After two stable quarters, the PET recycling market showed signs of weakening in Germany in July. Prices dropped for both PET flakes and post-consumer bottle bales. Demand for PET flakes was still fair in July, but recyclers noted increasing caution on the part of converters. Many companies were preparing for summer factory holidays, which in some cases would last up to three weeks. The end of the beverage season and cooler weather in July also took a toll on demand.
Against this backdrop, price reductions of €10-30 per tonne became more common. Food-grade recycled PET (regranulate) was last trading at €1,550-1,700 per tonne, still well above the level for primary PET, which is available on the market for €900-1,050 per tonne. Clear food-grade flakes produced in Germany were recently selling for €1,300-1,350 per tonne, with lower prices being reported in isolated cases....
