US Monoisopropylamine (MIPA) market sentiment improved through April as feedstock shocks, disruption and restocking supported activity along the Gulf Coast. Early April saw a sharp uptick in isopropyl alcohol costs along the Texas coast, and by mid-month a supplier declared force majeure on IPA after a Bayport fire, tightening feedstock and prompting buyers to accelerate purchases ahead of the May agrochemical window. Exporters found US volumes competitively priced versus Northeast Asian offers, sustaining demand into late April as distributors secured cover before summer maintenance and hurricane-season risk. Demand was uneven by sector but broadly supportive of the rally. Agrochemicals drove activity as formulators secured MIPA for herbicide intermediates ahead of May corn-soy, while pharmaceuticals and specialty solvents for semiconductor cleaning and coatings provided a steady lift. However, demand from surfactants, detergents, cement additives, gas-treating and industrial-cleaning blends softened after restocking. Looking ahead, market participants expect a modest correction followed by stabilization, with attention to IPA availability, inventories and maintenance cycles.
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.
