Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the R-PET Price Index rose by 2.25% quarter-over-quarter, driven by steady demand.
• The average R-PET price for the quarter was approximately USD 1288.33/MT, reflecting stable recyclate conditions.
• R-PET Spot Price weakened amid inventory overhang as sellers trimmed offers to stimulate processor restocking.
• R-PET Production Cost Trend benign as feedstock bale prices were steady, supporting recycler margins overall.
• R-PET Demand Outlook shows steady packaging demand offset by restocking and substitution by virgin PET.
• R-PET Price Index volatility increased regionally as West Coast export flows and tariffs influenced domestic availability.
• High inventories and operating rates at recyclers pressured spot offers despite no plant outages reported.
Why did the price of R-PET change in September 2025 in North America?
• Abundant bale collections increased feedstock availability, prompting sellers to lower offers and exerting downward pressure.
• Elevated inventories across processors forced discounting while weak converter purchasing reduced immediate offtake significantly further.
• Regional export flow changes and tariff effects altered trade incentives, shifting supply balances and depressing domestic prices.
APAC
• In Japan, the R-PET Price Index fell by 2.85% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued downstream demand broadly.
• The average R-PET price for the quarter was approximately USD 625.33/MT based on domestic averages.
• R-PET Spot Price remained range-bound as imports and domestic production balanced inventories, limiting upside pressure.
• R-PET Production Cost Trend remained stable because feedstock prices were moderate, supporting producer margins generally.
• R-PET Demand Outlook stayed moderate as packaging restocking offset electronics sector weakness this quarter seasonally.
• Domestic inventories increased slightly while export demand softened, keeping the R-PET Price Index subdued recently.
• Major reprocessors ran at normal rates, maintaining supply continuity and preventing R-PET Price Index spikes.
Why did the price of R-PET change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Moderating downstream procurement and seasonal adjustments in September reduced offtake, modestly pressuring domestic R-PET prices.
• Stable feedstock values, limited production cost increases, mitigating R-PET Price Index declines during the month.
• Improved logistics and steady imports maintained supply flows, while export demand softened, balancing market dynamics.
Europe
• In Germany, the R-PET Price Index rose by 5.17% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tighter bale feedstock constraints.
• The average R-PET price for the quarter was approximately USD 1572.00/MT on Hamburg basis.
• R-PET Spot Price edged down during September as the Price Index reflected easing summer demand.
• Energy and labour cost pressures lifted the R-PET Production Cost Trend, constraining recycler output levels.
• R-PET Price Index movements reflected inventory rebuilding and improving export demand as port congestion eased.
• Stable runs at major recyclers limited immediate upside, keeping the R-PET Spot Price range bound.
• Rising freight surcharges and logistics volatility supported supplier pricing power and R-PET Production Cost Trend.
Why did the price of R-PET change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Improved post-consumer bale collection increased available feedstock, easing scarcity and pressuring the R-PET Price Index.
• Seasonal cooling in packaging and electronics lowered offtake, weakening R-PET Spot Price across regional markets.
• Normalization of port operations and logistics restored exports, balancing inventories and dampening near-term price spikes.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the R-PET Price Index rose marginally by 1% quarter-over-quarter, supported by packaging demand.
• The average R-PET price for the quarter was approximately USD 753.33/MT across spot ex-Jeddah deliveries.
• R-PET Spot Price remained range-bound as domestic recyclers balanced supply and steady downstream procurement activities.
• R-PET Production Cost Trend showed marginal pressure from feedstock quality shifts and modest freight increases.
• R-PET Demand Outlook remains cautious with selective procurement and inventory reductions across packaging and electronics sectors.
• R-PET Price Index momentum was weak amid surplus availability and limited export traction in September.
• Domestic recyclers maintained steady operations, keeping utilization normal and preventing abrupt R-PET Spot Price disruptions.
Why did the price of R-PET change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Sustained domestic production with balanced feedstock inflows led to modest oversupply, moderately pressuring September pricing.
• Stable feedstock PET costs and freight increased slightly, marginally offsetting downward pressure on local prices.
• Weaker export inquiries and selective downstream buying reduced offtake, sustaining soft price momentum in September.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The R-PET Spot Price in the USA exhibited a largely stable trend throughout Q2 2025, with minor fluctuations observed in April and July linked to seasonal restocking from beverage manufacturers.
• In April, steady demand from FMCG brands and bottled water manufacturers supported moderate price gains.
• May saw neutral pricing due to cautious inventory strategies, while June maintained a flat trend driven by ample bale availability and stable feedstock prices.
• The R-PET Production Cost Trend remained steady as PET bale collection was efficient across urban recovery zones, and energy prices did not show volatility.
• Recyclers operated at standard throughput with no reported plant disruptions.
• The R-PET Demand Outlook remained positive, especially from the bottled water and beverage segments.
• Despite neutral movement in feedstock costs, downstream offtake from companies kept market confidence intact.
Why did R-PET prices in North America change in July 2025?
• The R-PET Price Index in the USA moved slightly upward in July 2025 due to stronger restocking by beverage companies amid ongoing summer demand.
• The Q3 R-PET Price Forecast suggests steady-to-firm prices supported by strong packaging demand and resilient production cost management.
APAC
• The R-PET Spot Price in Japan showed a firm-to-stable pattern during Q2 2025.
• The Price Index trended upward in April and May but flattened out in June due to stable demand and improved logistics.
• April witnessed strong demand from food-grade packaging producers ahead of Golden Week holidays, driving a slight price increase.
• In May, limited imports and robust domestic consumption sustained this trend.
• By June, however, market momentum moderated as downstream sectors met stocking targets.
• The R-PET Production Cost Trend remained largely consistent across Q2 due to stable PTA feedstock and favourable energy conditions.
• The R-PET Demand Outlook was sustained by procurement from packaging companies and gradual improvement in the electronics and auto component sectors.
Why did R-PET prices in APAC change in July 2025?
• In July 2025, the Price Index increased marginally with renewed orders from FMCG and school-season packaging buyers.
• The Q3 R-PET Price Forecast shows the prices to be stable, as packaging and food-grade demand persists with continued supply-side tightness.
Europe
• The R-PET Spot Price in Germany declined moderately across Q2 2025, and the Price Index reflected a declining trend amid weak packaging activity.
• In April, prices remained under pressure due to high inventories and weak restocking from the retail segment.
• May saw an improvement with summer season encouraging beverage bottling demand, but this was insufficient to alter the downtrend.
• In June, prices stabilized, supported by slight export activity and reduced production at recycling units.
• The R-PET Production Cost Trend stayed flat, though margins were limited due to reduced R-PET resale values.
• Feedstock PET bale availability remained high, but value realization was low due to limited downstream demand.
• The R-PET Demand Outlook stayed cautious as macroeconomic pressures persisted in Western Europe.
• Despite sustainability targets from EU packaging regulations, buyer behaviour remained conservative.
Why did R-PET prices in Europe remain stable in July 2025?
• The Price Index showed early signs of stabilization in July 2025 with increased restocking by companies anticipating Q3 activity.
• The Q3 R-PET Price Forecast suggests recovery, driven by improved seasonal bottling activity and tightening bale availability.
MEA
• The R-PET Spot Price in Saudi Arabia remained flat throughout Q2 2025, with the Price Index showing minimal deviation.
• This stability was supported by steady demand from food packaging and other downstream companies.
• In April, the market was largely influenced by Ramadan-related restocking, keeping prices stable.
• May and June followed similar trends as domestic recyclers maintained cautious output and avoided excess stockpiling.
• The R-PET Production Cost Trend stayed favourable with no significant change in feedstock PET prices or energy costs.
• The R-PET Demand Outlook was stable, supported by food-grade and fibre-grade segment procurement.
• However, competition from virgin PET and export constraints limited potential price upside.
• Why did R-PET prices in MEA remain flat in July 2025?
• The Price Index held flat in July 2025, with reduced demand ahead of Q3 procurement cycles.
• R-PET Price Forecast suggests growth due to expected pre-Hajj stocking and policy-driven sustainability procurement across packaging sectors.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The R-PET market in North America remained largely stable throughout Q1 2025. Especially in USA, during January, market participants observed consistent procurement activity, especially from the packaging sector, with prices maintaining steady levels due to sufficient domestic supply and a favourable recycling landscape. By February, downstream offtakes continued at a moderate pace, supported by state-level sustainability mandates. However, competition from lower-priced virgin PET limited any major price growth.
In March, the market sentiment was cautious, and prices reduced slightly compared to February amid normalized demand and high inventory levels among recyclers. Traders reported reduced export activity, while feedstock costs remained stable, providing no significant support to raise prices. While no drastic fluctuations occurred during the quarter, recyclers faced margin pressures as procurement from textile and bottling sectors was slower than expected.
Overall, the U.S. R-PET market concluded Q1 with prices at USD 1,200 per MT for clear flakes grade, a modest price correction but continued to show a well-balanced environment driven by continuous demand fundamentals and adequate domestic collection rates.
APAC
The R-PET market in the Asia Pacific region experienced mixed dynamics across Q1 2025, with divergent trends between major economies like China and India. In China, the quarter began with relatively stable sentiment, but prices steadily declined due to bearish post-holiday demand and excess inventory among recyclers. Packaging and textile sectors resumed operations gradually following the Lunar New Year, but restocking activity remained limited. Export inquiries were average, and the availability of post-consumer PET bales improved, further pressuring prices. Market participants adopted a cautious approach amid economic uncertainties and reduced downstream offtake. Conversely, the Indian market showed resilience throughout the quarter. Strong demand from FMCG and textile companies, combined with policy-driven momentum related to recycled content regulations, supported consistent procurement. While feedstock availability remained stable, regional transportation challenges and moderate fluctuations in bale quality occasionally affected operations. The overall tone in India remained firm, with restocking activities supporting recycling output. While China saw bearish conditions, India maintained a steady and optimistic market outlook during the quarter.
Europe
In Europe, R-PET prices fluctuated notably through Q1 2025. Especially in Germany, January began with a downward trajectory following reduced downstream procurement and limited packaging sector activity. However, a modest 2.4% recovery in early February suggested improving market sentiments. By March, reduced imports from Eastern Europe and inventory restocking boosted the domestic demand. As a result, prices rose by 4.4% compared to February, driven by tight supply and firm demand from downstream sectors preparing for the upcoming quarter. Traders noted better offtake from companies seeking sustainable alternatives to virgin PET. Though feedstock costs stayed mostly unchanged, stable input economics allowed recyclers to operate at moderate capacity levels. Demand from the textile segment was consistent but not overly robust, with the fibre-grade market trailing behind bottle-grade demand. Overall, the market closed the quarter on a stronger note compared to the initial days, with Germany’s R-PET market lifted by tight supply dynamics, supportive regulatory climate, and strengthened demand for food-grade recycled plastics,
MEA
The R-PET market in Saudi Arabia maintained a steady tone during Q1 2025 with limited fluctuations. January witnessed a marginal 0.5% drop in prices due to sufficient inventory and conservative procurement trends. February saw an additional 1.4% decline as demand from textile and packaging sectors slowed, and high inventory levels further pressured prices. Virgin PET’s cost competitiveness continued to challenge R-PET demand in key applications. However, by March, market fundamentals stabilized with mild restocking ahead of Ramadan. Prices remained unchanged compared to the previous month, indicating a balance between consistent domestic supply and steady, though cautious, downstream consumption. No major import or export disruptions were reported, and domestic recyclers continued operating at normal capacity. While textile demand remained subdued, FMCG packaging restocking lent mild support. Overall, Q1 2025 was characterized by low volatility, with producers closely aligning output to real-time demand. The Saudi market ended the quarter on a flat note, shaped by supply-demand equilibrium and moderate international trading scenario.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the R-PET market in North America encountered a challenging landscape characterized by fluctuating demand across key sectors such as packaging and textiles. The automotive industry experienced a slowdown due to rising interest rates that curtailed new vehicle production and renovations. This decline led to reduced orders for R-PET products used primarily for automotive applications like dashboards and trim components.
However, the packaging sector emerged as a bright spot due to sustained demand from e-commerce. The need for lightweight and protective packaging solutions drove increased usage of R-PET in various applications such as food packaging and consumer goods. Manufacturers focused on enhancing product performance while addressing sustainability concerns through innovations in recycled content and alternative materials that align with consumer preferences for greener options.
By December, while some producers adjusted their inventories due to shifting demand patterns from construction and consumer goods sectors, overall sentiment remained cautiously optimistic. Stakeholders anticipated gradual recovery into 2025 as construction activities began to stabilize and innovations in sustainable packaging gained traction within regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing plastic waste.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the R-PET market in the APAC region, particularly in China, experienced significant growth driven by increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and environmental responsibility. The demand for recycled PET surged as brands across various sectors, including food and beverage, cosmetics, and textiles, committed to incorporating recycled materials into their products. This shift was largely influenced by stringent government regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy practices.
However, challenges persisted due to fluctuating raw material costs and competition from virgin PET, which sometimes offered lower prices. Manufacturers faced logistical hurdles that affected supply chains, particularly in sourcing high-quality recycled materials. By December, many companies were investing in advanced recycling technologies to improve the quality of R-PET and expand production capacity.
Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment remained positive as stakeholders anticipated continued growth into 2025. Increased collaboration between governments and industries was expected to enhance recycling infrastructure and collection systems, ultimately supporting a more robust R-PET market aligned with global sustainability goals.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the R-PET market in Europe faced significant challenges primarily due to economic uncertainties impacting key industries such as automotive and packaging. The automotive sector saw a decline in production rates as manufacturers dealt with supply chain disruptions and reduced consumer demand for new vehicles. This downturn resulted in decreased orders for R-PET used in automotive applications like interior components and insulation.
Conversely, the packaging industry remained relatively stable amid growing e-commerce activity. R-PET was increasingly utilized for protective packaging solutions; however, stringent regulations regarding plastic waste prompted many companies to explore alternative materials while enhancing their sustainability practices. By December, manufacturers grappled with high inventory levels due to decreased consumption across various sectors.
Despite these hurdles, there was cautious optimism regarding future growth driven by innovations in sustainable materials and recycling initiatives. Stakeholders expected that regulatory support for eco-friendly practices would significantly influence market dynamics moving into 2025 as industries adapt to stricter environmental standards across Europe’s diverse markets.
MEA
In Q4 2024, the R-PET market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region demonstrated resilience amid evolving consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. Countries such as Saudi Arabia made substantial investments in recycling infrastructure as part of their broader commitment to sustainability. This focus on eco-friendly practices led to a growing demand for R-PET across various sectors, particularly in packaging and textiles.
However, the market faced challenges from fluctuating oil prices, which impacted the cost competitiveness of virgin PET compared to recycled alternatives. Additionally, logistical issues related to transportation and distribution hindered the efficiency of R-PET supply chains in some areas.
By December, while some manufacturers reported reduced margins due to aggressive pricing from virgin PET producers, overall market sentiment remained stable. Stakeholders anticipated gradual recovery into 2025 as investments in recycling facilities expanded and public awareness of environmental issues continued to grow. Collaborative efforts between governments and private sectors were expected to enhance the region’s capacity to meet rising demand for sustainable materials.
