U.S. refined soybean oil moved higher through January on persistent renewable-diesel demand and export activity, despite comfortable 2025 soybean supplies and processing runs capping gains. The market remained tight on the margin as demand from biofuels and exports outpaced modest inventory builds, keeping bids firm into month-end. Early USDA revisions and renewable-diesel intake helped bolster sentiment, while crushers sustained runs supported by favorable crush margins. Seasonal harvest ease reduced procurement frictions, yet refiners redirected volumes to Gulf Coast renewable-diesel plants, limiting stock builds. Improved river barge conditions eased logistics versus late 2025, supporting orderly flows to export terminals and underpinning bids. Sector dynamics show the energy/renewables engine driving value, with Gulf-area feedstock availability supporting continued plant throughput. Demand from export inquiries and food-channel usage provided a reliable floor. Near term, the market is seen trading in a narrow band, with renewables-driven tightness balancing agricultural selling and seasonal marketing. The outlook remains constructive but subject to supply discipline and biofuel demand.
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.
