PBAT materials saw a sharp rebound earlier in spring, but mid-May activity moderated as buyer resistance and ample import supply tempered earlier cost pressures. April demand was driven by aggressive procurement from biodegradable packaging buyers and converter positioning ahead of regulatory changes, yet May brought softer consumption in key end-use channels and sellers trimmed offers. Early-month restocking by converters supported sentiment, while mid-month caution from flexible packaging players and drawdowns in inventory created room for import cargoes to influence CFR Los Angeles pricing. Market participants adopted guarded buying as seasonal slowdowns and evolving feedstock costs weighed on decisions. Demand remained uneven across end uses, with pockets of strength in biodegradable packaging and compostable bags, while flexible packaging and fresh-produce disposables cooled, drawing down inventories. Feedstock dynamics were mixed: modest cost pressures from some inputs offset by easing others, and industry disruptions limited pass-through. Outlook suggests modest downside into June, with support later in the year amid regulatory positioning and restocking.
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.
