Scandinavia

Conditions have not changed since the previous Mirror report and plastics recyclers are still in a difficult situation as a result of price pressure from virgin grades and low sales of recyclates. Profits from plastics recycling are low and the situation is not helped by the fact that low-cost virgin grades are pushing recyclates out of the market.

There has been a slight price increase for baled PE/PP, and thus only for post-consumer material. All other grades of regrind and other baled material are unchanged. Pellets saw a price increase in May and June but the market has now slowed owing to the holiday season and lower demand. Polyolefins are still under pressure. Recyclers will now rebuild stocks, thereby impacting prices when demand improves again in September.

Conditions are similar to those seen over the past year as a result of the economic crisis. The situation will not change until interest rates begin to fall - and it seems this will take some time, at least until the end of the year.