Hydrochloric acid (HCl) in China weakened sharply in February H1 as market sentiment shifted from late-January volatility to a rapid correction. Dynamics were dominated by mixed domestic demand and persistent supply pressures. Electronic-grade pickling and printed-circuit-board production remained resilient, supporting pockets of absorption, while construction-related pullbacks and a cold spell trimmed pickling demand. Broader manufacturing activity showed softening. Supplying bottlenecks persisted, with higher liquid-chlorine costs raising production economics and logistical frictions adding to handling costs at major ports, limiting merchant flexibility. Nickel-laterite re-entry contributed modest tightening, while general pickling demand in steel-related segments held baseline but did not spark a rally.
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.
