Standard recyclate demand remained well below normal levels at the beginning of 2025, even though converters started to replenish their stocks. Recyclers also had plenty of stock in their warehouses, meaning that implementation of price increases to improve margin at a time of low demand, was unlikely. Furthermore, recyclers faced growing competition from the falling cost of standard material. In addition, cheaper alternatives such as off-spec material or even imports of virgin material falsely relablled as recyclate, continued to enter the market and distort competition.
In February, there is a notable improvement in demand as converters start to replenish stocks, although order activity remains lower than would normally be expected. Recyclers are slowly beginning to loosen their grip on production levels as demand shows signs of a muted recovery. Overall, the price trend is pointing slightly upward this month.
Recycled PET prices have seen the largest price increases, increasing by €15-20 per metri tonne in January and have risen by a further €20-30/tonne this month, largely in response to higher input costs.
Recycled high density polyethylene, low density PE, polypropylene and polystrene prices were mostly unchanged in January due to weak demand.
Recycled HDPE prices remain stable this month and there has been a small uptick in recycled LDPE translucent film pellet prices. Recucled low density PE natural film prices are up by €30/tonne, Recycled LDPE natural film prices have benefited from the supply tightness of virgin LDPE and substitution by recyclate. Recycled PP and PS prices have risen by €10/tonne this month.
Standard recyclate prices are likely to continue on an upward trajectory over the coming months as a result of an expected seasonal upturn in demand.