This week saw higher prices for OCC, and lower prices for plastic packaging grades.
But as we enter the last month of the year and the transitional period for PRN/PERN markets, traders are now looking to see what the rest of the month will bring.
For some, there is hope that prices for the PRN or PERN might improve, but others are more sceptical. What it did mean is that trading for many grades was relatively quiet, with the exception of OCC which had its own reasons for improved demand.
As we get closer to Christmas, conversations are starting to turn to January and the rest of 2024 and what that will bring. After a tough end to the year, some are hopeful that a new year may bring improved market conditions, but others are more wary and expect a challenging start to 2024.
The pound was trading at $1.26 this week from $1.25 last week. It was also up a cent on the euro to €1.16.
Recycled plastics
For plastics, a fall in the value of the PRN/PERN this week brought prices for packaging grades down even further.
But markets were generally quiet as the transitional period we are now in has now started and many were waiting for that to see if it brings improved conditions or not.
Many in the plastics market feel that the last few months have been really hard, and a new compliance year for 2024 may help to start more material moving.
However, demand from export markets in particular remains weak with Europe seemingly not interest at all currently. Only occasional trades seem to be going through.
If the PRN/PERN market were to pick up during the transition period then that might help rmaterial move, but it remains a big if.
Recycled paper
Certainly, the Christmas effect helped OCC as deep sea Asian buyers wanted material to get it on the water while ships were available.
This wasn’t seen with other paper and cardboard grades though, although mixed paper gained a little.
SOW and multi are really struggling though and prices came down again for these. Demand just isn’t there for them and those who have it are struggling to shift it.
As we get closer to Christmas, much will depend on whether the deep sea trade continues or if closer to home destinations step in and how that will have an impact on prices. Otherwise, it could end up being a quiet time until the new year.
Recycled metals
There was no change in price for recycled metals this week.
Recycling prices
For recycled paper prices, click here
For recycled plastic prices, click here
For recycled metal prices, click here
For recycled glass prices, click here
For PRN/PERN prices, click here
