Recycling prices and market commentary: 21 July 2023

July 21, 2023

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For most of the week, it looked like nothing was happening. For most of the market that was the case, especially as the Q2 NPWD data is due out this weekend.

But then the paper and cardboard suddenly saw some excitement yesterday with India coming into the market.

Otherwise, most other materials saw little change unless there was a movement in the PRN/PERN price.

Although the Q2 NPWD data is out this weekend, it is worth remembering that some will be late in submitting so it can be best until it is updated and wait to get full understanding.

This week saw the pound weaken against the dollar to come down to $1.28 at the end of the week from $1.31 a week ago. Compared to the euro it dropped a cent on last week to €1.15.

Recycled plastics

European interest in almost all plastics grades remains poor, and as we head into the summer break there appears little that will break that for now.

Possibly, the return to work in September may change things, but we will have to wait and see.

Packaging grades saw a drop though due to the PRN/PERN price coming down by £10 per tonne.

All eyes will be on what the Q2 NPWD data will show and the impact on the PRN/PERN price, but as mentioned above, it will most likely be revised once latecomers submit data.

Recycled paper

India came back into the market late into the week, which helped to push up the price of OCC and news & pams.

Although arisings still remain low, this extra demand gave OCC and news & pams a boost of £5 or more.

For weeks there has been no destination driving the market, but India coming back created a bit more impetus and South-East Asian destinations followed.

It remains to be seen if this was India dipping back in, or whether this will be sustained at what is usually a quieter period when UK markets are on holiday.

Other grades didn’t respond in the same way.

Recycled metals

Although copper was up this week by £25 per tonne, brass lost £100 and ferrous grades £25.