Ulexite markets in the United States strengthened through June, driven by tight domestic availability and firm offshore consumption. Reduced material flows from key ports, combined with robust demand from electronics and boric-acid segments, tightened the prompt balance. Contract renewals ahead of third-quarter production runs sustained steady order volumes, while rising mine-site compliance and energy costs allowed sellers to maintain elevated offer levels. Demand remained resilient from construction and chemical manufacturing, though agricultural offtake softened seasonally. On the supply side, lower domestic ore grades increased beneficiation costs, limiting effective availability, while logistic frictions accelerated inventory depletion. Looking ahead, Ulexite prices are projected to ease in the second half of the year, influenced by anticipated alternative supply from Turkey and seasonal demand lulls, though intermittent restocking and Chinese pre-winter buying may provide episodic support. Market participants continue monitoring regulatory and cost pressures shaping the Ulexite supply chain.
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.
