Report for Scandinavia

A moderate increase in demand for recyclates is being driven by disruption within the virgin plastics market, higher oil prices and growing processor interest, resulting in upward price pressure - especially for polyethylene, but also for other polymers to a lesser extent. In effect, instability in the global virgin plastics value chain has pushed processors to seek more reliable or cost‑stable alternatives. 

Unstable but elevated oil prices are directly affecting virgin polymer production costs while supply disruptions for primary plastics are creating uncertainty for processors. Efforts to hedge against volatility in virgin supply are leading to more inquiries about the availability and pricing of recycled materials. There is greater interest in securing stable volumes, resulting in more frequent and earlier inquiries. 

As mentioned, this trend is strongest for PE recyclates (both LDPE and HDPE), for which virgin supply disruption has been most pronounced. PE recyclate prices have increased slightly, reflecting both higher demand and constrained supply. Other polymers - such as polypropylene and certain engineering plastics - are also seeing mild upward price pressure, although less pronounced than for PE. These increases are being driven by: higher feedstock costs linked to oil price volatility; competition for available recyclate volumes; and processors shifting a part of their sourcing strategy towards recycled content.