Early May vitamin C trading showed prices firming modestly, sustaining a bullish run that gained momentum through April, with buyers adopting a cautious, range-bound stance as imports from Asian producers influence procurement. Demand patterns remained bifurcated across markets: food applications, bakery, and extrusion, stayed robust as micro- and nano-encapsulation advances bolster formulation inclusion and help preserve potency during processing. Conversely, the supplements and nutraceuticals channel exerted headwinds on synthetic ascorbic acid as a substitution for natural-source acerola, which reduces activity; acerola constitutes a meaningful share of related applications. Downstream buyers remained constructive, supported by an upturn in activity and import dependence that keeps bids responsive to overseas offers. On the supply side, feedstock developments and logistics shaped pricing dynamics. Acetone cost pressures and steady freight conditions maintained a tilt, while potential Chinese plant turnarounds pose upside risk to export availability. The outlook points to firm yet range-bound activity driven by formulation uptake and overseas moves, with substitutions and logistics as moderating factors.
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.
