The US ethylene dichloride (EDC) market weakened sharply in mid-July 2026 as abundant domestic supply, rising inventories, and softer downstream procurement pushed export and spot prices lower. Following several weeks of relatively stable trading, increasing export competition and cautious purchasing from PVC and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) producers shifted market sentiment decisively bearish. Suppliers continued operating at stable rates with no significant production disruptions, ensuring ample product availability despite weaker buying interest. Although feedstock ethylene and chlorine markets remained broadly stable, they offered insufficient cost support to offset aggressive pricing by exporters. Market participants are now closely monitoring inventory levels and downstream operating rates as procurement strategies remain conservative. Looking ahead, the near-term outlook for ethylene dichloride remains tilted toward further softness as comfortable supply and subdued PVC demand continue weighing on prices. However, seasonal improvement in PVC production, stronger export enquiries, and firmer ethylene costs could gradually support a recovery toward the latter part of the third quarter.
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.
