For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In North America, the R-LLDPE Price Index for Q4 2025 remained broadly stable to slightly firm, supported by steady downstream demand in packaging and construction film segments.
• The average R-LLDPE Spot Price in the U.S. held stable through most of the quarter, underpinned by consistent orders from flexible film converters and resilient demand for sustainable resin content, especially in film packaging for consumer goods and agricultural applications. Recycled resin continued to gain traction amid sustainability commitments.
• The R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend saw modest upward pressure over the quarter. While ethylene feedstock costs were relatively stable, localized bale supply tightness and persistently high transportation costs lifted processing overheads, contributing to slightly firmer recycled resin offers.
• The R-LLDPE Demand Outlook remained supportive overall in North America. Use cases such as stretch and shrink films, flexible packaging, protective industrial films, and agricultural mulch continued to absorb R-LLDPE output. Increased recycled content mandates from brand owners and regulations sustained baseline requirements for sustainable resin grades.
• The R-LLDPE Price Forecast suggests prices may remain range-bound to slightly firm into early 2026 as brand commitments to recycled content and stable packaging demand counterbalance supply steadiness.
• The R-LLDPE Price Index softened marginally in December 2025. This pullback was linked to a slight easing of bale feedstock constraints—improving inventory at recyclers—and some converters postponing spot purchases ahead of the new year.
Why did the price of R-LLDPE change in December 2025 in North America?
• Improved post-holiday bale availability eased immediate supply tightness, reducing upward pressure on spot bids.
• Buyers in packaging and agricultural film segments adopted a cautious hand-to-mouth procurement approach, waiting for clearer 2026 resin strategies and budget cycles.
APAC
• In China, the Recycled-Linear-Low-Density-Polyethylene Price Index rose by 2.62% quarter-over-quarter, supported by steady packaging demand.
• The average Recycled-Linear-Low-Density-Polyethylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 757.67/MT based on published totals.
• Recycled-Linear-Low-Density-Polyethylene Spot Price remained range-bound as converters maintained steady run rates and inventories were adequate.
• Recycled-Linear-Low-Density-Polyethylene Price Forecast signals modest winter softness before spring restocking prompts buying and price support.
• Recycled-Linear-Low-Density-Polyethylene Production Cost Trend remained stable as scrap feedstock and electricity costs showed limited variation.
• Recycled-Linear-Low-Density-Polyethylene Demand Outlook remains constructive with packaging and automotive film sustaining offtake despite agricultural easing.
• Recycled-Linear-Low-Density-Polyethylene Price Index volatility was muted because imports remained moderate and recycler output stayed stable.
• Operational steadiness at recyclers and import flows supported neutral spot activity while converters managed stocks.
Why did the price of Recycled-Linear-Low-Density-Polyethylene change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Balanced domestic supply and steady converter run rates prevented scarcity, keeping December prices broadly unchanged.
• Stable scrap feedstock and electricity costs limited production cost pressures, reducing upside pricing impetus materially.
• Seasonal agricultural demand softened and elevated downstream inventories constrained spot buying and export-driven order flow.
Europe
• In Germany, the R-LLDPE Price Index fell by 5.14% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker downstream converter demand.
• The average R-LLDPE price for the quarter was approximately USD 1057.67/MT, reflecting balanced supply and demand.
• Muted trading kept R-LLDPE Spot Price subdued, with limited prompt enquiry supporting flat Price Index.
• R-LLDPE Price Forecast indicates modest monthly declines into year-end before seasonal restocking supports moderate recovery.
• Stable feedstock and energy costs shaped the R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend, limiting recyclers from raising offers.
• R-LLDPE Demand Outlook steady, packaging and automotive sectors continue to provide baseline consumption amid cautious buying.
• Rising inventories and efficient logistics reduced export flows, keeping the R-LLDPE Price Index weak through the quarter.
• Major recyclers ran near-nameplate rates, increasing spot availability and constraining sellers from defending higher offers.
Why did the price of R-LLDPE change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Oversupply from steady domestic recycling and uninterrupted Rhine logistics increased availability, undercutting quarter contract settlements.
• Downstream destocking and weaker converter ordering reduced spot and contract demand, amplifying bearish pressure assessments.
• Stable feedstock costs and normalized freight limited cost pass-through, constraining producers from pushing contract prices higher.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Recycled-Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Price Index rose by 2.31% quarter-over-quarter, due to restocking.
• The average Recycled-Linear Low-Density Polyethylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 928.33/MT reported.
• Recycled-Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Spot Price held flat as recycler throughput and imports balanced availability.
• Recycled-Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Price Forecast indicates mild softness followed by modest recovery later spring.
• Recycled-Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Production Cost Trend stayed stable; feedstock and freight costs changed marginally.
• Recycled-Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Demand Outlook is moderate, supported by packaging and agricultural-film consumption steadily.
• Inventory and export offers tempered buying, narrowing margins on the Recycled-Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Price Index.
• Recycler operations kept supply steady, import reliance keeps the Recycled-Linear Low Density Polyethylene spot liquidity vulnerable.
Why did the price of Recycled-Linear Low-Density Polyethylene change in December 2025 in MEA?
• Balanced domestic production and steady imports maintained availability, reducing urgency and capping spot values regionally.
• Stable feedstock and freight costs prevented cost-push inflation, supporting marginal firmness while demand remained subdued.
• Elevated merchant inventories and cautious converter purchasing limited upward pressure on spot quotations during December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• The Recycled Linear Low Density Polyethylene (R-LLDPE) Price Index in USA was stable to slightly firm in Q3 2025, reflecting steady demand from packaging and construction sectors.
• The R-LLDPE Spot Price in the U.S. remained supported by seasonal usage and firm downstream orders.
• The R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend was slightly higher, influenced by transportation and logistics costs as well as localized tightness in bale supplies.
• The R-LLDPE Price Forecast pointed to stable to slightly firm levels into Q4 2025, supported by sustainability mandates, recycled content targets, and steady procurement.
• Recyclers benefited from stable bale collection, though higher freight costs added mild pressure. Imports and domestic supply balanced the market.
Why did the price of Recycled Linear Low Density Polyethylene change in September 2025 in North America?
• Market sentiment shifted to cautious stability in September, as downstream companies slowed procurement after summer demand peaks.
• Feedstock and logistics costs kept the Production Cost Trend elevated during the month.
• Steady demand from packaging and agriculture-maintained baseline offtake, preventing volatility despite cautious inventory management.
APAC
• In China, R-LLDPE Price Index rose by 6.4% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tightening domestic supply.
• The average R-LLDPE price for the quarter was approximately USD 738.33/MT on FOB-Tianjin basis.
• R-LLDPE Spot Price firming reflected higher import freight and tighter availability, supporting seller offers.
• R-LLDPE Price Forecast signals modest upside from seasonal agro and e-commerce restocking into autumn demand.
• R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend stayed stable as feedstock and processing margins remained contained overall.
• R-LLDPE Price Index gains were supported by inventory draws and improving export flows to Southeast Asia.
• Major producers kept operations normal while selective stocking and bonded-zone activity moderated immediate supply availability.
Why did the price of LLDPE change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Supply tightened due to lower spot availability and moderate plant operations, reducing immediate market liquidity.
• Higher freight charges increased import costs, tightening effective supply and incentivising sellers to raise offers.
• Balanced demand from packaging and agriculture supported prices, while cautious buyer behaviour limited aggressive restocking.
Europe
• In Germany, the R-LLDPE Price Index rose by 5.7% quarter-over-quarter, supported by stronger packaging demand.
• The average R-LLDPE price for the quarter was approximately USD 1115.00/MT on FOB-Hamburg basis.
• R-LLDPE Spot Price remained range-bound as imports and wash-line throughput persisted, supporting steady availability locally.
• R-LLDPE Price Forecast shows mild near-term upside as restocking meets elevated inventories and converter demand.
• R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend softened as lower energy and feedstock costs eased recycler operational burdens.
• R-LLDPE Price Index faced upward pressure as PCR grades and manufacturer buying tightened availability regionally.
• Export demand and logistics supported clearances, limiting downside for R-LLDPE Spot Price.
Why did the price of R-LLDPE change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Improved bale collection and steady domestic production tightened availability, supporting higher prices in September.
• Seasonal restocking and export inquiries increased offtake, while rising PCR grades created mixed price impulses.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, R-LLDPE Price Index rose marginally by 0.5% quarter-over-quarter on demand.
• The average R-LLDPE price for the quarter was approximately USD 907.33/MT on spot ex-Riyadh basis.
• R-LLDPE Spot Price firmed while the Price Index remained range-bound amid stable supply.
• R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend eased as feedstock bale availability increased, lowering recyclers' cost.
• R-LLDPE Demand Outlook remains steady for packaging, while FMCG demand supports offtake.
• R-LLDPE Price Forecast indicates Q4 gains if mandates and feedstock stability persist.
• Elevated run-rates and steady imports increased immediate availability, while recyclers adjusted runs to manage stock.
Why did the price of R-LLDPE change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Oversupply and high inventories pressured spot values, despite steady downstream demand and export competition.
• Stable feedstock bale prices lowered production cost pressure, reducing urgency and capping upward price moves.
• Smooth logistics and port clearances increased imports, keeping availability high and tempering near-term price momentum.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The R-LLDPE Spot Price in the USA witnessed a consistent upward movement across Q2 2025, as reflected in the Price Index, which rose moderately throughout the quarter.
• In April, strong demand from the film packaging and agricultural mulch sectors supported price gains amid stable bale collection.
• May saw continued strength due to seasonal usage and firm converter orders. June extended this trajectory as tight bale supplies and increased resin orders kept price sentiment positive.
• The R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend moved slightly higher due to transportation cost increases and elevated processing overheads in certain recycling hubs.
• The R-LLDPE Demand Outlook remained healthy, with agricultural films, stretch wrap, and industrial packaging sustaining procurement momentum.
• Moderate export inquiries, particularly from Latin America, contributed to the strong domestic sentiment.
Why did R-LLDPE prices in North America change in July 2025?
• In July 2025, the Price Index continued to rise slightly as companies had built inventories ahead of Q3 packaging demand.
• The Q3 R-LLDPE Price Forecast indicates growth, driven by robust film sector consumption and moderate cost-side pressure.
APAC
• The R-LLDPE Spot Price in China remained largely stable throughout Q2 2025, while the Price Index showed a narrow range of movement.
• In April, stable collection volumes and reduced downstream activity kept prices muted.
• May brought a modest price uptick due to stronger demand from flexible packaging and food-contact applications.
• In June, prices stabilized once more, as demand and supply reached equilibrium.
• The R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend remained flat during the quarter, as consistent raw material sourcing and process efficiencies offset fluctuations in energy rates.
• The R-LLDPE Demand Outlook was steady, supported by local converters in flexible packaging and stretch film.
Why did R-LLDPE prices in APAC remain flat in July 2025?
• The Price Index stayed flat in July 2025 due to stable offtake and consistent supply chain throughput.
• The Q3 R-LLDPE Price Forecast suggests the prices to be stable, as demand from packaging persists amid balanced bale recovery.
Europe
• The R-LLDPE Spot Price in Germany fell marginally over Q2 2025, with the Price Index exhibiting a slight downward curve due to reduced downstream activity and elevated inventory levels.
• In April, a moderate surplus in supply and weak restocking behaviour kept prices low.
• May continued the soft tone amid cautious procurement and delayed orders from large companies.
• In June, the market remained average as demand stayed flat and imports from neighbouring EU regions added to competitive pressure.
• The R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend was stable, though profitability was squeezed due to lower resale prices and static processing costs.
• The R-LLDPE Demand Outlook remained weak, with major packaging converters operating at reduced rates.
• Regulatory mandates on recycled content offered some support, but overall momentum was lacking amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
Why did R-LLDPE prices in Europe remain flat in July 2025?
• The Price Index stabilized in July 2025 as downstream buyers began cautiously replenishing stocks in anticipation of a Q3 rebound.
• The Q3 R-LLDPE Price Forecast indicates a slight rebound, as regulatory buying and export interest begin to recover gradually.
MEA
• The R-LLDPE Spot Price in Saudi Arabia held steady across Q2 2025, and the Price Index showed minimal change throughout the quarter.
• April’s market remained flat, supported by regular procurement from packaging and agricultural film sectors.
• In May and June, the market maintained a neutral tone as downstream offtake met forecasted levels and bale availability stayed steady.
• The R-LLDPE Production Cost Trend was stable as energy and feedstock costs remained favourable. No major disruptions were reported in the recycling or production processes.
• The R-LLDPE Demand Outlook was balanced, with consistent domestic usage in food packaging, irrigation films, and logistics materials.
Why did R-LLDPE prices in MEA remain flat in July 2025?
• The Price Index stayed flat in July 2025 as demand from film companies matched output levels across domestic facilities.
• The Q3 R-LLDPE Price Forecast indicates stable prices, with potential growth from agricultural demand and government sustainability initiatives.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The Recycled-Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (R-LLDPE) market in North America exhibited a mixed trend throughout Q1 2025, with demand fluctuations across packaging, agriculture, and industrial applications. Particularly in USA, during January, prices remained stable as continuous procurement from packaging and film sectors balanced the supply conditions. However, February saw a moderate price increase, driven by rising feedstock costs and improved demand from food packaging and other downstream industries. The growth in retail activities across the region contributed to increased consumption, reinforcing the market stability.
By March, the market faced supply constraints due to logistical disruptions and limited availability of post-consumer LLDPE bales, leading to tighter inventory levels. Despite this, demand from multilayer film applications and industrial packaging remained firm, preventing sharp price corrections. Competitive pricing strategies among recyclers helped maintain market equilibrium, while sustainability initiatives encouraged steady adoption of recycled grades.
Overall, the North American R-LLDPE producers overcame supply chain challenges strategically, ensuring controlled inventory management and stable pricing trends during the quarter.
APAC
The R-LLDPE market in China experienced a continuous decline throughout Q1 2025, driven by reduced demand in key downstream sectors such as construction and packaging. In January, prices decreased by 6.3%, primarily due to the lower pace of post-holiday restocking and average procurement activities. February saw further reduction in costs, as excess inventory levels and hesitant buyer sentiment limited any recovery. Despite stable feedstock ethylene prices, bearish macroeconomic conditions kept prices under pressure, with the competition from virgin LLDPE market further reducing the demand in recycled grades. In India, the R-LLDPE market maintained relative stability, with early February registering a 1.7% price increase, supported by steady packaging and automobile demand. However, the competition from virgin LLDPE and other alternative markets caused a mild correction later in the month. By March, seasonal packaging demand contributed to a slight recovery, but cautious purchasing behaviour kept the price growth limited. While supply disruptions were manageable, the overall market momentum remained constrained by reduced end-user activity, preventing strong upward movements.
Europe
The R-LLDPE market in Europe experienced growth in early Q1, supported by steady demand from packaging and consumer goods industries. Especially in Germany, during January, prices increased by 1.2%, driven by tight recyclate availability and cautious procurement strategies among manufacturers. However, February saw a more balanced market, with stable supply conditions preventing significant price fluctuations. March witnessed stronger downward pressure, with an oversupply situation leading to a significant 5.3% price correction by the quarter-end. Reduced demand from automobile applications, along with the competition from virgin LLDPE market, contributed to the bearish sentiment. Inventory accumulation across downstream companies further intensified the decreasing trend, as buyers refrained from bulk purchasing due to uncertain macroeconomic signals. Recyclers faced margin pressures as post-consumer waste supply improved, increasing the availability and reducing the price trends. While packaging sector demand remained a stabilizing force, overall market fundamentals weakened toward the quarter-end, preventing any strong recovery in pricing. So, the R-LLDPE market closed the quarter on a bearish tone, with the translucent pellets grade getting traded at USD 1,065 per MT.
MEA
The R-LLDPE market in the MEA region showed a firm trend throughout Q1 2025, supported by steady demand and controlled supply conditions. Especially in Saudi Arabia, during January, purchase activity remained stable across packaging and automobile companies, supported by competitive feedstock pricing from Saudi Aramco, ensuring consistent production economics. February maintained a balanced outlook, with no significant supply disruptions, allowing the R-LLDPE market to hold steady. By March, tight domestic availability and strong Ramadan-season demand resulted in a 3.3% price increase, reinforcing bullish sentiment. Supply pressures were further intensified by limited import volumes, while higher freight rates contributed to increased shipping costs. Market participants strategically managed their inventory levels, preventing excess accumulation. Recyclers overcame fluctuating raw material prices cautiously, ensuring steady sales despite external macroeconomic uncertainties. Saudi recyclers maintained a controlled approach towards maintaining their stock levels. The overall R-LLDPE market outlook remained stable yet firm, with steady buying activity and price growth ending the quarter on a bullish tone.
