Potassium Tetrachloroplatinate prices began a steep ascent in August-September 2025, with gains of around 18-22% above summer level prices. The specialty platinum chemical was impacted negatively by record levels of supply shortfalls fueled by a WPIC analyst-forecasted structural deficit for platinum, South African mine production disruptions caused by weather events supporting drastically curtailed refined platinum supply. Chinese buyers became fierce buyers, driving high demand for electronics manufacturing and jewellery manufacturing industries. Power-hungry refining processes were subjected to further cost pressures from high power and transport costs, and positioning for platinum market speculation added to further reducing of feedstock supplies by Potassium Tetrachloroplatinate producers. Weather damage of infrastructure at large South African plants, such as flooding at Valterra's Amandelbult complex, added to supply chain disruptions and production cost increases. The combination of structural supply shortfalls, weather-related shortages, and robust Asian demand fueled record market tightness for Potassium Tetrachloroplatinate with new price levels that market participants anticipate to sustain through Q4 2025.
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.
