The LDPE Film Grade market in the USA exhibited pronounced volatility in late April and early May 2026 while remaining within a broader 12-week bullish structure supported by structurally tight domestic supply conditions. Initial support stemmed from limited LDPE imports and tight domestic availability, keeping spot liquidity constrained despite marginal ethylene easing, while steady packaging demand provided baseline support. Momentum softened in early May as substitution trends rose, with converters adopting recyclable additives and higher filler loading, reducing virgin resin demand and spot procurement. Stable ethylene pricing removed upstream support, while buyers delayed purchases expecting softness, increasing downward spot pressure. Global signals tighter European olefins, lower Asian cracker use, and geopolitical disruptions indicated feedstock tightness. Overall, the LDPE market remained constrained, but demand erosion added volatility, with pricing driven by substitution shifts and supply constraints despite persistent structural tightness in global feedstock and energy markets continuing to support the longer-term bullish 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.
