A key raw material for many of these plastic goods is ethylene, which is derived from naphtha, an oil by-product.  TAIPEI: Food vendors across Asia who rely on plastics for everything from bags to cups and containers are grappling with their rising costs, the result of the energy crisis sparked by the Middle East war . While the United States and Iran have reached a deal to halt the conflict, it will take time for markets to recover and supply flows to return to normal, with persistent concerns