US silicone oil prices strengthened sharply through June as buyers moved to secure limited spot cargoes ahead of mid-summer silicone oil demand. Logistics headwinds on the US West Coast and firmer upstream silicone oil inputs tightened immediate availability at Gulf Coast terminals, prompting purchasers to accept higher offers. Restocking from packaging converters and sustained draw from personal-care formulators supported prompt demand, with automotive and electronics adding steady consumption. Overall market sentiment shifted from comfortable inventories to a procurement focus on guaranteed allocations, leaving traders and buyers competing to lock in near-term silicone oil shipments. Downstream silicone oil demand underpinned price gains, with grades advancing on market tightness. The personal-care/cosmetics silicone oil sector remained robust, underpinning demand for low-volatile used in hair and skin formulations amid resilient production value. Packaging converters reported backlogs, fueling proactive restocking and silicone oil market tightness. Outlook remains cautiously constructive, with near-term upside underpinned by tight inventories, elevated freight, and firm feedstock dynamics, while mid-term moves may vary.
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.
