China’s PET Bale Prices Fall on Higher Bottle Collection in Summer: Sources

China’s polyethylene terephthalate or PET bale prices declined this week, while rPET flake prices remained largely stable, as higher bottle collection rates during the summer season increased feedstock availability, according to market participants.

According to OPIS data, prices for bales with labels fell to $550-$575 per metric ton from $560-$600/mt in the previous week. Prices for bales without labels also eased, to $750-$775/mt from $750-$820/mt. Premium rPET flake prices, however, remained stable at $920/mt to above $1,000/mt, as recyclers maintained offer levels amid elevated processing and operating costs.

Market sources said the warmer weather and increased beverage consumption have improved bottle collection volumes, easing supply tightness in the domestic bale market. “It is hotter now, so there are more bottles available for collection,” a China-based recycler said, adding that improved feedstock availability has reduced procurement pressure among recyclers.

Market sources also noted that the increase in collected bottles has helped stabilize supply conditions after weeks of tight availability, contributing to lower bale pricing across both labeled and unlabeled grades.

However, demand for flakes remained relatively unchanged, with buyers continuing to purchase cautiously due to uncertain downstream order visibility and weak overall consumption sentiment.

Some recyclers added that stable virgin PET prices and continued oil market volatility have helped support flake offer levels, preventing sharper declines in finished recycled material prices.

Market sources expect China’s PET bale prices to fall further if bottle collection rates continue improving during the summer season, although flake prices may remain supported by operating costs and stable virgin resin prices.

–Reporting by Xin Nee Chua, xchua@opisnet.com; Editing by Mei-Hwen Wong, mwong@opisnet.com