The global Linear Alpha Olefins (LAO) market exhibited mixed regional trends in June 2025, influenced by stable supply of ethylene, shifting downstream demand, and increasing industrial uses. Demand has been steady across the board for key LAO segments, including LLDPE, HDPE, surfactants, and synthetic lubricants. The markets for surfactants gained traction in part due to Stepan's capacity increase for Alpha Olefin Sulfonates (AOS), and two LAO-based buffers being launched as industrial lubricants, by Clariant and Perstorp. While steady imports supported balanced demand in Asia, soft demand in the U.S. and Europe was realized due to muted activity from the plastics segment and plasticizer uses, notwithstanding innovation in other areas that promoted long-term growth potential.
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.
