Crude Palm Kernel Oil CFR Houston prices edged higher in early March as the market balanced strong inventories with stable downstream demand and rising cost-side risks. A shipment on 22 February added about 2,491 tonnes of palm products to New York inventories for AAK USA, increasing spot availability and pushing prices down by the week ending 27 February. Despite this temporary pressure, steady demand from the lauric pool and downstream oleochemical producers continued to support consumption. Prices recovered modestly in early March as markets absorbed the inventory surge. Meanwhile, escalating geopolitical tensions and conflict in the Middle East have introduced additional uncertainty to global edible oil trade flows, particularly through higher freight rates, insurance costs, and potential shipping disruptions. These factors could raise landed import costs for US buyers, providing mild price support even as inventories remain comfortable and limiting the scope for deeper declines.
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.
