In February 2026, U.S. natural rubber prices surged by 11.5% due to strong demand and logistical constraints. The automotive sector emerged as the primary driver, accounting for about 70% of domestic consumption, while secondary support came from medical glove producers and industrial applications. Imports from Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam tightened due to longer shipping lead times, increasing pressure on natural rubber availability. The spot price for Natural Latex Rubber marked a significant rise from January, driven by higher freight and insurance costs. With no domestic production, the US relies heavily on seaborne shipments, making it vulnerable to fluctuating global prices. Looking ahead, forecasts indicate a further increase in March, driven by steady demand and rising shipping costs. However, moderation is expected from April to June, with potential geopolitical tensions in the Middle East impacting supply chains. Stakeholders must remain vigilant to navigate the upcoming volatility in the natural rubber market.
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.
