There was a mixed picture this week for the recycling sector, but most price adjustments tended to be downwards rather than upwards.
For paper grades, it was a largely flat week with little change, but plastic packaging saw some downward pressure thanks to a lower PRN. Copper was the main faller for metals.
There was a general feeling of uncertainty, waiting to see whether markets would settle and whether the wider UK economy was likely to re-open fully on 21 June or face a further delay.
Against the dollar, the pound was flat at $1.41 and has ended the week there for three weeks now.
While the pound dropped below €1.16 briefly this week, it finished back above that level – same as it was last Friday.
Recycled plastics
The falling PRN/PERN price, to what some argue are more realistic levels, this week was behind changes in physical material prices. The PRN/PERN price was down by around £40 as the market gradually realises the NPWD data already shows compliance is likely to be achieved this year, and relatively straighforwardly.
Really strong demand for HDPE meant bottles were not affected by the fall in the subsidy, but PET bottles lost £30 with some good demand thanks to better weather helping to hold it up.
Film grades continue to have strong demand despite the Turkish market closing, and just £10 came off last week’s price on the spot market.
Forecast prices
1-week | 4-week | |
PET | 206-212 | 212-218 |
HDPE | 504-510 | 501-507 |
LDPE | 346-352 | 347-353 |
Recycled paper
It was another flat week in the market, as those who had bought or sold long stayed out of trading.
For OCC, there was some strong demand from a company or two that appeared to need to fill orders, and were prepared to pay above most to secure what was available. On the other hand, there were others who were happy to let their prices drop off. Overall, this meant little change in overall market prices.
Mixed followed a similar pattern, and other grades remained where they had been last week.
Forecast prices
1-week | 4-week | |
OCC | 139-143 | 134-137 |
ONP | 150-154 | 146-150 |
Mixed | 118-122 | 115-119 |
Recycled metals
Copper grades were the only ones to see any change, dropping by £100 per tonne 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