Plant closures and financial pressure hit North American recycling sector amid falling PET bale prices

The U.S. PET recycling market is currently facing significant pressure, marked by declining post-consumer bale prices and the shutdown of several processing facilities.
According to an analysis published by Plastics Today, multiple North American recyclers have reduced operations or suspended activities due to mounting economic challenges.
The key factors highlighted include:
– declining demand for rPET
– competition from lower-priced virgin resin
– high energy and logistics costs
– difficulties in securing consistent, high-quality feedstock
The report indicates that PET bale prices have dropped substantially in recent months, directly impacting recyclers’ margins.
Global market implications
Although the current developments are centered in the United States, the dynamics may influence:
• rPET competitiveness in international markets
• transatlantic trade flows
• investment decisions in new recycling capacities
For Europe, rPET price volatility remains a critical issue, particularly in the context of upcoming mandatory recycled content requirements in packaging.