North American prices for post-consumer low density polyethylene pellets have declined throughout 2023.
According to sources in discussion with Plastics News, prices have decreased an average of 6 cents during the past six months.
PN is changing its pricing chart, both to show the decrease and to correct previous numbers. Because the previous numbers were too low, the change is shown as a correction.
The new pricing range for clear post-consumer pellets is 72-78 cents and for colored post-consumer pellets is 35-39 cents.
"[There are] super-low virgin resin prices and lack of commitment on the customers out there on pricing structures, but it's really affected by virgin resin and slow demand," said a film recycler from the southern U.S.
Prices are expected to stay the same throughout the rest of 2023, according to sources contacted by PN. Market sources are expecting a slight increase at the beginning of 2024.
"Matter of fact, we are exceptionally busy, and I expect LDPE to keep a level pricing or even have a slight increase," said a recycler from California.
"It depends on what virgin resin does, of course," the recycler added.