Palm kernel oil in the U.S. market moved higher in February after a steady January buildup, driven by robust industrial demand and supply frictions. Mid-January demand from detergent formulators and confectionery producers tightened spot availability. European shipment checks and origin yield slippage elevated supplier offers and delayed cargoes bound for Gulf Coast ports. The market shifted from a cautious start to firmer near-term conditions, with buyers competing for CFR Houston cargoes and prioritizing spot coverage. Demand was strongest in confectionery and homecare, with packaged-food, electronics and fatty-alcohol export runs providing support. The confectionery sector remained tight, drawing on more than half a million tons annually and consuming roughly a quarter of domestic palm-derivative volume. Detergent formulators’ uptake of high-shear micro-encapsulation and MES technology lifted PKO demand. On the supply side, yield slippage raised production-cost volatility and underpinned firmer supplier offers, while European checks and export diversions reduced Gulf Coast availability. Looking ahead, the outlook favors firmer action and tighter availability.
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.
