Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) markets across Asia came under renewed pressure this week, with prices sliding amid subdued buying activity and a competitive environment where virgin PET remains more cost-effective for downstream users.
Market participants reported that consumption of recycled polyester fibers for clothing applications has stayed exceptionally weak, as virgin PET continues to trade at lower levels, undercutting R-PET’s competitiveness. The muted demand has also extended into bottle-grade recycling across much of Asia, particularly in countries without mandatory recycled content requirements, leaving sentiment depressed.
R-PET clear flakes with PVC content of 50–100 ppm were assessed at USD 840–860/mt FOB Southeast Asia, down USD 20/mt from prior levels. Premium clear flakes with PVC content below 30 ppm were similarly lower, assessed at USD 910–930/mt FOB Southeast Asia, a decline of USD 20/mt. In contrast, food-grade pellets held steady week-on-week at USD 1,290–1,310/mt FOB Southeast Asia, although skepticism over low-priced offers from China persists due to concerns around certification and regulatory compliance.
In India, the market remains under sharper downward pressure. A domestic source described sentiment as “nearly non-existent,” noting thin trade activity and subdued demand despite a slight increase in export inquiries. The recent domestic regulation allowing companies to defer unmet recycling mandate requirements over a three-year period has further softened compliance-driven demand, limiting buying activity in the near term.
Premium R-PET clear flakes in India with PVC content below 30 ppm were assessed at USD 840–860/mt FOB, reflecting a sharp USD 30/mt drop from last week. R-PET food-grade pellets also moved lower, assessed at USD 1,180–1,200/mt FOB India, down USD 10/mt week-on-week. Oversupply conditions, coupled with continued weakness in virgin PET pricing, are expected to keep R-PET markets across the region under pressure in the coming weeks.
