US sodium tripolyphosphate import markets hardened in April 2026 as logistics bottlenecks and feedstock inflation tightened supply, prompting buyers to absorb replacement values. Trans-Pacific equipment tightness and surging freight boosted CFR Los Angeles economics early in the month, while limited West Coast prompt availability reinforced upward momentum. With lean inventories after replenishment delays, market sentiment shifted from cautious to actively bid. Demand drivers remained supportive: household and institutional cleaning demand stayed robust as detergent producers geared up for summer, while food-processing demand for technical-grade sodium tripolyphosphate held steady; additional use emerged from surface-treatment and industrial cleaning. Water-treatment demand softened as formulators substituted lower-phosphorus blends, though the shift did not blunt the overall bullish tilt. Upstream costs and logistics were central, with phosphoric acid pressure lifting manufacturing and export offers and delivered costs. Freight rates rose, further restricting prompt supply. The outlook remains mixed, with May gains followed by declines in June and July; volatility persists through the summer amid routing and feedstock movements.
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.
