Maleic anhydride prices rose sharply through March before settling into a range by month end, signaling a transition from momentum to balance. Early buying supported a firmer tone among sellers, lifting spot interest mid-month, though easing energy costs and higher feedstock output prevented runaway gains. Activity cooled toward month-end as market participants weighed whether regulatory-driven cost increases or cheaper upstream energy would dictate direction. Demand remained selective: sellers sought premiums and spot liquidity was thin, with buyers requiring immediate volumes facing higher offers. Supply-side constraints included maintenance at a major producer that curtailed near-term availability, while feedstock dynamics offered a mixed backdrop: rising butane output and lower gas costs tempered upward pressure. Regulatory developments tightened the cost picture, with abatement obligations likely to drive higher capital expenditure and operating costs. Looking ahead, relative stability is anticipated, though prompt availability is expected to stay tight and upside potential remains limited absent material shifts in feedstock flows or regulatory costs.
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.
