US bentonite prices moved higher in June on firm drilling demand and disciplined supply management that tightened prompt availability. Activity at Wyoming strip-mines remained steady, while processors held run-rates, and rising Rocky Mountain natural-gas costs lifted dryer and kiln operating costs through summer. Producers prioritized contract fulfilment and trimmed spot allocations, with Asian export inquiries absorbing volumes. The net effect was upward pressure on delivered values for sodium bentonite, underpinned by strength in oilfield service activity, foundry consumption and resilient pet-care demand. The demand picture was led by Oil & Gas, where improved rig activity and stronger service work drew additional volumes into drilling-mud blends. Foundry moulding-sand demand offered modest support, consistent with a selective improvement in overall industrial activity. Pet-care applications remained a steady baseline, while discretionary restocking was deferred, tightening prompt availability. Looking ahead, near-term momentum for Bentonite appears mixed, but prices are expected to remain firm into mid-summer, with seasonal normalization and year-end recovery shaping the wider outlook.
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.
