Glycol ether markets in the US posted a pronounced late-April rally as sellers defended firmer offers amid tight spot availability. Early-month demand from coatings and cleaners spurred bulk stocking and away-from-forecast purchases, while mid-month softness cooled activity before momentum reasserted. Plant run-rates remained steady and import volumes stayed modest, keeping a tight balance that supported higher indications. The demand picture was bifurcated: coatings and cleaners underpinned price strength, while general industrial orders softened as buyers adopted a wait-and-see stance. Supply disruptions also contributed, with outages at Dow and INEOS Bayport constraining near-term availability. n-Butanol (Feedstock of Glycol Ether) costs softened, providing some relief but not offsetting the higher offers. Market dynamics showed a sharp late-month acceleration, with spot offers rising through the final weeks and sellers defending elevated levels. Near-term outlook points to firm-to-steady pricing through the coming week, aided by entrenched bullish momentum, controlled inventories, and limited import inflows, though feedstock declines and renewed demand could temper gains.
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.
