Thailand’s Flake, Pellet Prices Stable; Bale Values Ease: Sources
Thailand’s recycled polyethylene terephthalate or rPET flake and pellet prices have remained stable for a second consecutive week, while bale prices have declined as improved collection rates increased feedstock availability, market participants said.
According to OPIS data, prices for bales with labels fell to $483.62 per metric ton on May 14 from $499.22/mt on May 7, while prices for bales without labels fell to $518.32/mt from $534.32/mt. The range for rPET premium flake prices remained at $900/mt to $1,000/mt, regular flakes prices remained at $820/mt to $900/mt, and pellets stayed at $1,250/mt to $1,350/mt as recyclers continued to maintain offer levels.
Market sources said bale prices softened as higher bottle collection volumes eased supply tightness and reduced procurement competition among recyclers. The improved collection environment has allowed recyclers to secure bales more easily compared with previous weeks, resulting in lower replacement costs and weaker upward pricing pressure in the bale market.
However, rPET flake and pellet prices held steady, as recyclers maintained offer levels despite the softer bale market, citing sustained operating costs and limited margin flexibility.
Market participants said demand for flakes and pellets remains slow, with many buyers adopting cautious purchasing strategies due to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and volatility in energy and freight markets.
Downstream order visibility remains weak, leading buyers to continue purchasing in smaller volumes rather than committing to larger volumes.
Several recyclers added that while bale costs have eased, the lack of strong demand for flakes has limited producers’ abilities to increase operating rates, keeping overall market activity muted.
Looking ahead, market participants expect Thailand’s rPET market to remain stable in the near term, though flakes and pellet demand could stay muted unless geopolitical conditions stabilize and downstream confidence improves.
—Reporting by Xin Nee Chua, xchua@opisnet.com; Editing by Mei-Hwen Wong, mwong@opisnet.com