During the second half of August 2025, EPDM rubber prices in the Asia market remained relatively stable. Market sentiment is influenced by a mix of uncertainty as a result of feedstock volatility and weakened automotive demand in the region. In the upstream market, ethylene supply constraints and rising propylene feedstock costs increased upstream pressures on costs while a lack of downstream pull and cautious trading kept prices stable. Performance of the automotive sector in Japan and South Korea, along with logistical disruptions in China also helped to crimp demand and determine near-term expectations.
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.
