U.S. acrylic acid prices surged 6.79% in early May 2026, driven by a 22.3% propylene feedstock escalation rooted in sustained Strait of Hormuz disruption from the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, and BASF's April 23 glacial acrylic acid price increase of $0.09/lb citing raw material, energy, and logistics cost pressures. U.S. Gulf Coast producers assumed primary global supplier status as Middle Eastern acrylic acid supply collapsed, generating extraordinary export demand alongside intact domestic consumption. Despite Trump's Powers declaration, the dual Hormuz blockade persists. The near-term outlook is strongly bullish, with structural normalisation contingent on verified Hormuz transit restoration and U.S.-Iran diplomatic resolution.
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.
