Standard recycled resin prices either dipped slightly or were unchanged during the final month of 2024, and, with the exception of recycled PET, are being rolled over at the beginning of 2025.
In December, recycled PET prices fell by 10-15 euros per metric ton because of poor demand, good supply and lower cost of bottle scrap. Recycled PET prices are rising by 15-20 euros per tonne in January following an increase in the cost of bottle scrap and stock replenishment by converters.
Recycled low density polyethylene prices dipped by €10 per tonne in December mainly due to an abundance of supply vs. demand; prices have stabilized at the start of the New Year. Recycled high density PE colored blow molding and injection molding prices are unchanged over the last two months.
Recycled polypropylene prices fell by €10 per tonne in December largely because of low demand and the falling cost of standard off-spec material; Recycled PP prices are being rolled over this month.
Recycled high impact polystyrene prices have remained unchanged over the last two months in a well-balanced market.
Demand for recyclate ebbed in the run-up to the Christmas holidays. Many recyclers shut down their plants early for either an extended Christmas holiday period or to undertake plant maintenance.
Demand remains well below normal levels in January 2025, even though converters have started to replenish their stocks. Recyclers also have well-filled stocks, meaning that margin improvement through higher prices is unlikely. Furthermore, recyclers are facing competition from the lower cost of standard material. In addition, cheaper alternatives such as off-spec material or even imports of virgin material falsely relabelled as recyclate continue to enter the market and distort competition.
The latest pricing charts can be accessed here.