Butadiene CFR USGC activity softened in May as weekly assessments showed a decline, with prices easing by about 1.36% in last week. Early May saw tighter prompt availability supported by moderate buying from synthetic rubber producers, but momentum faded through the month. In mid-May, elevated tank inventories and domestic parcels weighed on spot sentiment, even as the broader monthly picture showed gains: prices rose around 3.7% for May. Downstream demand presented a mixed profile: synthetic rubber support briefly boosted prompt availability, yet overall demand from synthetic rubber, ABS and tyre manufacturing remained steady but unable to absorb the extra supply, keeping the market soft. Processors and ABS buyers held volumes, reinforcing a comfortable supply backdrop. Supply dynamics were driven by steady upstream operations and accessible logistics; a brief force majeure at a Houston facility did not materially tighten supply. Outlook remains mixed for Butadiene as domestic supply and inventories can cap upside, while renewed buying or tighter imports could restore support.
Selenis has effectively manufactured recycled PET chips using terephthalic acid sourced from Circ®, a textile-to-textile recycler based in Virginia. The chip production took place through a series of batches at Selenis' pilot plant in San-Giorgio, Italy. By utilizing inputs recovered from polycotton textile waste, Selenis has created high-quality PET chip, which has been further processed into DTY yarn. This yarn will play a crucial role in product development as Circ prepares for additional capsule launches. Selenis is leveraging the success of this initial collaboration phase and is committed to advancing towards an offtake partnership to support Circ's inaugural industrial facility.
Eduardo Santos, Head of Corporate Strategy at Selenis, remarked that the monomer synthesis showed a performance comparable to virgin terephthalic acid. He expressed optimism about the consistent quality of Circ's monomer output and anticipated future commercial success. Santos pointed out that the Circ partnership complements Selenis's existing mission and goals for a more sustainable textile industry. He further stated their anticipation of expanding upon this collaboration and providing support for Circ's forthcoming commercial production trials.
