Benzoic acid markets in the U.S. extended a decisive uptrend through March 2026 as feedstock inflation and higher logistics costs kept landed costs elevated. Buyers locked in cargo as procurement managers and beverage formulators began seasonal inventory builds ahead of the second-quarter peak. Logistics flows remained functional, with no major outages, so the upturn reflected cost-push dynamics rather than a physical supply shock. Demand remained constructive, with beverage formulators and specialty resins maintaining steady-to-healthy uptake, while phthalate-free plasticizers kept operating rates normal. The CFR New York benchmark rose roughly 13% in March. Freight costs added pressure, with container rates and transit delays shaping buying. A 25.8% surge in Toluene tightened margins for oxidation units at Asian and European hubs, prompting higher offers into the U.S. market. The near-term outlook for Apr–Sep 2026 is mixed, with modest upticks in spring followed by softer readings later, contingent on supply and shipping dynamics.
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.
