
Recycled polyolefins (R-PE, R-PP)
Driving the circular economy with actionable data on recycled plastics
Discover the factors influencing recycled polyolefins (R-PE, R-PP) markets
Recycled polyolefins (R-PE, R-PP) markets are increasingly complex and competitive. As new regulations are introduced, supply chains mature, and consumer pressure against single-use plastic intensifies, the need for clarity grows. Commercial decisions backed by benchmarked prices and robust analysis of demand-supply fundamentals are critical to navigating this successfully.
To make the most of new opportunities in recycled polymers, it is vital to understand, anticipate and evaluate the impact of brand sustainability targets and supply and demand shifts – both on your business and the wider industry.
Access comprehensive market intelligence globally for recycled polyolefins from trusted experts based within the regions. ICIS assesses more than 70 grades of R-PE and R-PP globally. Our assessments span from waste bales through to flakes and pellets, and across post-consumer, post-industrial rigid and flexible sectors, for R-HDPE, R-LDPE and R-PP, supporting sound decision making through all stages of the chain.
ICIS also offers mixed polyolefin bale prices as part of its Mixed Plastic Waste and Pyrolysis Oil (Europe) pricing service.
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R-PE, R-PP news
PODCAST: US sustainable plastics quiet but impact seen in latest earnings
HOUSTON (ICIS)–The latest corporate earnings calls from companies actively engaged in the US recycled plastics market show that the focus on sustainability, though slightly muted, is still top of mind for many firms. In this podcast, Americas recycled plastics analyst regional lead Andrea Bassetti and US recycled plastics senior editor Emily Friedman dive into the latest earning calls to break down key takeaways, highlight emerging trends and talk about evolving market dynamics. Major themes discussed include sustainability and market adjustments, economic pressures and closures, market trends and demand outlooks. Companies continue to focus on sustainability though discussions somewhat subdued. Consumer goods companies report mixed performance Uncertain 2025 demand outlook, with inflationary pressures, affordability challenges impacting consumers differently
18-Feb-2025
Latin America stories: weekly summary
SAO PAULO (ICIS)–Here are some of the stories from ICIS Latin America for the week ended on 14 February. NEWS INSIGHT: US mulls reciprocal tariffs on Brazil ethanol, cabinet hopes steel quota is to be kept Although the new US administration has so far only imposed tariffs on China, President Donald Trump keeps using the tariff threat as a form of negotiation and in the latter part of this week it was the turn of Brazil’s ethanol. Brazil’s Unigel plans listing but location undisclosed, rules out IPO – company Unigel’s restructuring plan includes listing shares on the stock exchange but not an initial public offering (IPO) issuing new shares, a spokesperson for the Brazilian chemicals producer said to ICIS. Brazil’s inflation slows in January but monetary tightening to continue – analysts Brazil’s annual rate of inflation fell in January to 4.56%, down from 4.83% in December, the country’s statistical office, IBGE, said this week. INSIGHT: EU-Chile trade deal could benefit chemicals indirectly via higher minerals supply (part 1) An interim trade accord between Chile and the EU kicked off on 1 February and the 27-country bloc is not shy about its main objective: get preferential access to the Latin American nation’s vast resources of raw materials. Mexico’s inflation falls in January nearing target, automotive exports under pressure Mexico’s annual rate of inflation fell to 3.59% in January, down sharply from December’s 4.2%, the country’s statistics office Inegi said. Brazil’s automotive January production up 15% on healthy demand at home, abroad Brazil's petrochemicals-intensive automotive production rose more than 15%, year on year, to 175,500 units – the highest January output since 2021 – while exports jumped over 50%, the country’s trade group Anfavea said on Monday. PRICING LatAm PE international prices stable to up on higher US export offersInternational polyethylene (PE) prices were assessed as stable to up on higher US export offers. LatAm PP domestic prices up in Mexico on higher feedstock costs Domestic polypropylene (PP) prices increased in Mexico tracking higher propylene costs. In other Latin American countries, prices were unchanged.
17-Feb-2025
S Korea's S-Oil Shaheen project 55% complete; to start commercial ops in H2 ’26
SINGAPORE (ICIS)–S-Oil's Shaheen crude-to-chemical project in Ulsan, South Korea is now 55% complete and is expected to start commercial operations in the second half 2026, the producer said on Monday. Construction of the $7bn project at the Onsan Industrial Complex of Ulsan City started in March 2023, with mechanical completion targeted by the first half of 2026. South Korean refiner S-Oil is 63%-owned by Saudi Aramco, the world's largest crude exporter. The Shaheen project – named after the Arabic word for “falcon” – will have a 1.8 million tonne/year mixed-feed cracking facility; an 880,000 tonne/year linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) unit; and a 440,000 tonne/year high density PE (HDPE) plant. The site will have a thermal crude-to-chemical (TC2C) facility, which will convert crude directly into petrochemical feedstocks such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and naphtha, and the cracker is expected to recycle waste heat for power generation in the refinery. The company currently produces a range of petrochemicals and fuels including benzene, mixed xylenes, ethylene, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), paraxylene, polypropylene, propylene, propylene oxide, biodiesel, and potentially bio-based aviation and other bio-derived products at its Onsan site. S-Oil plans to supply feedstock to domestic petrochemical downstream companies mainly through pipelines. "To this end, the construction of logistics-related infrastructure, such as a new pipeline network, is being carried out at the same time," it said. Long-term agreements for stable supply of raw materials are being signed between S-Oil and petrochemical companies located at the two industrial complexes in Ulsan, which would boost competitiveness of domestic value chain, the company said.
17-Feb-2025
BLOG: China LLDPE net imports in 2025-2035: Three scenarios that could reshape global trade
SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Click here to see the latest blog post on Asian Chemical Connections by John Richardson: Let me start with a confession: I have no idea which of the three scenarios in today's blog post will come true. That’s the only honest answer in today’s much more complex markets. What I do know is that China’s role as the world’s biggest net importer of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) is shifting, and the outcome will transform global trade, supply chains, and pricing power. Here are the scenarios: ICIS Base Case: 72% average operating rate → Net imports at 4.5 million tonnes per year (down from 5.9 million tonnes per year in 2020-2024). Higher Operating Rates (81%) → Net imports fall to 2.3 million tonnes. Back to 2024 Operating Rate (90%) → Net imports shrink to just 0.3 million tonnes, with China being a net exporter in some years. What factors could push China towards higher or lower LLDPE imports? Geopolitics & Supply Security: Beijing may prioritize self-sufficiency, directing plants to run at high rates – even at a loss – to reduce reliance on imports. After last year's strong export growth, trade tensions don’t block further export growth in manufactured goods. LLDPE demand is boosted, with more of it met locally. China’s Cost-Competitive Production: New world-scale, highly integrated plants in China are far to the right of global cost curves. Shifting to Higher-Value Grades: China triples the number of polymer grades it produces, shifting toward C6 and C8 grades, further reducing reliance on imports. Another Variable: Capacity Growth & Carbon Constraints 2025-2028 will see the biggest wave of LLDPE capacity additions. Most of these plants are already built, under construction, or approved. China’s 2028 refinery cap (due to EV [electric vehicle] growth) may limit domestic feedstock supply. Will China import feedstocks or scale back chemicals capacity growth? China needs a minimum 28% greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction by 2035 to stay on track for net zero by 2060 (Carbon Brief). Could climate policies slow chemicals expansion? Some of China’s steam crackers are now 20+ years old. Will they be revamped, or will we see a wave of shutdowns? As Complexity Grows, AI is Transforming Forecasting Manual calculations that took hours now take minutes. Data crunching is faster, cheaper, and more accurate. Large language models (LLMs) can generate reports instantly, without errors. Even the creative thinking or wisdom-of-crowds approach that produced today's post could soon be done by AI. But will the machines be trusted? I again don't know. What is clear is that AI offers the potential to model today's muddled and very challenging markets. We are lucky that the technology has come along at the right time. Editor’s note: This blog post is an opinion piece. The views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent those of ICIS.
17-Feb-2025
Asia top stories – weekly summary
SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News Asia and the Middle East for the week ended 14 February. SE Asia PE plant shutdowns deemed necessary for rebalancing By Izham Ahmad 10-Feb-25 10:57 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–A recent wave of plant shutdowns among polyethylene (PE) producers across southeast Asia has been seen by some as a reflection of how dire the situation in the market is. Malaysia's Lotte Chemical Titan incurs record Q4 loss; '25 outlook downbeat By Nurluqman Suratman 10-Feb-25 14:44 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Lotte Chemical Titan (LCT) incurred its largest-ever quarterly loss, with analysts expecting the Malaysian producer to remain in the red in 2025 amid weak economic conditions and an oversupply of petrochemical products. INSIGHT: Strong hydrogen push in China to reshape global industry amid US pullback By Patricia Tao 10-Feb-25 18:23 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The US has suspended financial support for its own hydrogen sector, while China is ramping up efforts to expand its hydrogen industry. The sharp policy divergence between the two countries could accelerate the global hydrogen market’s shift and reshape the industry landscape over the next three to five years. Asia polyester tracks rising costs despite weak post-holiday demand By Judith Wang 11-Feb-25 12:57 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Asia’s polyester export discussions edged up in line with the higher cost pressure after the Lunar New Year holiday, while buying activities were limited as end-user demand remained weak. SE Asia VAM market rallies on crimped supply, demand surge By Hwee Hwee Tan 12-Feb-25 12:43 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The southeast Asia vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) import market is being buoyed by resurgent restocking demand and supply disruptions into February. INSIGHT: US policy shift raises concerns on future of CCS, blue ammonia value chain By Bee Lin Chow 12-Feb-25 13:04 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The unfolding political battle in the US over national economic interest and energy security has raised concerns about potential implications for its emerging carbon capture and storage (CCS) and blue ammonia sectors, and the potential spillover impact on Asia. PODCAST: US hydrogen subsidy halt vs China’s expansion – what’s next for the global market? By Anita Yang 12-Feb-25 15:45 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The Trump administration swiftly withdrew financial support for its hydrogen sector, while China is accelerating hydrogen expansion with strong policy backing. INSIGHT: India may offer tariff concessions to US as PM Modi meets Trump By Priya Jestin 13-Feb-25 14:18 MUMBAI (ICIS)–India may offer the US tariff cuts on various products, including electronics and automobiles – major downstream sectors of petrochemicals – to avoid US President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal duties”, which may deal a big blow to the south Asian nation’s exports. Vietnam to raise 2025 GDP growth target to 8% to fuel socioeconomic growth By Jonathan Yee 13-Feb-25 16:08 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Vietnam announced on 12 February it would raise its GDP growth target for 2025 to 8.0% from 6.5-7.0%, with industrial manufacturing and foreign investment expected to drive growth. Singapore 2024 petrochemical exports grow 4.6%; trade risks stay high By Nurluqman Suratman 14-Feb-25 14:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Singapore’s petrochemical exports in 2024 rose by 4.6%, supporting the overall growth in non-oil shipments abroad which is being threatened by ongoing trade frictions among major economies.
17-Feb-2025
VIDEO: Europe R-PET market sees more bullishness in NWE bales, UK flake
LONDON (ICIS)–Senior Editor for Recycling Matt Tudball discusses the latest developments in the European recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) market, including: Higher prices heard for colourless, 80/20 bales in Germany Some UK flake sellers raising offers due to better orders Market looking ahead to March already
14-Feb-2025
UPDATE: Indonesia proposes final ADDs on PP block copolymer imports
SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The Anti-Dumping Committee of Indonesia (KADI) has recommended anti-dumping duties (ADDs) ranging from 7.17% to 29.01% on polypropylene (PP) block copolymer imports, according to a document obtained by ICIS on Thursday. The final ADD recommendations on the material with HS code 3902.30.90 are still subject to approval by relevant authorities, with no timeline for implementation, as yet. Market participants expect a final decision to be announced in the next one to two months. The final ADDs suggested for imports from South Korea range from 7.17% to 19.58%, down from previously proposed rates of up to 82.83%, according to the document. For imports from Vietnam, the UAE, Malaysia and Singapore, the recommended rates are 11.40%, 21.02%, 13.45-29.01%, and 11.60-13.06%, respectively. KADI initiated the antidumping investigation on PP block copolymer resins imports in 2023, following a request from Indonesian PP producer Chandra Asri. PP block copolymer is widely used in packaging, automotive parts, electronic devices and other goods that require enhanced toughness and flexibility. (Adds details throughout) Infogram by Nurluqman Suratman Thumbnail image: At the Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Indonesia on 19 June 2024. (BAGUS INDAHONO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
13-Feb-2025
Indonesia proposes antidumping duties on PP block copolymer imports
SINGAPORE (ICIS)–The Anti-Dumping Committee of Indonesia (KADI) has recommended anti-dumping duties (ADD) ranging from 7.17% to 29.01% on polypropylene (PP) block copolymer imports, according to a document obtained by ICIS on Thursday. The proposed ADDs on the material with HS code 3902.30.90 are still subject to approval by relevant authorities, with no timeline for implementation, as yet. Market participants expect a final decision to be announced in the next one to two months.
13-Feb-2025
PODCAST: Exploring Europe PET and R-PET competitiveness ahead of ICIS PET Value Chain Conference
LONDON (ICIS)–Senior editor for Recycling Matt Tudball asks Carolina Perujo Holland, senior analyst for Plastics Recycling, and Travis Klein, senior analyst for PET how the markets in Europe compare with other regions in terms of competitiveness, impact of regulations and feedstock costs. Carolina and Travis also give a brief description about their presentations at the ICIS PET Value Chain Conference, which takes place 6-7 March in Amsterdam. Click here to register and see the full agenda.
12-Feb-2025
SHIPPING: ILA committee approves deal with US ports; full membership to vote on 25 Feb
HOUSTON (ICIS)–The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) wage scale committee voted unanimously to approve the tentative agreement between the union and US Gulf and East Coast ports, setting up a vote by the full membership later this month. An ILA strike was averted in January when a tentative deal was reached between the two parties with both sides agreeing to work under the existing pact while awaiting the ILA’s full wage scale committee and the scheduling of a ratification vote from the full membership. The wage scale committee consists of more than 200 ILA union locals from Maine to Texas. The new agreement and all its benefits are retroactive to 1 October 2024, and, if ratified by ILA members, will be in effect until 30 September 2030. ILA rank-and-file members will receive details of the agreement approved by the wage scale committee at local meetings over the next two weeks and then participate in the ratification vote on 25 February. The specific details of the agreement will not be made public. The two sides agreed on the financial part of the deal in early October, ending a three-day strike, with commitments to continue negotiating on other issues, specifically automation and semi-automation at ports, which the union opposed because of the threat of losing jobs previously done by humans. The labor issue would have had no impact on liquid chemical tanker traffic in and out of ports as they typically serve private terminals and do not require the same labor as container ships. Container ships and costs for shipping containers are relevant to the chemical industry because while most chemicals are liquids and are shipped in tankers, container ships transport polymers, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are shipped in pellets. They also transport liquid chemicals in isotanks.
11-Feb-2025
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