmart solve in resin procurement?

ResinSmart solves the core challenge of resin procurement: buyers rarely know whether they're overpaying or getting fair market rates. It gives you a fast, accurate, data-driven view of pricing, supply, feedstocks, and leverage points, with advisor support to help you use it effectively.

ResinSmart's tools help you prepare for negotiations, monitor supplier margin behavior, and respond before price increases hit your inbox, while our advisors help you interpret the data for your specific situation and supplier relationships.

How does ResinSmart determine fair market resin pricing?

ResinSmart calculates fair-market resin pricing using billions of pounds of benchmarked transactional data across polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, PET, and engineered plastic resin. This provides buyers with a clear view of what similar processors are actually paying in current conditions.

This data doesn't rely on supplier-reported assessments or lagging indexes, giving buyers a timely, unbiased market reference. The benchmark updates continuously as new transactions flow through, so you're always seeing current market reality rather than month-old averages.

How fast can I prepare for a supplier meeting using ResinSmart?

You can prepare for a supplier meeting in minutes using ResinSmart's pricing benchmarks, forecasts, inventory trends, and feedstock charts. The platform pulls all major negotiation points into one view so you don't waste time hunting through multiple sources.

For deeper preparation or surprise meetings, advisors can walk you through the key talking points and help you build a response strategy based on what the data is showing.

What makes ResinSmart different from traditional resin indexes?

Traditional indexes rely on supplier reporting and often lag the real market by weeks, while ResinSmart uses real-time benchmarked pricing, updated quarterly forecasts, and experienced advisors who help you understand what's happening and how to respond. This gives buyers a much clearer picture of what's actually happening and what to do about it.

ResinSmart focuses on transparency, accuracy, and buyer leverage rather than broad monthly assessments that may not reflect current supply-demand conditions. You'll see the same market signals that drive pricing—inventories, feedstocks, exports—updated as they happen, not weeks after they've already moved your costs, with advisory support to help you act on those signals.

How often is ResinSmart data refreshed?

ResinSmart updates benchmark pricing continuously as new transaction data flows in, and forecasts are refreshed quarterly to reflect current supply, demand, production, export flows, and feedstock movements. Forecasts remain over 95% accurate within the 90-day window.

This gives buyers a reliable foundation for short-term decisions and budget planning.

Does ResinSmart require changing suppliers?

No, ResinSmart does not require you to change suppliers. It provides the information you need to validate pricing, negotiate effectively, and protect margins with your existing supply base.

If leverage points suggest an alternative supplier may help you save, ResinSmart provides the data to support that conversation internally. ResinSmart can also help make introductions to vetted alternative resin suppliers that can support your resin procurement goals. 

Does ResinSmart integrate with my procurement workflows or ERP?

ResinSmart doesn't require ERP integration—it works alongside your existing systems by giving you data you can quickly export, share, or reference during internal planning and supplier calls. It supports multi-plant coordination and cross-team collaboration without requiring system changes.

Teams often use ResinSmart charts and benchmarks in internal slide decks to align procurement, operations, and finance.

Is ResinSmart a replacement for a resin index such as ICIS/CMAI or IHS/CDI??

ResinSmart isn’t a direct replacement for traditional resin indexes; it is a more real-time, buyer-focused alternative that provides a clearer picture of the true market. Traditional indexes offer value, especially with contract compliance and auditing, but their lag makes them less actionable for negotiation or short-term decision-making, not to mention the other limitations that can cause confusion or worse. Many buyers use ResinSmart as their day-to-day pricing reference and keep indexes as a secondary reference point.

2. Resin Pricing, Data, and Market Intelligence

What drives resin price increases?

Resin prices typically increase with changes in supply & demand fundamentals (e.g., when resin supply tightens and demand rises) or in cost drivers (e.g., feedstock and energy costs move higher). Resin pricing also reacts quickly to outages, storms, and export changes that shift short-term availability.

These pressures can stack on each other, which is why increases often show up even when demand feels soft.

How accurate are ResinSmart’s price forecasts?

ResinSmart’s resin price forecasts are more than 95% accurate within a 90-day window. These resin forecasts stay reliable because they reflect real benchmark data, current supply trends, and feedstock movements. ResinSmart is also unique in the resin industry as forecasts are updated after Black Swan events like Texas storm Uri in 2021. 

This level of accuracy helps buyers plan budgets, time negotiations, and understand when prices may start to turn. The forecasts hold up because they're built on real benchmark data and actual supply conditions, not historical patterns or supplier sentiment that can lag reality.

How far out does ResinSmart forecast resin prices?

ResinSmart provides a 12-month resin price forecast that updates quarterly as market conditions shift. The resin forecast gives buyers a clear view of short-term volatility and longer-term pricing direction.

Many teams use it to plan resin needs across contract cycles, inventory builds, and annual budgets.

What’s the difference between contract resin pricing and spot pricing?

Resin contract pricing comes from ongoing agreements with a supplier, while spot resin pricing reflects short-term, buy-as-needed rates. Resin spot pricing moves more quickly because it responds immediately to supply and demand in the resin market.

Both matter in resin procurement: contract pricing gives stability, and spot pricing shows where the market is heading.

What are resin pricing indexes, and how do they differ from ResinSmart?

Resin pricing indexes publish monthly assessments based on supplier surveys, while ResinSmart shows real benchmark prices based on actual transactions. Indexes often lag the market, but ResinSmart reflects what buyers are paying right now.

Indexes still offer historical context, but day-to-day resin procurement decisions often require more current data.

Why do resin prices change so often?

Resin prices change frequently because resin supply, demand, feedstocks, exports, and production rates shift every week. Resin pricing also reacts quickly to weather events, outages, and global trade movements.

This constant movement is why monthly index data falls short—by the time a report publishes, the market has often already shifted direction. Buyers who track these signals in real time can see pressure building before suppliers announce increases, giving them time to adjust timing, inventory, or negotiation strategy.

How do monomer and feedstock prices affect resin pricing?

Monomer and feedstock prices affect resin pricing because they drive the core cost of making resins like polyethylene and polypropylene. When ethane, ethylene, or other inputs rise or fall, resin prices for polyethylene and polypropylene usually move in the same direction.

Tracking these changes helps buyers anticipate pricing pressure long before it reaches contracts.

What is “fair market price” for resin, and how does ResinSmart calculate it?

The fair market price for resin reflects what similar buyers are paying for comparable or the same resin grades under current market conditions. ResinSmart calculates fair market resin pricing using billions of pounds of benchmarked transactions instead of supplier surveys. Additionally, our industry experts can provide guidance on your company’s specific grades and volumes to determine a fair market price that reflects your requirements.

This gives buyers a clear, grounded reference when evaluating increases or confirming contract alignment.

Does volume guarantee better resin pricing?

Increasing the volume of resin purchased helps, but it does not guarantee better resin pricing. Better pricing comes from understanding current market conditions, not just ordering more pounds.

Many large buyers still overpay when they rely on outdated references or incomplete market visibility, while data-informed smaller buyers often outperform them.

Why do buyers overpay for resin even with strong supplier relationships?

Buyers overpay for resin when they depend on lagging indexes or miss early signs in inventories, feedstocks, or exports. Resin suppliers may also propose price increases based on internal pressures that do not match real market conditions.

Without current benchmarking, it’s easy for hidden margin to build over time.

3. Resin Forecasting, Cost Planning & Finance

Why is resin often the largest line item on a manufacturer’s P&L?

Resin is often the largest line item because resin is a major raw material cost that moves frequently and directly impacts margins. Even small changes in resin prices can cause large swings in total production costs very quickly.

This is why many manufacturers track resin markets more closely than any other input.

How can better forecasting improve resin procurement decisions?

Better resin forecasting helps buyers understand where prices are likely to head, rather than reacting after suppliers make a move. When buyers know if resin markets are nearing a bottom or drifting higher, they can time negotiations and contracts more effectively.

Forecasting also helps teams avoid locking in resin at the wrong point in a pricing cycle.

What’s the difference between a static resin forecast and a rolling forecast?

A static resin forecast sets expectations once per year, while a rolling resin forecast updates regularly as market conditions change. Rolling forecasts give buyers a more accurate view because resin markets move faster than annual planning cycles.

This helps teams adjust their resin strategy throughout the year instead of relying on outdated assumptions.

How can ResinSmart forecasting help with annual budget planning?

ResinSmart forecasting helps budget planning by showing expected resin pricing across the next 12 months. This gives finance and procurement a shared view of likely costs instead of relying on historical averages or supplier guidance.

Quarterly updates also help teams adjust budgets before resin prices shift too far from original estimates.

How do energy markets and crude oil trends influence resin prices long-term?

Energy markets and crude oil trends influence resin prices because they affect the cost of the feedstocks used to make polyethylene and polypropylene. However, resin pricing also depends on multiple other inputs, including factors that shape how long prices run up or down. When natural gas liquids or crude-based inputs rise or fall, resin pricing typically follows over time.

This connection is especially noticeable during periods of high volatility in global energy markets.

Why were historical resin pricing patterns disrupted in recent years?

Historical resin pricing patterns were disrupted by supply chain shocks, exports shifting, weather events, and changes in global trade flows. These disruptions broke many of the old seasonal and cyclical patterns buyers relied on.

As a result, modern resin procurement depends more on real-time data and forecasting than on long-term historical averages.

4. Resin Procurement Strategy & Negotiation

How can I negotiate resin pricing without volume advantages?

You can negotiate resin pricing without volume by using clear market data to show where resin prices should be right now. When you understand resin benchmarks, feedstocks, and inventories, volume becomes less important than information.

Buyers with accurate data often outperform larger competitors who rely only on supplier guidance.

How does ResinSmart help buyers uncover supplier margin erosion?

ResinSmart helps buyers uncover hidden supplier margin by comparing your contract resin price against real fair-market resin benchmarks. When your price moves out of sync with market trends, it signals that hidden margin has crept into your contract.

This gives buyers a factual basis to question increases or request pricing corrections.

What leverage do buyers have when suppliers propose price increases?

Buyers gain leverage when resin inventories are high, feedstocks are falling, or exports are soft. These conditions work against a resin price increase and weaken the supplier’s justification.

When buyers know these factors in advance, they can push back with confidence.

How do I know if my resin price is above, below, or at market?

You know your position by comparing your contract resin price to the fair-market resin benchmark for your grade. This benchmark shows what similar buyers are paying under current conditions.

If your price sits above that range, you may be carrying hidden margin or outdated terms.

What should buyers review before a resin supplier meeting?

Before a resin supplier meeting, buyers should review benchmark pricing, near-term forecasts, inventory levels, and feedstock trends. These data points form the story behind where resin pricing should be.

When you walk in with this context, you control the conversation instead of reacting to the supplier’s narrative.

How can smaller or mid-market buyers compete with large-volume processors?

Smaller buyers compete by using real-time resin data to challenge increases and validate pricing. When you understand the resin market as well as the supplier, volume matters far less.

Buyers who focus on information often outperform buyers who rely solely on scale.

Does ResinSmart negotiate with suppliers on my behalf?

ResinSmart does not negotiate directly with suppliers. Instead, the platform and our advisors give your team the data, context, and strategy needed to handle negotiations internally.

This keeps supplier relationships stable while strengthening your position in every discussion.

What procurement blind spots cause resin buyers to overspend?

Common blind spots include relying on lagging index data, missing shifts in inventories or feedstocks, the timing of a resin purchase in the month, and accepting supplier proposals without checking benchmarks. These gaps make it easy for unnecessary margin to build.

Closing these blind spots usually leads to better pricing, stronger contracts, and more informed negotiations.

5. Resin Supply Chain, Logistics & Industry Volatility

How do resin inventory levels affect pricing?

Resin inventory levels affect pricing because high inventories put downward pressure on resin prices, while low inventories give suppliers more leverage. Resin markets react quickly when producers build or draw inventory.

Tracking inventory helps buyers understand whether a price increase matches real supply conditions.

How do exports impact the polyethylene and polypropylene markets?

Exports impact resin markets because a large share of domestic polyethylene (up to 50%) and a smaller share of domestic polypropylene (up to 10%) leave North America each month. When exports slow, excess resin remains in the region, pushing prices lower.

When exports rise, domestic supply tightens, supporting higher prices.

How do container shortages affect resin availability?

Container shortages affect resin availability because producers rely on outbound shipping to move large volumes overseas. When containers are scarce, domestic resin piles up, potentially weakening pricing.

These shortages also delay shipments, which adds unpredictability to both supply and lead times.

Why do storms, outages, and plant turnarounds cause resin volatility?

Storms, outages, and plant turnarounds increase resin volatility by interrupting production and limiting supply. Even a brief outage can ripple through the market if resin inventories are low. Resin production assets require a lot of time to stop and restart production lines to make on specification products. Any “hard stops” from storms or sudden equipment failures can lead to extended downtime before production can safely restart. 

These disruptions often lead to quick spikes in pricing, especially during periods of tight capacity.

How do energy costs and natural gas influence resin markets?

Energy costs and natural gas influence resin markets by affecting the cost of feedstocks used to make resin. When natural gas liquids or other inputs rise, resin pricing often follows.

This link is especially strong in polyethylene, which relies heavily on natural gas–based feedstocks.

How do global trade flows affect resin prices?

Global trade flows affect resin prices by shifting where material moves and how much domestic supply stays in the region. When trade routes change or tariffs shift, resin availability and pricing adjust with them.

Export-heavy markets like polyethylene feel these changes faster than most buyers expect.

6. Resin Market Fundamentals 

What’s the difference between polyethylene and polypropylene?

Polyethylene and polypropylene are two common thermoplastics with different performance characteristics and end-use applications. Polyethylene is known for its flexibility and impact strength, while polypropylene offers higher stiffness and better heat resistance.

Most processors use both resins across different parts of their product lines, depending on the performance they need.

What’s the difference between commodity resins and engineering resins?

Commodity resins like polyethylene and polypropylene are used for high-volume applications and focus on cost, processability, and basic performance. Engineering resins offer higher strength, heat resistance, or durability for more demanding applications.

Buyers typically choose commodity resins for large-scale production where cost and processability matter most, and engineering resins when performance requirements are stricter. ResinSmart focuses on commodity polyethylene and polypropylene markets, where pricing volatility and volume create the biggest procurement challenges.

Why does the domestic resin market rely so heavily on exports?

The resin market relies on exports because North America produces more polyethylene and polypropylene than it consumes. Excess resin must move overseas to keep domestic supply balanced.

When exports slow down, resin builds up in the region, putting pressure on prices.

What determines resin supply and demand?

Resin supply and demand are determined by production rates, inventory levels, export volumes, and end-market consumption. When production runs smoothly and demand is steady, pricing stays more predictable.

Shifts in packaging, consumer goods, construction, or automotive demand can quickly influence resin consumption.

How do producers set contract resin prices?

Producers set contract resin prices based on supply, demand, production/delivery costs, and competitive market pressure. These prices often move with feedstocks, inventories, and broader industry trends.

Buyers typically negotiate contracts using a mix of market data, historical behavior, and current competitive conditions. The challenge is that producers often have better visibility into supply dynamics than buyers do—which is why independent market intelligence helps level the playing field during contract discussions.

7. Using ResinSmart in Daily Workflows 

How do buyers use ResinSmart during resin negotiations?

Buyers use ResinSmart to see current resin benchmark pricing, upcoming price direction, and the supply factors that support or weaken a supplier's proposal, often working with advisors to build their negotiation approach. This helps them walk into negotiations with a clear, data-driven story.

Many teams check the platform and connect with advisors before scheduled or surprise supplier meetings so they know whether pricing pressure is real and how to respond.

How does ResinSmart help buyers stay ahead of market shifts?

ResinSmart helps buyers stay ahead of market shifts by showing real-time pricing trends, near-term forecasts, and supply and feedstock changes that often drive price movements, with advisors helping interpret what matters most for your timing and strategy. This gives buyers more time to prepare before suppliers announce increases.

Teams lean on this visibility to adjust budgets, plan timing, and understand where leverage is moving.

How do procurement and finance teams use ResinSmart together?

Procurement and finance teams use ResinSmart to work from the same market pricing and forecast view, with advisors helping translate data into terms both groups understand. This shared information helps both groups plan around resin costs without relying on outdated data or guesswork.

The platform becomes a common reference point during budget reviews, contract discussions, and monthly business updates.

How do multi-plant manufacturers use ResinSmart?

Multi-plant manufacturers use ResinSmart to make sure each site understands current resin pricing and the broader market environment. This keeps contract decisions consistent across locations, even when plants buy at different volumes.

A shared market reference often helps companies push for better alignment and avoid price gaps between facilities.

How does ResinSmart support day-to-day procurement work?

ResinSmart supports day-to-day procurement by giving buyers quick access to the pricing and market context they need before supplier calls, internal updates, or contract reviews. It reduces the time spent gathering data from scattered sources.

Most teams rely on it as their real-time market reference throughout each month.