Europe’s Masterbatch Market Steadies in August as Costs Ease and Regulations Drive Change

Europe’s masterbatch market closed August xxxx on a steady note, as marginally lower resin costs helped offset sluggish demand in automotive and construction. Packaging applications continued to anchor volumes, with recycled-content requirements under EU regulations driving consistent offtake. Producers reported a cautious but balanced month, with pricing largely stable.

Polyolefin feedstocks provided some relief to masterbatch makers. In August, indicative references placed HDPE film near USD x,xxx.xx per tonne and PP homopolymer injection close to USD x,xxx.x per tonne, with limited restocking until late in the month.

In recycled markets, food-grade rPET prices slightly slipped to around USD x,xxx.x per tonne, reflecting weaker beverage consumption and competition from virgin PET. For masterbatch producers supplying bottle and sheet converters, the softer rPET base added further pressure. Recycled PP demand, meanwhile, was buoyant in packaging but weaker in construction, creating a two-speed...