The stress is still there for many in the recycling sector as they still get used to the disruption for export caused by many in the Red Sea.
They are getting used to the stress though and dealing with it, showing resilience to make things happen. But knowing February will be a challenge with the combination of Chinese New Year celebrations and the crunch period as vessels face the most disruption from the longer transit times that began before Christmas.
It is increasingly the view that this is a long-term situation we’ll have to get used to, but material is still moving. The longer-term consequences of this are yet to emerge though.
The pound was trading up a cent against the dollar and the euro this week compared to last at £1.27 and €1.17 respectively.
Recycled plastics
Trading remains steady for most grades and most are managing to move material on the whole.
Domestic buyers are more reluctant and European deals are being based on good relationships. There are challenges of course with deep sea, while Turkish buyers are just emerging from the period in which they have to renew licences.
Some were waiting to sell to see if market conditions will improve over the coming weeks as Turkey come into the market, while other traders were wanting more sense on whether the £10 fall in the PRN/PERN would continue or if this was just a blip.
While bottle packaging grades came down by the same amount, film grades dropped more due to the reasons mentioned above.
Recycled paper
Prices for OCC and mixed were up a bit on the back of stronger export demand, India in particular.
Domestic and European buyers were not budging at the bottom end of the market, so the spread between the bottom and top of the market remained wide.
Material is moving, but a lot of effort is going into getting hold of containers and vessels as shipping schedules change.
As mentioned above, the situation is expected to get worse in February, and so a number of buyers for export have been trying to get material on the water while transportation can be secured.
Therefore, a lot of time next month might be spent on logistics and working out when fibre can be exported.
Recycled metal
Copper and brass were up with the former by £125 per tonne and the latter by £100. Other grades were stable.
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
