Page 61 - Plastics News February 2026

PRODUCT NEWS

tive domestic pricing continue to temper overall Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film bale mar-
import activity. kets are unchanged with a weak overall market
sentiment. Prices for rLDPE natural post-con-
Domestic rPET pellet prices remain stable, with sumer pellets and mixed-color post-industrial
imported pellets continuing to trade slightly be- rLDPE resin also remain stable.
low domestic levels.
Recycled PP
The outlook for full-year demand is mixed, ac-
cording to Fisher, with most companies expect- Polypropylene (PP) bale prices are stable — de-
ing 2026 to mirror demand levels seen last year. mand has been subdued as companies continue
While there are some indications of optimism to work down elevated fourth quarter invento-
for growth in 2026, continued financial strain on ries.
the recycling industry is supporting a somewhat
pessimistic outlook. Uncertainty regarding the outlook for 2026
has some converters taking a wait-and-see ap-
Recycled PE proach toward inventory restocking activity, ac-
cording to analysis by Fisher.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) natural bale
prices moved higher to start the year, as bale Natural, white, and light gray post-consumer
availability declined amid a reduction in recycled food-grade rPP prices are steady as a result of
collection volume. ample feedstock supply and flat demand.

Prices for mixed-colored bales remain un- “Demand outlook for 2026 is characterized as
changed across both coasts, as limited interest cautiously optimistic, as rPP order volumes are
from buyers is keeping price levels flat. expected to increase slightly on expanded state-
level recycled content minimum requirements.
Prices for post-consumer rHDPE pellets, both However, the rollback of some companies' re-
food- and non-food grade, increased slightly at cycled content ambitions could offset some of
the start of the month, reported Fisher. The up- the mandated gains seen in specific states,” said
ward movement in natural bale prices and some Fisher.
improved buying activity contributed to higher
prices. Source - https://www.plasticstoday.com

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February 2026 PLASTICS NEWS 61