Post-consumer low density polyethylene pellet prices have slightly increased in North America to wrap up the first quarter of 2025.
According to sources in contact with Plastics News, LDPE pellet prices have increased an average of 3 cents. Clear film post-consumer pellet prices have increased by 2 cents and colored film post-consumer pellet prices have increased by 4 cents.
The trend of PCR becoming more in demand throughout 2024, which led to about a 7-cent increase, is continuing in the beginning of 2025. Sources are expecting an increase to carry on throughout the year, saying it will affect the market.
"Bales have been increasing slightly, there's been more demand for PCR, good PCR," said a recycler in California. "We're holding steady on our natural pellet prices and our mixed color prices, both are moving linear."
Recycled LDPE prices went slightly up throughout 2024 after a large decrease in the second half of 2023. In 2025, sources are expecting a half-penny rise occasionally, resulting in about a 3-cent increase during the year.
"I could see prices going up another 2-4 cents," the source added. "I would expect to see this increase by the third quarter."