The U.S. sodium chlorate market is experiencing slower growth due to weak domestic demand and subdued pulp bleaching activity. Production remained stable, but high electricity costs and competitive pressure from hydrogen peroxide limited cost reductions. Export demand from Southeast Asia and India provided modest support, especially for recovered fibre grades. Logistics disruptions and freight volatility added uncertainty. Inventory levels are comfortable, with suppliers favouring domestic contracts. Despite ongoing challenges, market participants are cautiously optimistic for Q4, driven by rising demand for high-grade packaging paper and increased OCC consumption, which may signal a gradual recovery in sodium chlorate usage.
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.
