US styrene values moved from a peak early in May toward a softer, more balanced tone as buyers paused and feedstock relief took hold. In April, tight availability and higher logistics costs supported firmer styrene values, while mid-April logistics normalization and higher domestic operating rates eased tensions. By May, activity shifted to cautious, downstream-led buying, with spot volumes driven by short-term feedstock swings and freight economics rather than aggressive restocking. Demand for styrene showed a bifurcated pattern: converters provided month-start support, then demand became more need-based and cooled toward month-end. The April monthly outcome reflected this volatility, with elevated spot levels earlier followed by a late-month unwind as benzene and ethylene costs blurred. Styrene supply-side dynamics moderated upside as feedstock costs eased and import pressures diminished due to energy and freight relief. Planned maintenance at a Louisiana unit constrained supply, yet sentiment remained constructive for a contained range-bound path. Looking ahead, oscillations around current levels are expected, subject to feedstock moves and sporadic turnarounds.
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.
