The market was starting to find its feet this week, but there is still a lot of working out how 2022 is shaping up so far.
Those making considerations beyond trading this week were also wondering how the myriad of factors affecting the market will change prices over the coming days, weeks and months.
As a result of this, there wasn’t a huge amount of commitment to make changes in the market for most grades. Therefore, it was quite a stable week for all plastic grades, most paper and cardboard grades, and metals too.
One interesting factor is that the value of the pound strengthened again against the dollar to $1.37 from $1.35 last week. Against the euro though it was unchanged at €1.19.
Recycled plastics
There was no change for any grade this week, or in the value of the PRN/PERN.
As with last week, the market was trying to work out what is going on, and deciding that they aren’t sure. The result of this was no change.
Factors such as logistics, the PRN/PERN transition period, exchange rates and an uncertain global legislative environment, plus working out the supply/demand balance means it was a week of static prices.
However, some believe the market may get a better grip of the situation next week and we may start to see some changes then.
Forecast prices
| 1-week | 4-week | |
| PET | 409-415 | 404-410 |
| HDPE | 713-716 | 704-710 |
| LDPE 98/2 | 440-446 | 439-445 |
Recycled paper
OCC was the only grade that changed value this week rising to around £130 per tonne, but mid- to high-£130s were also being discussed.
It seems that one buyer for India in particular came in at around £5 to £10 above the rest of the market trying to secure tonnage, especially with supply limited.
This seemed to set a benchmark for some sellers to try to negotiate higher prices from other buyers and some succeeded, but others did not.
Generally, with an uncertain environment at the start of 2022, there was quite a bit of resistance from South East Asian, European and domestic mills to higher prices.
Material continues to move to Malaysia and Vietnam with no changes in terms of inspections/quality as yet, despite both countries introducing new rules this week. However, changes are expected to be on the way in the near future.
Forecast prices
| 1-week | 4-week | |
| OCC | 130-134 | 130-134 |
| ONP | 146-150 | 146-150 |
| Mixed | 100-104 | 100-104 |
Recycled metals
Only industrial aluminium changed this week, rising by £100 per tonne.
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
