The latest pricing charts can be accessed here.
Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET)
In August, R-PET clear food-grade pellets and R-PET clear flake prices are up by €10-15/tonne; R-PET coloured flake prices are stable. Recyclers’ price push was supported by the rising cost of primary material and the higher cost of bottle scrap. Furthermore, the beverage sector maintained demand at a normal level last month as temperatures soared across Europe.
In September, R-PET clear food-grade pellet and clear flake prices increased by €5-10/tonne while coloured flake prices were largely rolled over from the previous month.
The onset of autumn and cooler weather marks the end of the beverage bottle-making season together with the consequent reduction in demand. However, an increase in the cost of clear and coloured bottle scrap meant that recyclers were pressured into passing on at least some of the increase onto processors. As material was widely available, R-PET producers trimmed plant operating in line with the lower demand.
Recycled high-density polyethylene (R-HDPE)
In August, R-HDPE blow moulding material prices were rolled over but prices for higher quality black injection moulding grades increased slightly, mainly because of higher input costs. Recyclers continued to run their plants at reduced rates; demand remained low.
This month, R-HDPE blow moulding prices are mostly unchanged over the previous month while injection moulding prices have risen slightly. Demand for blow moulding material has not recovered as expected after the summer break while injection moulding demand has picked up slightly.
Recycled low-density polyethylene (R-LDPE)
In August, natural R-LDPE film and translucent material prices increased by €10/tonne while black injection pellet prices were rolled over from July. The increase in the price for higher quality grades reflects a rise in the cost of primary material. R-LDPE demand was low during what was the peak of the holiday season.
In September, demand failed to recover as expected after the holidays and suppliers were forced to grant small discounts. R-LDPE natural film and translucent film prices dropped by €10/tonne from August with black extrusion material prices once again largely unchanged. Producers reduced operating rates further to prevent an increase in stock levels.
Recycled polypropylene (R-PP)
The downward pressure on R-PP prices eased somewhat as producers curbed output even further in order to balance production with the stubbornly low demand prevailing across most end-use sectors. R-PP prices were therefore unchanged in August in a balanced market with discounts given only for large orders.
Recyclers have adjusted R-PP prices downward by at least €10/tonne this month because demand has not improved as expected following the summer holidays. Producers have trimmed operating rates even further to prevent excess stocks.
Recycled high-impact polystyrene (R-HIPS)
In August, R-HIPS prices were mostly unchanged from July; price discounts were only given for large orders. Downward price pressure eased following a surge in the cost of primary material while input costs remained high.
R-HIPS producers have reduced prices by €15-20/tonne this month as demand has failed to recover as expected after the summer holidays. Plant operating rates have been trimmed further in order to prevent a further increase in stocks.
The latest pricing charts can be accessed here.