In December 2024, the price of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) in Italy remained largely stagnant, reflecting a mix of weak domestic demand and seasonal market dynamics. Industry observers note that while there were some minor fluctuations in PMMA prices during the month, the overall trend showed little change, suggesting a period of stagnation for the market.

Several factors contributed to the steady pricing in Italy during December after a significant decline in the preceding month. A significant influence over the pricing pattern was of the holiday season slowdown, which resulted in reduced procurement activities across key industries. Given that many buyers adopted a cautious stance and refrained from making substantial purchases, while others focused on clearing existing inventory rather than replenishing stock. Although, at the same time, rising freight costs provided a slight upward push, but this was not sufficient to trigger any substantial price increases.

Meanwhile, a significant shift in the Italian PMMA market is on the horizon, driven by advancements in recycling technology. NEXTCHEM, a subsidiary of MAIRE, is spearheading an innovative initiative aimed at transforming the recycling landscape for PMMA in Italy. In collaboration with Röhm, NEXTCHEM has entered into a groundbreaking Toll Manufacturing Agreement to recycle PMMA scrap into ultra-pure Methyl Methacrylate monomer (MMA). This agreement forms a part of the broader effort to develop a fully circular process for PMMA production, which will ultimately reduce the dependency on virgin resources and minimize waste.

At the heart of this project is NEXTCHEM’s proprietary NXRe technology, which uses a molten metal depolymerization process to recycle PMMA into MMA, a key building block for new PMMA products. The recycled MMA will be used by Röhm to produce fresh PMMA products, closing the loop on the material’s lifecycle. This technological breakthrough is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of MMA production by over 90% compared to traditional methods, marking a significant step toward more sustainable manufacturing practices in the plastics industry.

In line with this initiative, MyRemono, NEXTCHEM’s subsidiary, is developing a state-of-the-art chemical recycling plant in Italy, set to be completed by 2026. The facility will initially process 5,000 tons of PMMA annually, enough to produce 10 million car taillights, showcasing the large-scale potential of recycled PMMA to replace virgin materials in manufacturing.

With the implementation of this technology and a growing focus on recycling, industry experts are optimistic about a gradual recovery in the PMMA market in the coming months. While the market may continue to face challenges in the short term, the development of a circular economy for PMMA production, supported by cutting-edge recycling innovations, is expected to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the sector in the long run.

In conclusion, while the PMMA market in Italy faced stability and slight price declines in December, the future of the sector looks promising with the ongoing investments in recycling technology. These initiatives are set to drive a more sustainable and resilient PMMA market, supporting both environmental goals and the long-term growth of the industry.