R-PET Resin – LYB lays foundation for 1st industrial-scale advanced recycling plant at Wesseling, Germany, site 23-09-2024

R-PET Resin

R-PET Resin

Polyestertime
ITEM 16/09/2024 23/09/2024 +/-
Bottle grade PET chips domestic market 6,230 yuan/ton 6,220 yuan/ton -10
Bottle grade PET chips export market     830 $/ton 815  $/ton -15
LDPE CFR Est China 1,170 $/ton 1,170 $/ton
PET Semidull Fiber chips

PET Bright

6,150 yuan/ton

6,200 yuan/ton

6,070 yuan/ton

6,100 yuan/ton

-80

-100

Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market

R-PET Resin

4,830 yuan/ton 4,750 yuan/ton
-80
Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA FOB China 640 $/ton 625 $/ton -15
Monoethyleneglycol MEG South China domestic market 4,500 yuan/ton 4,450 yuan/ton
-50
Monoethyleneglycol MEG export market 540 $/ton 527 $/ton -13
Paraxylene PX FOB  Taiwan market 839 $/ton 840 $/ton
+1
Paraxylene PX FOB  Korea market 817 $/ton 818 $/ton +1
Paraxylene PX FOB EU market 931 $/ton 891 $/ton -40
Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market 7,050  yuan/ton 6,950 yuan/ton
-100
Recycled Polyester filament POY  domestic market 6,800 yuan/ton 6,800 yuan/ton
Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market 8,600 yuan/ton 8,500 yuan/ton -100
Polyester filament FDY 68D24F 8,200 yuan/ton 8,050 yuan -150
Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market

R-PET Resin

7,525 yuan/ton 7,425 yuan/ton -100
Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market 7,195 yuan/ton 7,110 yuan/ton -55
Caprolactam CPL domestic market 12,250 yuan/ton 11,950 yuan/ton
-300
Caprolactam CPL  CFR China

R-PET Resin
1,640 $/ton 1,640 $/ton
Nylon 6 chips overseas  market

Ny66

1,620 $/ton

2,93 $/ton

1,640 $/ton

2,84 $/ton

+20

-9

Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic  market 13,300 yuan/ton 13,150 yuan/ton -150
Nylon 6 chips  high speed spinning domestic  market 14,050 yuan/ton 14,050 yuan/ton
Nylon 6.6 chips domestic  market

R-PET Resin

17,800 yuan/ton 17,800 yuan/ton
Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic  market 16,100 yuan/ton 15,900 yuan/ton -200
Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic  market 18,600 yuan/ton 18,400 yuan/ton -200
Nylon6 Filament FDY  70D/24F  17,400 yuan/ton 17,200 yuan/ton -200
Spandex 20D  domestic  marke 28,400 yuan/ton 28,400 yuan/ton
Spandex 30D  domestic  market 27,900 yuan/ton 27,900 yuan/ton
Spandex 40D  domestic  market  24,900 yuan/ton 24,900 yuan/ton
Adipic Acid domestic market

R-PET Resin

8,550 yuan/ton 8,250 yuan/ton -300
Benzene domestic market East China 8,400 yuan/ton  8,350 yuan/ton -50
Benzene CFR  China 961 $/ton 940 $/ton -21
Ethylene South East market 965 $/ton 940 $/ton -25
Ethylene NWE market CIF 979 $/ton  980 $/ton +1
Acrylonitrile ACN  domestic market 8,450 yuan/ton 8,550 yuan/ton +100
Acrylonitrile ACN  overseas market 1,200 $/ton 1,200 $/ton
Acrylic staple fiber ASF CFR China

R-PET Resin

14,600 yuan/ton 14,600 yuan/ton
VSF viscose staple fiber 13,650 yuan/ton 13,650 yuan/ton
PP Powder domestic market 7,400 yuan/ton 7,310 yuan/ton -90
Naphtha overseas market  618 $/ton 629 $/ton +11
Phenol domestic market 9,087 yuan/ton 8,902 yuan/ton -185

recycled PET  =                    5,150 yuan/ton  —          5,150  yuan/ton             

R-PET Resin

Sidel’s new whitepaper outlines how beverage producers can leverage the growing consumer demand for variety packs, a trend that has taken off in North America and is gaining traction globally

This whitepaper distills Sidel’s expertise to support beverage producers and brewers in designing and implementing variety pack solutions, helping them capitalize on the increasing consumer interest in variety, novelty, and customization.

The Rising Demand for Variety Packs

The popularity of variety packs, particularly for flavored alcoholic beverages, has skyrocketed in recent years. Between 2016 and 2020, the sales of such packs rose by 833%, reflecting consumers’ desire for choice, novelty, and customization

This trend is closely linked to the rise of hard seltzers, which first appeared in the U.S. in 2013 and grew into a $2 billion market by 2021, with over 60 brands competing in the space. R-PET Resin

Variety packs offer consumers a range of benefits. They allow for sampling of new flavors, cater to different tastes in social settings, and often provide a better value proposition. Their convenience in terms of storage and transportation makes them even more appealing to consumers. Moreover, with the growth of online sales and digital interactions, breweries now have the potential to offer personalized variety packs, allowing consumers to create customized selections that suit their individual preferences.

The Shift to In-House Solutions

As the variety pack trend continues to gain momentum, beverage producers are exploring different packaging strategies. These approaches can range from manual processes to fully automated systems, including repacking lines with work-in-progress (WIP) storage or advanced on-the-line production models. R-PET Resin

Initially, many producers outsourced their variety pack production to contract packagers to avoid making large capital investments. However, as demand has grown, in-house manufacturing has become a more attractive option. This shift represents a significant industrial opportunity, particularly for larger beverage companies with dynamic product offerings and high sales volumes.

According to Stan Hume, Director of Can & Glass Business Development Americas at Sidel, companies looking to internalize the packaging process are striving to find the right balance between production capacity and investment  R-PET Resin

In mature markets like North America, producers are increasingly adopting advanced production tools and processes, allowing them to manage the increased complexity while saving on co-packing costs.

Addressing the Technical Challenges

Transitioning to an in-house variety pack solution presents several technical challenges. Beverage producers must navigate additional production costs and operational complexities, including optimal space utilization, advanced line control, automation, and SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) management. Flexibility is essential, as the solution must handle both variety packs and standard packaging, ensuring productivity while maintaining the agility to respond to evolving consumer demands.  R-PET Resin

The Sidel whitepaper offers valuable guidance for overcoming these challenges. It explores the technical and logistical aspects of implementing an in-house solution, including how to ensure ergonomic workflows and efficient automation systems. Sidel aims to assist beverage manufacturers in making informed decisions as they transition toward internal variety pack production.

Tailored Solutions and Expertise

Drawing on over four decades of experience in custom packaging lines, Sidel’s whitepaper provides detailed insights into product management, line design, and industrial partnerships R-PET Resin

It helps decision-makers define their needs, embark on change management, and select the right partners to bring their variety pack production in-house.

According to Hume, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for variety pack production. Instead, each system must be tailored to meet the specific needs of the company, which requires strong engineering and system design capabilities. Sidel’s expertise lies in its ability to work closely with beverage producers to create and deliver custom solutions that address complex packaging requirements. R-PET Resin

Sidel’s long-standing relationships within the beverage industry and its experience with packaging technologies make it a trusted partner for beverage companies looking to innovate. The whitepaper reinforces this by offering actionable strategies for companies aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for variety packs.

Conclusion

The surge in popularity of variety packs, particularly in the North American beverage market, presents significant opportunities for beverage producers worldwide. As consumer preferences for novelty, customization, and variety continue to grow, adopting an effective variety pack strategy can be a key driver of success. R-PET Resin

Sidel’s new whitepaper provides comprehensive guidance for beverage manufacturers looking to transition to in-house production. By addressing the technical, logistical, and operational challenges associated with variety pack production, Sidel positions itself as a valuable partner in helping beverage producers navigate the complexities of this growing trend. R-PET Resin

For beverage producers looking to stay ahead in a competitive market, leveraging the insights and expertise offered in Sidel’s whitepaper could be the key to unlocking new growth opportunities through variety pack offerings.

R-PET Resin

R-PET Resin

LYB lays foundation for 1st industrial-scale advanced recycling plant at Wesseling, Germany, site

Catalytic pyrolysis unit in heart of Europe to bolster sustainable growth, value creation

  • Chancellor Scholz, top elected officials attend milestone event; celebrate company commitment to Cologne region
  • Proprietary LYB MoReTec technology enables scalable solution to recapture valuable raw materials from hard-to-recycle plastics often destined to landfill, incineration
  • Unit’s design and process technology enable high plastic-to-plastic yield; allow for operation under 100% renewable power, helping reduce GHG emissions

LyondellBasell  today advanced its journey toward sustainable growth and value creation by laying the foundation of its first, catalytic advanced recycling plant at its Wesseling, Germany site.  R-PET Resin

German Chancellor Scholz and Minister-President Wüst attended the celebrations, underscoring the project’s importance for both the region’s and Germany’s goals for a circular, low carbon economy.
Targeted startup for the new unit is set for 2026, as part of the company’s strategy to build a profitable Circular and Low Carbon Solutions business.

Using LYB proprietary MoReTec technology, this plant will be the first commercial scale, single-train advanced recycling plant, designed to demonstrate its capability for further scalability. This unit will convert pre-treated, mixed waste plastic into raw materials to produce new plastic polymers that will be sold under the LYB CirculenRevive brand. These polymers complement the company’s offerings in mechanically recycled and renewable-based polymers marketed respectively under CirculenRecover and CirculenRenew branding. R-PET Resin

“Germany is a strong location for the chemical industry and the new LYB plant in Wesseling represents the future viability of this industry. As the first large-scale industrial plant for chemical plastic recycling, it is a significant step towards a circular economy”, said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. “The German government is committed to strengthening and further enhancing Germany as a location for the chemical industry.”

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LYB lays foundation for 1st industrial-scale advanced recycling plant at Wesseling, Germany, site

PE films – Asahi Kasei has introduced LASTAN, a new flame-retardant and highly flexible nonwoven fabric aimed at enhancing electric vehicle (EV) battery safety 23-09-2024

PE films

R-PET Resin – LYB lays foundation for 1st industrial-scale advanced recycling plant at Wesseling, Germany, site 

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PE films

Crude Oil Prices Trend 

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

Crude Oil Prices Trend by Polyestertime

In August through mid-September, European producers of standard thermoplastics, particularly polyethylene (PE) films, saw slight margin improvements driven by stronger demand

Prices increased even before the expected rise in feedstock costs, allowing producers to gain a better margin. The demand recovery in key sectors, such as packaging and construction, contributed to this price support.

The market’s positive shift was due to firmer buying interest and a rebound in economic activity following a period of uncertainty.  PE films

Some supply constraints also played a role, as manufacturers were cautious in production due to earlier weak demand and volatile market conditions. This cautious approach tightened supply, pushing prices upward.

Feedstock prices, especially for ethylene, were also expected to rise, creating further pressure on PE film prices. However, producers managed to implement price hikes ahead of these increases. The improved sentiment and demand stability helped offset some of the earlier concerns about price volatility. PE films

PE films

Asahi Kasei has introduced LASTAN, a new flame-retardant and highly flexible nonwoven fabric aimed at enhancing electric vehicle (EV) battery safety

This material serves as an alternative to traditional thermal runaway protection solutions and can be utilized in top covers, busbar protection sleeves, and other components within EV battery packs.

As EVs become more widespread, battery safety remains a key concern for consumers and manufacturers. There’s a growing demand for materials that offer excellent flame resistance, protection against particle blasts, and strong electrical insulation, all while being lightweight and adaptable to complex shapes. Conventional mineral-based materials, though effective, are heavy, brittle, and challenging to process. PE films

LASTAN addresses these issues by providing high flame resistance and electrical insulation in a flexible, non-mineral fabric. Produced by air baking a special acrylic fiber at 200–300°C and enhanced with a specialized coating, it also features improved abrasion resistance. The material can withstand exposure to flames up to 1,300°C without significant heat transfer or structural damage and resists high-pressure impacts from particles sized 200–500 µm. Additionally, it offers electrical insulation up to 3.5 kV at a thickness of 1 mm.

Due to its thinness (as low as 0.8 mm) and flexibility, LASTAN is easily processed with ordinary tools, simplifying manufacturing processes. Currently produced in Japan, Asahi Kasei is considering expanding production to the United States and other countries. The company plans to showcase LASTAN at the North American Battery Show from October 7 to 10, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan.  PE films

Asahi Kasei has introduced LASTAN, a new flame-retardant and highly flexible nonwoven fabric aimed at enhancing electric vehicle (EV) battery safety

LyondellBasell and Dacia develop a recycled solution for the iconic Duster model

Lyondellbasell and Dacia proudly announce a groundbreaking collaboration for the exterior design of the All-New Dacia Duster model. Renowned for its rugged elegance, the All-New Dacia Duster now features the sturdy “Starkle®” material, made possible by the CirculenRecover portfolio from LYB.  These innovative CirculenRecover polypropylene (PP) compounds incorporate recycled materials and bring an unique aesthetic to the All-New Duster model.  PE films

“The development of CirculenRecover polymers exemplifies our unwavering commitment to creating solutions for everyday sustainable living,” says Alexandre Martin, LYB business development manager Transportation. “This innovative material not only elevates the aesthetics of vehicles but also aligns with our customers’ sustainability goals.”

This CirculenRecover polymer, a PP compound that includes 20% recycled PP based on mechanical recycling, is derived from post-industrial waste diverted from the manufacturing process of goods such as flexible packaging. Compared to using virgin materials, this reduces CO2 emissions, underscoring Dacia’s dedication to sustainability. CirculenRecover is incorporated into the Dacia “Starkle®” material, which is used in exterior parts such as bumpers, trims, and body side moldings across the All-New Duster model.  PE films

Beyond achieving performance for automotive exteriors, CirculenRecover polymers offer a mold-in-color special effect with particles to highlight the use of recycled content. This single-material solution eliminates extra steps, enhances design efficiency, and can help improve the potential recyclability of the parts. This refreshing “Starkle®” design instills the All-New Dacia Duster with distinctive character, catering to end consumers’ increasing awareness of recyclability.

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LyondellBasell and Dacia develop a recycled solution for the iconic Duster model

Gabriel-Chemie has launched an innovative flame retardant masterbatch for stadium seats, integrating UV protection, sustainability, and vibrant color options

With over 30 years of expertise and more than 2.5 million stadium seats produced using its solutions, the company remains a leader in this field. In response to the increasing demand for eco-friendly products, Gabriel-Chemie’s new range is specifically designed for use with recycled post-industrial polypropylene (PP). PE films

These masterbatches have undergone rigorous testing to meet key European safety standards and ensure long-lasting color stability, aligned with EN13200-4 for spectator facilities.

For traditional seating applications using virgin polymers, Gabriel-Chemie offers over 100 specialized solutions tailored for flame retardancy and UV protection in materials like PP, glass fibre-filled PP, and PA6. These masterbatches comply with more than 10 different fire safety regulations across major markets, including Italy, Germany, the USA, the UK, and Switzerland. Suitable for both injection and extrusion blow moulding, the product ensures safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal in stadium seating. PE films

Gabriel-Chemie has launched an innovative flame retardant masterbatch for stadium seats, integrating UV protection, sustainability, and vibrant color options

Hyundai and Škoda have partnered to explore hydrogen technologies, but it appears they may not focus on fuel cell cars

While companies like Toyota, Honda, and BMW are actively developing hydrogen-powered vehicles, Hyundai and Škoda’s collaboration seems aimed at the broader hydrogen economy.

The agreement is with the “Škoda Group,” not “Škoda Auto,” suggesting that passenger cars might not be their primary concern. Hyundai stated their intent to “work together to build a hydrogen economy,” which doesn’t necessarily involve producing fuel cell vehicles. Ken Ramírez, head of Hyundai’s hydrogen business, mentioned creating “positive synergies between our fuel cell technology and the Škoda Group’s mobility products and concepts,” without specifically mentioning cars. PE films

Similarly, Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný spoke about “bringing innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to the global mobility ecosystem and promoting cleaner energy where it is most urgently needed.” Again, there’s no direct reference to automobiles.

It’s possible that the partnership is still defining its focus, with studies on fuel cell applications underway. The emphasis on the energy sector suggests their collaboration might involve hydrogen infrastructure, public transportation, or industrial applications rather than personal vehicles. PE films

In summary, while Hyundai and Škoda are joining forces in the hydrogen sector, it’s uncertain whether this will lead to the development of fuel cell cars. Their statements point toward broader mobility and energy solutions, leaving open the question of what specific projects they will undertake.

Hyundai and Škoda have partnered to explore hydrogen technologies, but it appears they may not focus on fuel cell cars

PE films

Packaging circularity – Evoralis is developing innovative enzymes that can break down even the toughest mixed and blended fibers, paving the way for a truly circular economy in textiles 21-09-2024