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PE, PP prices show January increases
https://www.plasticsnews.com/resin-pricing/pe-pp-prices-show-january-increases
North American commodity resin prices started 2024 in full stride, with prices for two materials up in January, while prices for two others declined.
Polyethylene and polypropylene resins started the year with higher prices. Prices for all grades of high, low, and linear low-density PE were up 5 cents per pound in January, with prices for PP in the region up 3 cents, according to market sources contacted by Plastics News.
PE prices had been flat for the previous three months, while PP prices were flat in December after increasing in each of the previous three months.
PET bottle resin prices dip again
https://www.plasticsnews.com/resin-pricing/pet-bottle-resin-prices-dip-again
Regional PET bottle resin prices took a surprising 5-cent drop in January as buyers right-sized their inventories.
Prices for the material had dropped a total of 7 cents from October to December. Regional PET prices finished 2023 down a net of 4 cents per pound.
PET demand was lower than expected in 2023, even during the warmer summer months. Bottled water — the largest beverage segment in the U.S. and a major consumer of PET — continues to grow, but has slowed in recent years, according to a recent report from the Beverage Marketing Corp. consulting firm.
European recycled resin prices on the rise
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/european-recycled-resin-prices-rise
Standard recycled plastics prices in Europe began the new year with a hike. In January, recycled PET prices increased €15-20 per metric ton, the first increase since July 2022.
The price increase was the result of more demand from as processors refilled their inventory. There were also small price increases for recycled polypropylene and recycled polystyrene.
Recycled low density polyethylene natural film and translucent film and recycled high density PE blow molding pellet prices were mostly stable. Recycled LDPE black extrusion pellets and recycled HDPE black injection molding pellets prices softened slightly.
In February, the upward price trend gathered momentum with notations across all classes pointing firmly in an upward direction. The price push by suppliers was supported by a number of factors. The price of virgin material increased sharply this month, which has prompted more enquiries from converters for recyclate, while at the same time, has raised the cost of base material for recyclers.
Recycled PP pellet prices on the move
https://www.plasticsnews.com/resin-pricing/recycled-polypropylene-polycarbonate-move-early-2024
Entering 2024, North American prices for post-industrial polypropylene have continued to increase, while post-industrial polycarbonate regrind and pellets have decreased slightly.
Recycled PP had seen price decreases in the first half of 2023 due to a lack of demand, but then began to increase during the third quarter.
On average, recycled PP pellet prices have increased 9 cents per pound, according to sources in discussion with Plastics News. That brings the current range to 45-47 cents. These changes are shown on this week’s PN resin pricing chart.
- Recycling and Sustainability:
Reusable packaging fails to gain ground with consumers, survey says
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/reusable-packaging-fails-gain-ground-consumers-survey-says
While about 80 percent of consumers say they think it is important to reduce the reliance on single-use packaging, almost the same number of people said in a recent survey that they don’t go out of their way to buy products with refillable or reusable packaging.
The United Kingdom-based PA Consulting also said in its survey of consumers in the United States and U.K. that 77 percent of respondents said they don’t pick products made from recyclable or recycled materials and about 45 percent said they do not recycle paper, plastic, glass or metal products in curbside bins or recycling centers.
The survey was conducted in November 2023 with 4,000 consumers from the U.S. and U.K. There were slight variations between the two countries — with 82 percent of British consumers saying they see a need for everyone to get involved in reducing single-use packaging vs. 77 percent in the U.S. The biggest difference between the two countries in the survey came in the question of whether they recycle, with 64 percent of U.K. residents saying they use recycling bins or centers vs. 46 percent of U.S. residents.
Sustainability, infrastructure investments playing into key trends for 2024
https://www.plasticsnews.com/one-good-resin/sustainability-infrastructure-playing-key-trends-2024-m-holland-says
Before we get too far into 2024, let’s take a look at end market trends for the year as identified by end market leaders at resin distributor M. Holland Co.
Northbrook, Ill.-based M. Holland recently surveyed its top executives on how 2024 might look.
For packaging, Lindy Holland said success in packaging “is increasingly linked to sustainable advancement.”
“A product comprises several components such as the parent container, closure, colorant and labeling that can all be produced in sustainable ways and with sustainable resins,” she added. “Each element must meet recycling requirements to ensure the product progresses to the next generation of its life cycle.
Weighing a recycling ‘fraud’ claim from group that sees ‘case for legal action’
One way to read a new report alleging the plastics industry has oversold the potential of recycling is to see the detailed document as a primer for lawsuits.
The Feb. 15 report from the Center for Climate Integrity runs through industry initiatives dating back decades, which it says show that plastics companies promoted recycling despite doubts that it would ever be technologically or economically viable at scale.
It’s not a new argument. It echoes efforts like PBS Frontline’s “Plastic Wars” documentary in 2020.
But the level of detail in the CCI report, “The Fraud of Plastics Recycling,” is new. And the focus on providing evidence for lawsuits is noteworthy.
Plastics Recycling World Magazine
Link to the January/February issue: https://content.yudu.com/web/1rl19/0A42x3p/PRWJanFeb24/html/index.html?refUrl=https%253A%252F%252Fmagazines.amiplastics.com%252F
Plastic recycling’s next stop: engineering polymers
Legislation, collection and production capacity are all challenges as recycling of engineering plastics starts to take hold. These and other issues are discussed.
Recyclable: a new goal for flexible packaging
As the European Commission increases pressure on plastics packaging, companies and organizations in the flexible packaging sector are working to find answers to recycling questions.
PVC makes progress despite challenges
The PVC industry in Europe and North America is acting to address regulatory concerns as well as aiming to increase post-consumer recycling of PVC.
Pelletisers push the limits
Effective pelletising means more than just cut quality. System developers are now also targeting energy efficiency, waste reduction, and downtime savings.
Upcoming Events:
AMI Plastics Recycling World Expo – Europe
September 11 – 12, 2024
Brussels, Belgium
For details and to register: https://eu.compoundingworldexpo.com/enquire-about-exhibiting
AMI Plastics Recycling Technology
October 23 – 24, 2024
Vienna, Austria
For details and to register: https://www.ami-events.com/event/bc7e919f-830f-4c9b-9963-e5ca9f7f7b47/summary?RefId=Advert_AMI_magazine
AMI Plastics Recycling World Expo – North America
November 13-14, 2024
Cleveland, Ohio
For details and to register: https://na.plasticsrecyclingworldexpo.com/exhibit/become-an-exhibitor
