US BOPP film buyers moved higher into mid-March as restocking ahead of the spring packaging run and Gulf Coast inventories supported buying interest. March activity saw buyers top up positions of seasonal demand from food and consumer packaging, with delays amplifying supply urgency. Despite higher conversion costs and geopolitical freight risk, producers pushed through surcharges, reinforcing cost pressure. The market shifted from cautious February gains into a clearer upward trajectory as converters balanced limited spot availability with steady downstream demand. Demand remained strongest in flexible packaging and packaging converters, where food and consumer packaging requirements supported firm offtake; recycled-content trials remained small with no measurable impact on prime-grade demand. Labels and e-commerce wrapping sustained moderate demand, while industrial film markets provided additional pull. The USA consumption split remains roughly 60% domestic to 40% imports, and onshore inventory coverage tightened, amplifying restocking flows. Outlook points to continued upside, supported by restocking momentum and freight risk, though import recovery could moderate momentum.
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.
