Corn starch markets in the United States showed tightening spot liquidity and firmer producer sentiment through mid-March 2026, following a largely stable start in February. Market activity strengthened in the weeks leading into mid-March as bids and offers narrowed, and participants reassessed short-term supply risks. Seasonal processing rates remained broadly normal, while demand from packaging converters, snack-food manufacturers, and adhesive producers stayed steady. Converters supplying corrugated and linerboard sectors maintained regular shipments, supporting binder demand, while snack-food processors recorded a modest increase in offtake. Adhesive manufacturers largely relied on contracted volumes, keeping spot liquidity limited. The February assessment indicated a neutral trend for Corn Starch FOB Los Angeles, though sentiment turned firmer by mid-March. On the supply side, elevated maize feedstock and energy costs continued to pressure producer margins. Escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, along with disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, kept energy prices elevated, supporting firmer quotations and upward price expectations 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.
