The Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) prices remained stagnant in the North American market amid moderate supply and steady demand. Production rates were maintained by producers, amid consistent availability of feedstock benzene, despite the limited supplies of feedstock Aniline in the regional market. At the same time, supply rates were moderately low to the importers as US exports faced challenges amid trade deficits due to new tariffs. Meanwhile, consistent use of downstream products like rigid polyurethane foams, insulation boards, and structural adhesives from the automotive and construction sectors kept the demand firm from the downstream Polyurethane sector. The strong industrial activity countered external pressures and led to a stable pricing trend. However, price increases are anticipated for MDI in the coming weeks, with the beginning of the final quarter of the year due to seasonal restocking by manufacturers and distributors in anticipation of Q4 demand. At the same time, residual hurricane season risks may disrupt production and logistics in the coming weeks.
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.
