The early weeks of 2023 have produced not only a slight increase in demand for raw materials but also the European Parliament’s almost unanimous approval of controversial changes to the EU Waste Shipment Regulation. Meanwhile, energy prices have dropped and latest research has once again underlined the environmental gains from using recycled material (...)

• Low-priced prime materials overshadow recycled content momentum
• Recyclers in South East Asia face scrap supply disruption and sluggish demand
• Overcapacity an issue not only in Asia but also in developed countries

• China lifts COVID restrictions
• EU envisages ban on plastic scrap exports to non-OECD countries
• Global freight rates back to pre-pandemic levels

• PET demand remains stable
• Competition boosting confidence in PP market
• PS struggles most among recycled plastic markets

• More positive outlook for 2023
• Material and energy costs remain challenging
• Shortage of skilled workers

• Plastic recyclers suffering from higher costs
• Still a good supply of input for processing
• Reduced consumption leading to lower production/sales of regrind and pellets

• Higher prices in recent months
• Strong demand from Far East
• Aggressive buying from India