Recycling Market Commentary and Prices: 8 June 2018

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Cardboard recycling
Cardboard recycling

This week was certainly interesting in the recycled paper market even if prices didn’t change, for reasons outlined below.

Metals also saw a price boost in certain grades, while plastics remained stable.

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Rather than economic matters, it continues to be legislation and regulation in end markets that is changing the dynamics of the market.

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For example, the news from Vietnam, Indonesia and Poland is making it extra challenging to find export markets. Even if these measures appear temporary (with the exception of Poland that is planning to introduce long-term regulations), there is a concern that upheaval is now the default state of the recycling market.

But the big news for the recycling market was the new regulation brought in by the Chinese Government last week that has led to 100% inspection of containers at sites. CCIC (or other inspection agencies if they receive certification) will need to inspect each container and seal it, which is already leading to logistical difficulties for those who are still allowed to export material to China.

In other market news, the dollar remained largely unchanged on last week at $1.33. Against the euro, the pound spiked above €1.14 in the week, but ended it largely similar to €1.13 last week. This wasn’t volatile enough to make much difference in either currency.

Plastic

The price of all plastic grades remained the same this week, with changes seen in previous weeks stabilising.

Moving material remains hard, and the closure of the two key Vietnamese ports has made life harder for exporters. Indeed, it is rumoured that the 8,000 containers at Tan Cang – Cat Lai port and the 1,130 containers at Tan Cang – Cai Mep port are enough to service the Vietnamese plastic recycling sector for six months.

Indonesia is also proving challenging to move material to, while Malaysia is also reported to be filling up.

For the best quality packaging grades, UK and European destinations seem most likely at the moment, but they will have their pick. At least demand still remains relatively good from these at present, especially as retailers and manufacturing customers are seeking more recycled content.

Industrial polymer demand also remains good.

The recent easing of the oil price hasn’t yet had an impact on virgin polymer prices, but if it does, we may see recycled plastic prices ease in July.

Paper

The sudden announcement that 100% inspections of containers, and suspension of self-certification, by Chinese Customs has had a panicked effect on the market this week.

Announced in Chinese on 28 May to come into force on 1 June, the new regulations didn’t give exporters to China much time to respond. CCIC, who for the time being remain the only inspection agency, were also taken by surprise especially now that they have to inspect every box and then seal it before it is sent to port.

Sites are reported to be failing the new inspection regime already, and this has put extra pressure on the Chinese exporters who are seeking to feed their hungry mill groups. Those sites that have passed are suddenly very favourable, and this has helped to keep prices high for this quality, with over £150 the norm.

Even though US exports to China are set to resume, this will only begin to happen properly from next week, and they still face 100% inspections at Chinese customs along with the new regulations on inspection at US domestic sites by CCIC (or new potential others).

With Indonesia imposing 100% inspections on paper imports, and tougher rules for sending paper to Vietnam, markets are becoming harder to find. Indian markets seem to have lost their appetite for material with the US having sent a lot of paper there as a result of its recent one month Chinese ban.

European buyers are also taking their pick of material at the moment as there is plenty around.

The market is starting to look quite challenging as a result. Even for Chinese buyers, they expect to continue to pay a premium for the very best material that has passed the 100% inspections, but the logistical challenges for getting CCIC inspectors to visit a site when the containers are there, will hamper their ability to buy.

CCIC has advertised for more inspectors, but finding them and training them, may take some time.

Unsurprisingly, the PRN/PERN price for paper has risen to £9 to £10 this week. When considering the volumes of cardboard and paper on the market, this is set to be a considerable cost to producers, but at least provides a boost for the UK recycling market to support its efforts. Don’t be surprised if the PRN price keeps rising under these market conditions.

Metals

Fears over a strike in Chilean copper mines has helped to push up the price of the metal on the LME to a four-year high. As a result, scrap prices have also received a welcome boost, rising by £250 per tonne this week.

US tariffs on steel and aluminium have also helped to boost the price of the latter, although steel appeared to have already reached its price limit and remained unchanged.

Prices

If you wish to see a longer data set on each table or chart, change the ‘show 10 entries’ drop down to your preferred choice. Both the table and chart (if there is one) will adjust automatically. Our full data set is available here to subscribers. 

UK plastic bottles

wdt_ID UK £ Mixed bottles A Mixed bottles B PET HDPE Natural 95/5
1 16/02/2018 50-100 -10-30 160 360
2 09/02/2018 50-100 -10-30 160 360
3 02/02/2018 50-100 -10-30 160 360
4 26/01/2018 60-110 0-30 170 380
5 19/01/2018 60-110 0-30 170 380
6 12/01/2018 60-110 0-30 170 380
7 05/01/2018 60-110 0-30 170 380
8 15/12/2017 60-110 0-30 170 390
9 08/12/2017 60-110 0-30 170 390
10 01/12/2017 60-110 0-30 170 390

UK HDPE, Wheelie Bins, HIPS, EPS, PP

wdt_ID UK £ HDPE Regrind Wheelie Bins HIPS Regrind EPS PP Regrind
1 16/02/2018 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510
2 09/02/2018 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510
3 02/02/2018 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510
4 26/01/2018 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510
5 19/01/2018 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510
6 12/01/2018 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510
7 05/01/2018 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510
8 15/12/2017 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510
9 08/12/2017 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510
10 01/12/2017 470-490 270-300 300-350 400-450 470-510

UK LDPE film

wdt_ID UK £ LDPE 99/1 LDPE 98/2 LDPE 95/5 LDPE 90/10 Jazz Film
1 16/02/2018 200-270 170 60-100 0-40 -70-(-30)
2 09/02/2018 200-270 170 60-100 0-40 -70-(-30)
3 02/02/2018 200-270 170 60-100 0-40 -70-(-30)
4 26/01/2018 240-290 190 60-100 0-40 -70-(-30)
5 19/01/2018 240-290 190 60-100 0-40 -70-(-30)
6 12/01/2018 240-290 190 60-100 0-40 -70-(-30)
7 05/01/2018 240-290 190 60-100 0-40 -70-(-30)
8 15/12/2017 250-300 200 70-110 10-50 -70-(-30)
9 08/12/2017 250-300 200 70-110 10-50 -70-(-30)
10 01/12/2017 275-315 225 70-110 10-50 -70-(-30)

UK pots, tubs, trays

wdt_ID UK £ Mixed carrier bags Mixed hard plastics Mixed plastic trays
1 16/02/2018 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)
2 09/02/2018 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)
3 02/02/2018 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)
4 26/01/2018 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)
5 19/01/2018 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)
6 12/01/2018 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)
7 05/01/2018 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)
8 15/12/2017 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)
9 08/12/2017 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)
10 01/12/2017 -70-(-30) -70-(-30) -55-(-65)

UK OCC, ONP, Mixed paper

wdt_ID UK £ OCC ONP Mixed paper
1 16/02/2018 65 87 10
2 09/02/2018 62 87 10
3 02/02/2018 68 87 12
4 26/01/2018 87 95 37
5 19/01/2018 97 97 45
6 12/01/2018 105 97 55
7 05/01/2018 110 100 62
8 15/12/2017 110 100 62
9 08/12/2017 117 100 62
10 01/12/2017 142 100 62

UK soft mixed, OIN, SOW

wdt_ID UK £ Soft mixed OI news SOW
1 16/02/2018 0-20 120-130 165-175
2 09/02/2018 0-20 120-130 165-175
3 02/02/2018 0-20 120-130 165-175
4 26/01/2018 25-35 120-130 165-175
5 19/01/2018 30-40 120-130 165-175
6 12/01/2018 35-45 120-130 165-175
7 05/01/2018 35-45 120-130 165-175
8 15/12/2017 35-45 120-130 165-175
9 08/12/2017 35-45 120-130 165-175
10 01/12/2017 35-45 120-130 165-175

UK Multi, WHL, BW2

wdt_ID UK £ Multi grade WHL BW2
1 16/02/2018 150-170 238-244 280-290
2 09/02/2018 150-170 238-244 280-290
3 02/02/2018 150-170 238-244 280-290
4 26/01/2018 155-170 238-244 280-290
5 19/01/2018 155-170 238-244 280-290
6 12/01/2018 155-170 238-244 280-290
7 05/01/2018 155-170 238-244 280-290
8 15/12/2017 155-170 238-244 280-290
9 08/12/2017 155-170 238-244 280-290
10 01/12/2017 160-175 238-244 280-290

UK copper

wdt_ID UK £ Copper Dry bright wire New tube Braziery Clean Pyro
1 16/02/2018 4,300 4250-4350 4175-4275 3350-3450 1700-1800
2 09/02/2018 4,300 4250-4350 4175-4275 3350-3450 1700-1800
3 02/02/2018 4,400 4350-4450 4275-4375 3450-3550 1800-1900
4 26/01/2018 4,400 4350-4450 4275-4375 3450-3550 1800-1900
5 19/01/2018 4,400 4350-4450 4275-4375 3450-3550 1800-1900
6 12/01/2018 4,600 4550-4650 4475-4575 3650-3750 2000-2100
7 05/01/2018 4,600 4550-4650 4475-4575 3650-3750 2000-2100
8 15/12/2017 4,200 4150-4250 4075-4175 3250-3350 1600-1700
9 08/12/2017 4,200 4150-4250 4075-4175 3250-3350 1600-1700
10 01/12/2017 4,200 4150-4250 4075-4175 3250-3350 1600-1700

UK brass

wdt_ID UK £ Brass (Honey) Mixed brass Rod swarf Brass/copper rads
1 16/02/2018 2,700 2650-2750 2475-2575 2400-2500
2 09/02/2018 2,700 2650-2750 2475-2575 2400-2500
3 02/02/2018 2,700 2650-2750 2475-2575 2400-2500
4 26/01/2018 2,800 2750-2850 2575-2675 2500-2600
5 19/01/2018 2,800 2750-2850 2575-2675 2500-2600
6 12/01/2018 2,800 2750-2850 2575-2675 2500-2600
7 05/01/2018 2,900 2850-2950 2675-2725 2600-2700
8 15/12/2017 2,650 2600-2700 2425-2525 2350-2450
9 08/12/2017 2,650 2600-2700 2425-2525 2350-2450
10 01/12/2017 2,650 2600-2700 2425-2525 2350-2450

UK aluminium alloys

wdt_ID UK £ Taint/Tabor Alum Bronze solids Low grade cable Household cable
1 16/02/2018 1,350 2050-2150 525-575 1050-1150
2 09/02/2018 1,350 2050-2150 525-575 1050-1150
3 02/02/2018 1,350 2050-2150 525-575 1050-1150
4 26/01/2018 1,350 2050-2150 525-575 1050-1150
5 19/01/2018 1,350 2050-2150 525-575 1050-1150
6 12/01/2018 1,350 2050-2150 525-575 1050-1150
7 05/01/2018 1,350 2050-2150 525-575 1050-1150
8 15/12/2017 1,300 2000-2100 475-525 1000-1100
9 08/12/2017 1,300 2000-2100 475-525 1000-1100
10 01/12/2017 1,400 2100-2200 575-625 1100-1200

UK aluminum

wdt_ID UK £ Clean HE9 Clean alu wheels Cast alu Old rolled alu
1 16/02/2018 800-900 1000-1050 700-750 475-525
2 09/02/2018 800-900 1000-1050 700-750 475-525
3 02/02/2018 800-900 1000-1050 700-750 475-525
4 26/01/2018 800-900 1000-1050 700-750 475-525
5 19/01/2018 800-900 1000-1050 700-750 475-525
6 12/01/2018 800-900 1000-1050 700-750 475-525
7 05/01/2018 800-900 1000-1050 700-750 475-525
8 15/12/2017 750-850 950-1000 650-700 425-525
9 08/12/2017 750-850 950-1000 650-700 425-525
10 01/12/2017 850-950 1025-1125 750-800 525-575

UK stainless steel, zinc, lead

wdt_ID UK £ 18/8 stainless 316 stainless Zinc Lead Lead batteries
1 16/02/2018 725-775 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675
2 09/02/2018 725-775 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675
3 02/02/2018 725-775 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675
4 26/01/2018 725-775 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675
5 19/01/2018 725-775 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675
6 12/01/2018 725-775 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675
7 05/01/2018 725-775 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675
8 15/12/2017 675-725 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675
9 08/12/2017 675-725 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675
10 01/12/2017 675-725 975-1025 800-900 1400-1500 625-675

UK ferrous

wdt_ID UK £ HMS 1 Light iron O/S shearing O/S construction Mixed iron
1 16/02/2018 180 135-175 145-185 130-170 150-190
2 09/02/2018 180 135-175 145-185 130-170 150-190
3 02/02/2018 180 135-175 145-185 130-170 150-190
4 26/01/2018 180 135-175 145-185 130-170 150-190
5 19/01/2018 190 145-185 155-195 140-180 160-200
6 12/01/2018 200 155-195 165-205 150-190 170-210
7 05/01/2018 200 155-195 165-205 150-190 170-210
8 15/12/2017 195 150-190 160-200 145-185 165-205
9 08/12/2017 195 150-190 160-200 145-185 165-205
10 01/12/2017 175 130-170 140-180 125-165 145-185

UK engines, cans, plugs

wdt_ID UK £ EOLV Steel UBC Aluminium UBCs Plugs and chargers
1 16/02/2018 95-135 120-160 1000-1100 110-130
2 09/02/2018 95-135 120-160 1000-1100 110-130
3 02/02/2018 95-135 120-160 1000-1100 110-130
4 26/01/2018 95-135 120-160 1050-1150 110-130
5 19/01/2018 105-145 130-170 1050-1150 110-130
6 12/01/2018 115-155 140-180 1050-1150 110-130
7 05/01/2018 115-155 140-180 1050-1150 110-130
8 15/12/2017 110-150 135-175 1000-1150 110-130
9 08/12/2017 110-150 135-175 1000-1150 110-130
10 01/12/2017 90-130 115-155 1000-1150 110-130

UK glass

wdt_ID UK £ Clear Amber Green Mixed
1 16/02/2018 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8
2 09/02/2018 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8
3 02/02/2018 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8
4 26/01/2018 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8
5 19/01/2018 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8
6 12/01/2018 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8
7 05/01/2018 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8
8 15/12/2017 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8
9 08/12/2017 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8
10 01/12/2017 18-28 14-20 9-13 2-8

PRN paper, plastic, glass

wdt_ID UK £ Paper Plastic Glass Remelt Glass Other
1 16/02/2018 1.80-2.20 56-58 11-12 10.50-11.50
2 09/02/2018 1.25-1.75 56-58 10.50-11.50 10-11
3 02/02/2018 1.25-1.75 56-58 10.50-11.50 10-11
4 26/01/2018 1.50-2.00 54-56 10.50-11.50 9.50-11
5 19/01/2018 1.50-2.00 52-56 10-12 9-11
6 12/01/2018 1.50-2.00 50-54 10-12 9-11
7 05/01/2018 1.25-1.75 51-55 9.50-11.50 9-11
8 15/12/2017 1.25-1.75 48-52 9.50-11.50 8.50-10.50
9 08/12/2017 1.50-2.00 39-43 9-11 9-11
10 01/12/2017 1.65-2.15 29-33 9-11 9-11

PRNs wood, steel, alu, recovery

wdt_ID UK £ Wood Steel Aluminium Recovery
1 16/02/2018 8-9 4-6 20-24 0.4-0.5
2 09/02/2018 7.25-8.25 4-6 20-24 0.4-0.5
3 02/02/2018 7.25-8.25 4-6 20-24 0.4-0.5
4 26/01/2018 5-6 4-6 33-37 0.4-0.5
5 19/01/2018 4.50-5.50 5-7 33-37 0.4-0.5
6 12/01/2018 4.50-5.50 5-7 33-37 0.4-0.5
7 05/01/2018 4.50-5.50 4.50-5.50 33-37 0.4-0.5
8 15/12/2017 4.50-5.50 1-2 14-16 0.4-0.5
9 08/12/2017 4-5 1-2 14-16 0.4-0.5
10 01/12/2017 1.75-2.25 1-3 4-6 0.4-0.5

UK gate fees, RDF, landfill

wdt_ID UK £ RDF - UK Landfill Tax Landfill Gate fee
1 16/02/2018 65-85 86.10 10-20
2 09/02/2018 65-85 86.10 10-20
3 02/02/2018 65-85 86.10 10-20
4 26/01/2018 65-85 86.10 10-20
5 19/01/2018 65-85 86.10 10-20
6 12/01/2018 65-85 86.10 10-20
7 05/01/2018 65-85 86.10 10-20
8 15/12/2017 65-85 86.10 10-20
9 08/12/2017 65-85 86.10 10-20
10 01/12/2017 65-85 86.10 10-20

UK Gate Fees - EFW, AD, MRF

wdt_ID UK £ Energy from Waste Anaerobic digestion MRF
1 16/02/2018 60-90 60-90 60-90
2 09/02/2018 25-35 25-35 25-35
3 02/02/2018 0-30 0-30 0-30
4 26/01/2018 60-90 25-35 0-30
5 19/01/2018 60-90 25-35 0-30
6 12/01/2018 60-90 25-35 0-30
7 05/01/2018 60-90 25-35 0-30
8 15/12/2017 60-90 25-35 0-30
9 08/12/2017 60-90 25-35 0-30
10 01/12/2017 60-90 25-35 0-30

China plastics

wdt_ID USD $ PET flake PET bottle HDPE Natural LDPE 98/2
1 16/02/2018 821 486 874 544
2 09/02/2018 821 486 874 544
3 02/02/2018 760 486 772 538
4 26/01/2018 760 486 772 538
5 19/01/2018 760 486 772 538
6 12/01/2018 760 486 772 538
7 05/01/2018 760 486 772 538
8 15/12/2017 696 403 760 684
9 08/12/2017 785 570 798 630
10 01/12/2017 785 570 798 630

China paper

wdt_ID USD $ OCC ONP Mixed
1 16/02/2018 230 257 149
2 09/02/2018 230 257 149
3 02/02/2018 235 240 155
4 26/01/2018 235 240 155
5 19/01/2018 235 240 155
6 12/01/2018 235 240 155
7 05/01/2018 235 240 155
8 15/12/2017 250 262 151
9 08/12/2017 255 262 159
10 01/12/2017 255 262 159

China metals

wdt_ID USD $ Copper Wire Brass (Honey) Taint/Tabor HMS 1
1 16/02/2018 6,175 4,650 1,285 144
2 09/02/2018 6,175 4,650 1,285 144
3 02/02/2018 6,135 4,635 1,595 153
4 26/01/2018 6,135 4,635 1,595 153
5 19/01/2018 6,135 4,635 1,595 153
6 12/01/2018 6,135 4,635 1,595 153
7 05/01/2018 6,135 4,635 1,595 153
8 15/12/2017 6,205 5,230 1,390 155
9 08/12/2017 6,190 5,210 1,440 130
10 01/12/2017 6,190 5,210 1,440 130

US plastics

wdt_ID USD $ PET bottles HDPE Natural LDPE Grade A
1 16/02/2018 450 585 350
2 09/02/2018 450 585 350
3 02/02/2018 450 585 350
4 26/01/2018 450 585 350
5 19/01/2018 450 585 350
6 12/01/2018 450 585 350
7 05/01/2018 450 585 350
8 15/12/2017 400 585 350
9 08/12/2017 400 585 350
10 01/12/2017 460 585 350

US paper

wdt_ID USD $ OCC ONP Mixed
1 16/02/2018 110 80 40
2 09/02/2018 110 80 40
3 02/02/2018 110 80 40
4 26/01/2018 110 80 40
5 19/01/2018 120 80 60
6 12/01/2018 120 80 60
7 05/01/2018 120 80 60
8 15/12/2017 120 80 60
9 08/12/2017 120 80 60
10 01/12/2017 120 80 60

US metals

wdt_ID USD $ Copper Wire Brass (Honey) Taint/Tabor HMS 1
1 16/02/2018 5,950 3,636 2,512 320
2 09/02/2018 5,950 3,636 2,512 320
3 02/02/2018 6,061 3,636 2,512 320
4 26/01/2018 6,061 3,636 2,512 320
5 19/01/2018 6,237 3,592 2,512 265
6 12/01/2018 6,237 3,592 2,512 265
7 05/01/2018 6,170 2,975 2,468 265
8 15/12/2017 5,906 3,416 2,424 265
9 08/12/2017 5,775 2,909 2,424 265
10 01/12/2017 5,884 3,415 2,468 295

 

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