Recycled plastics prices turned downward in Europe in June following a rising trend over the previous three months. In early July, recyclate prices appeared to be coming under further downward pressure.
In June, recycled PET clear food-grade pellet prices fell by €30 per metric ton with colored flake prices declining by €10 per tonne due largely to the lower cost of bottle scrap. Clear flake prices, on the other hand, actually increased because of tighter availability. Recycled PET prices are expected to fall slightly this month as a result of lower costs and slackening demand.
In June, recycled low density polyethylene prices declined €10-30 per tonne, depending on product type, due to lower costs and slackening demand. Prices are expected to either be rolled over or soften slightly this month.
Recycld high density PE colored blow molding pellet prices were unchanged in June while injection molding pellet prices softened slightly. In July, recycled HDPE prices are most likely to remain unchanged.
Recycled polypropylene and recycled high impact polystyrene prices each dipped by €20 per tonne in June. Both recycled PP and recycled HIPS prices are expected to soften slightly in July because of lower costs and weaker demand.
While volume calls across most types of standard recyclate picked up slightly during the second quarter of the year, demand for recyclate was still well below normal. The recycled PET sector is the exception, where demand is almost back to normal levels. Demand is likely to slacken further late July and into August as most of southern Europe takes a summer break.
Recyclers have continued to run their plants at reduced rates over the last two months, apart from the PET sector, where plant operating rates are at normal levels.
The latest pricing charts can be accessed here.