Plastics

HDPE CONTINUES CLIMBING

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) continue to experience strong demand, though pricing for HDPE is surging ahead of that for PET.

Throughout the last few months, recycled HDPE has been enjoying climbing prices, while recycled PET has been on a downward trend. "HDPE is definitely stronger than PET, but they are both fairly high for plastics," according to a Toronto-based broker. He adds that HDPE is currently commanding $600 U.S. per ton, while PET is selling in the mid-$300 range, which is off slightly from 2005’s earlier high of around $400.

When it come to LDPE (low-density polyethylene), or plastic film, a Midwestern recycler says it peaked two months ago. "Local buyers are telling me that the numbers are dropping off," he says of the grade. "A lot of film goes overseas."

A Southeast-based industrial resin reprocessor says the 2005 hurricanes effectively cut off available scrap. "It was hard to move resin around," she says, adding that trucking companies were waiting for calls from FEMA—at twice the going rate per mile—and putting their regular customers off.

Now, however, the Southeastern reprocessor says, "We are getting a lot of material." The company’s location amid auto makers helps to ensure a flow of incoming material, she says, though with the holidays, production has slowed.

(Additional news about plastic recycling markets, including breaking news, is available at www.RecyclingToday.com.)