PetroChem Wire: Prime tightness helps boost recycled HDPE prices

HDPE natural post-consumer resin (PCR) prices rose 3 to 4 cents per pound last week on the U.S. East Coast, due in part to a late-week bid offering sale of natural scrap bales at 37.1 cents per pound to recycling giant Waste Management.

Shortages of material from prime HDPE suppliers are also increasing demand for PCR from end-users, adding to the upward price momentum for recycled material. HDPE natural PCR contract business for April delivery at the end of last week was 69 to 75 cents per pound picked up U.S. South. U.S. Food and Drug Administration-grade natural pellet was 78 cents per pound, same basis.

In the southern California market, HDPE natural PCR was 70 cents per pound picked up and FDA grade was 3 cents per pound higher.

For a free trial to PCW’s Weekly Recycled Plastics Report, Weekly PVC & Pipe Report or Daily Report on prime resins, monomers and NGLs visit the PetroChem Wire website at petrochemwire.com. You can also contact Cindy Bryan at cindy@petrochemwire.com or 713-385-1407.