The plastics industry has recovered faster than expected from the pandemic. Businesses are still being affected by sky-rocketing prices and supply bottlenecks, with recycling companies benefitting the most.
Packaging manufacturers in particular have increased their demand for recyclates as they aim to replace as much virgin material as possible in their products. Both production residues and post-consumer materials are being used.
The explosive upward trend is easing in standard regranulate prices as many have reached their peak. PET alone is the outlier and is continuing to increase significantly in value.
The outlook for the coming month suggests the supply/demand balance will dominate pricing.
Stephanie Kötter-Gribbe
Best Plastic Management GmbH (DEU), Board Member of the BIR Plastics Committee
Country
Germany