Hexene markets extended a firm tone into February as downstream demand and restocking outpaced steady upstream economics. After a soft start in January, activity picked up mid-month on packaging and e-commerce film orders, with producers rebuilding inventories that supported January to early February momentum. Participants noted tighter spot availability for 1-hexene amid active intake for LLDPE and HDPE film production, while ample ethylene supply and stable energy costs limited further upside. Near-term sentiment remained firm, with the balance toward restocking and adequate feedstock shaping direction. Downstream activity was the rally driver, with robust demand for LLDPE/HDPE film, stretch wrap and protective films contributing to tighter physical availability and input costs for producers. Despite ongoing domestic supply discipline and broad co-monomer options like 1-butene and 1-octene, the market benefited from ethylene streams and controlled costs. The outlook remains cautiously firm, supported by packaging demand and export flows, including Latin America and Southeast Asia, though seasonality and substitutes may cap 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.
