For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• The Recycled Polypropylene Price Index in USA was steady to slightly firm in Q3 2025, reflecting stabilization after earlier tariff related uncertainty and improved procurement confidence.
• The Recycled Polypropylene Spot Price rose modestly in August 2025, as manufacturers worked through older inventories and buyers cautiously returned to the market.
• The Recycled Polypropylene Production Cost Trend was pressured: recyclers faced creeping bale feedstock costs, which reduced margins as recycled pellets were already priced at a premium to virgin polypropylene.
• The Recycled Polypropylene Demand Outlook in USA was steady but cautious, driven by rigid packaging and automotive components demand.
• Recyclers processed older stockpiled material, easing supply tightness. Imports and domestic bale availability balanced the market, while tariff concerns eased, improving sentiment.
Why did the price of Recycled Polypropylene change in September 2025 in North America?
• Market sentiment shifted from earlier uncertainty to cautious stability in September, as tariff concerns eased and processors worked through older inventories.
• Feedstock post-consumer polypropylene bale costs remained a watchpoint, with creeping increases adding mild cost pressure.
• Steady demand from packaging and automotive maintained baseline offtake, preventing volatility despite cautious inventory management.
APAC
• In Japan, the Recycled Polypropylene Price Index rose by 1% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting steady demand and supply.
• The average Recycled Polypropylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 915.33/MT.
• Recycled Polypropylene Spot Price remained muted as inventories were ample and import competition constrained pricing dynamics.
• Recycled Polypropylene Price Forecast signals modest near-term softness driven by inventory destocking and cooling restocking demand.
• Recycled Polypropylene Production Cost Trend eased as feedstock bale costs softened, improving recycler margins and competitiveness.
• Recycled Polypropylene Demand Outlook remains moderate with packaging, automotive sectors balancing seasonal restocking and cautious procurement.
• Recycled Polypropylene Price Index eased in September as export pull moderated and logistics normalized, reducing volatility.
• High inventories and steady recycler run rates pressured offers, while occasional export demand provided support.
Why did the price of Recycled Polypropylene change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Ample recycling output and steady imports-maintained supply, limiting upward pressure on Recycled Polypropylene Price Index.
• Moderating downstream restocking reduced buying urgency, softening Recycled Polypropylene Spot Price and short-term demand across segments.
• Feedstock bale cost relief and smoother logistics lowered production costs, easing Recycled Polypropylene Production Cost Trend.
Europe
• In Germany, the Recycled Polypropylene Price Index fell by 3.3% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker downstream procurement and ample supply.
• The average Recycled Polypropylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1795.67/MT.
• Recycled Polypropylene Spot Price remained range-bound amid limited offtake and intermittent import constraints, limiting upward price momentum.
• Recycled Polypropylene Production Cost Trend stayed subdued as stable feedstock rates suppressed cost-driven price support.
• Recycled Polypropylene Demand Outlook shows gradual recovery from packaging and automotive sectors, yet buying remains cautious amid inventory rebuilding.
• Recycled Polypropylene Price Index volatility reflected maintenance-related supply tightness then stabilization as imports delayed and buyers paused.
• Elevated inventories pressured offers, while selective converter restocking prevented a deeper decline in Recycled Polypropylene Spot Price.
Why did the price of Recycled Polypropylene change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Planned maintenance reduced regional output temporarily; imports and recycling flows nevertheless maintained overall availability and moderated price impact.
• Demand measured procurement from packaging and automotive sectors, cautious restocking and limited aggressive offtake tempered upward pressure.
• Stable feedstock plus port delays reduced import competition, slightly tightening domestic supply balance.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Recycled Polypropylene Price Index rose by 14.14% quarter-over-quarter, driven by packaging demand.
• The average Recycled Polypropylene price for the quarter was approximately USD 820.67/MT, reflecting steady recycling operations.
• Recycled Polypropylene Spot Price firmed on constrained feedstock availability and healthy downstream run rates tightening immediate availability.
• Recycled Polypropylene Production Cost Trend showed pressure from higher post-consumer bale sorting and periodic freight increases.
• Recycled Polypropylene Demand Outlook remains moderate as packaging and automotive procurement recently steadied amid elevated inventories.
• Recycled Polypropylene Price Index volatility softened as inventories balanced domestic supply while export enquiries supported prices.
• Major recycler operations remained steady preserving throughput, regional logistics strain intermittently pressured offers and margins.
Why did the price of Recycled Polypropylene change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Balanced-to-firm domestic demand from packaging and automotive increased offtake, tightening immediate supply and supporting prices.
• Rising post-consumer bale sorting costs and freight pressure pushed production costs higher, raising recycler offers.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The R-PP Spot Price in the USA demonstrated steady performance across Q2 2025, with the Price Index showing no significant fluctuations over the three-month period.
• April began with firm pricing due to balanced bale supply and strong demand from rigid packaging and automotive components.
• In May, market momentum slowed as processors exercised caution amid steady inventories. June saw continuation of this trend, with no significant pricing variation recorded.
• The R-PP Production Cost Trend remained flat through Q2, aided by stable feedstock availability and consistent conversion rates across recycling plants.
• The R-PP Demand Outlook was supported by regular procurement from the automotive, rigid containers, and household goods sectors.
• While no major spikes in consumption were noted, baseline usage remained firm and predictable.
Why did R-PP prices in North America remain flat in July 2025?
• In July 2025, the Price Index remained flat as market participants adopted a wait-and-see approach amid unchanged demand levels.
• The Q3 R-PP Price Forecast suggests stable pricing, supported by steady downstream demand and sufficient raw material flow.
APAC
• The R-PP Spot Price in Japan stayed firm during Q2 2025, and the Price Index reflected a consistent performance across all three months.
• In April, price stability was observed due to balanced bale inflow and average converter activity.
• May witnessed slight improvements in order volumes from household goods and packaging sectors.
• By June, price levels held firm amid sustained downstream interest and unchanging operational costs.
• The R-PP Production Cost Trend remained steady as labour and input availability remained unaffected throughout the quarter.
• The R-PP Demand Outlook was positive, especially from moulded containers and white goods segments.
Why did R-PP prices in APAC remain stable in July 2025?
• The Price Index remained steady in July 2025 due to unchanged demand from packaging and household sectors.
• The Q3 R-PP Price Forecast indicates growth, driven by seasonal procurement other related factors.
Europe
• The R-PP Spot Price in Germany remained bearish during the entirety of Q2 2025.
• April began with reduced activity, and May continued the same sentiment as downstream demand from automotive and industrial segments remained weak.
• June carried forward the stable pricing trend, as traders refrained from aggressive procurement.
• The R-PP Production Cost Trend was average as operational efficiency and input costs held lower throughout the quarter.
• The R-PP Demand Outlook remained sluggish, with only moderate movement in the consumer goods and automotive plastics sectors.
• Export demand within the EU was muted, contributing to cautious domestic sentiment.
Why did R-PP prices in Europe remain flat in July 2025?
• The Price Index remained flat in July 2025 as sluggish demand and unchanged cost structure sustained neutral price levels.
• The Q3 R-PP Price Forecast suggests growth, as downstream segments begin gradual restocking and summer output improves.
MEA
• The R-PP Spot Price in Saudi Arabia experienced minor gains during Q2 2025, with the Price Index showing modest upward movement.
• April and May reflected steady growth due to rising inquiries from domestic companies in the packaging and construction plastic sectors.
• June saw continued price firmness as recyclers adjusted offers in response to increasing freight and collection costs.
• The R-PP Production Cost Trend moved slightly upward due to logistics costs and increased feedstock processing rates.
• The R-PP Demand Outlook was firm across Q2, bolstered by packaging materials, pails, and non-food container applications.
• Government-led sustainability initiatives also helped encourage demand for post-consumer recycled materials.
Why did R-PP prices in MEA change in July 2025?
• In July 2025, the Price Index continued a modest upward path driven by local procurement and steady downstream volume.
• The Q3 R-PP Price Forecast indicates moderate growth due to seasonal demand from construction plastics and increased recycling mandates.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The Recycled Polypropylene (R-PP) market in North America experienced a gradual upward trend in prices throughout Q1 2025, driven by the growth in feedstock costs and constrained post-consumer Polypropylene (PP) bale supply. Especially in USA, during January, prices remained stable, indicating continuous R-PP purchases by downstream companies despite macroeconomic uncertainties.
February saw drastic growth in feedstock costs, particularly for post-consumer PP bales, which nearly doubled since last fall, tightening the supply and pressuring R-PP margins. Growth in the collection of used PP materials intensified the competition for bulk recycling, contributing to higher domestic R-PP pricing.
March saw continued growth in prices, as recyclers struggled to maintain their production costs, and had to pass it on to buyers. Demand remained mixed, with consumer goods, packaging, and automobile sectors showing moderate purchase demand. However, inflationary pressures led some buyers to shift back to low-cost virgin alternatives, limiting aggressive buying activities. As Q1 concluded, tight bale supply, rising feedstock costs, and cautious procurement strategies shaped the market during the quarter.
APAC
The R-PP market in the APAC region showed different trends across key countries in Q1 2025. China faced continued downward price pressure, with excessive inventories and decrease in export orders resulting in a significant 7.1% price decline by the end of February. Domestic usage remained stable, but manufacturers limited purchases due to competitive pricing from the virgin polypropylene market. India, however, saw a moderate price recovery after a sharp 8.7% drop in January, supported by steady demand from packaging and consumer goods industries. Cautious inventory management strategies controlled major rebounds. Japan faced tight supply conditions, which contributed to a 5% price increase by February-end, as increased feedstock costs pressured recyclers. Packaging and automobile sector demand stayed firm, but recyclers struggled with material availability. Across APAC, weak exports, fluctuating feedstock prices, and industry-specific demand changes played crucial roles in price movements. China market remained bearish, while India and Japan saw gradual stabilization and moderate gains, reflecting the varied market sentiment within the region.
Europe
The R-PP market in Europe gradually recovered throughout Q1 2025. Especially in Germany, January began with reduction in prices, as high inventory levels and limited purchase activities caused declines. However, prices experienced growth in February by 3.1%, supported by firm feedstock costs and stable demand from the packaging sector, aligning with EU sustainability mandates. Automobile manufacturers resumed restocking cautiously, contributing to the market stability. March saw further growth in prices, as constrained supply of virgin PP and tightening imports from South Korea reinforced the pricing strength. Despite economic uncertainties, continuous polymer usage in the packaging and automobile industries underpinned the price resilience. R-PP traders remained strategic, aligning inventory levels with changing regulatory pressures, balancing sustainability mandates with competitive pricing. While fluctuations in industrial activity shaped demand volatility, market momentum by the quarter-end favoured cautious optimism, reinforcing a steady price trajectory. Supply concerns, constrained imports, and regulatory frameworks pushing recycled content adoption continued to define European R-PP markets, influencing procurement decisions. The market closed the quarter with prices at USD 1,927 per MT for natural pellets grade.
MEA
R-PP market in the MEA region began Q1 2025 with moderate volatility, driven by steady procurement trends and balanced supply conditions. Particularly in Saudi Arabia, during January, prices saw gradual improvement, supported by the consistent purchases from packaging and automobile industries despite cautious inventory strategies. However, export demand remained limited, preventing any major growth in prices. February experienced a stability in R-PP prices, indicating steady domestic transactions and a controlled supply environment. March began with pre-Ramadan stockpiling, briefly boosting prices before the bearish sentiment caused a 3.4% drop during the mid-month, as excess inventory levels stopped buyers from making bulk purchases. By the last week, prices were observed to be flat, indicating measured resilience despite changing demand patterns. Feedstock availability remained largely stable, ensuring recyclers could maintain output without disruption. Purchase activities varied throughout the quarter as companies adjusted their inventory levels in response to varied demand patterns and cost structures. The focus remained on balancing supply efficiencies while overcoming external trade challenges, ensuring market stability.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, the R-PP market in North America experienced significant shifts as sustainability became a central focus for many industries. The packaging sector, particularly food and beverage, drove demand for recycled polypropylene (R-PP) as companies sought to meet consumer preferences for eco-friendly products. Major brands implemented ambitious sustainability goals, increasing their use of R-PP to enhance their environmental credentials.
However, the market faced challenges due to the competitive pricing of virgin polypropylene, which often made it difficult for R-PP to compete effectively. Additionally, logistical issues stemming from supply chain disruptions continued to affect the availability of high-quality recycled materials. By December, manufacturers were increasingly investing in advanced recycling technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of R-PP production.
Despite these obstacles, optimism remained as stakeholders anticipated a gradual recovery in 2025. Increased collaboration between manufacturers, recyclers, and government agencies was expected to enhance recycling infrastructure and collection systems, ultimately supporting a more robust R-PP market aligned with broader sustainability initiatives across North America.
APAC
In Q4 2024, the R-PP market in the APAC region, particularly in China, saw significant growth driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Heightened awareness of environmental issues and stringent government regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste spurred manufacturers to adopt recycled polypropylene in their products. Industries such as food and beverage packaging, personal care, and textiles were at the forefront of this trend, with major brands committing to sustainability goals that included using a higher percentage of recycled materials.
However, the market faced challenges from fluctuating raw material prices and competition from virgin polypropylene, which often provided lower-cost alternatives. Logistical disruptions continued to affect supply chains, complicating the sourcing of high-quality recycled materials. By December, many companies were investing in advanced recycling technologies and processes to improve R-PP quality and increase production capacity.
Despite these challenges, stakeholders expressed optimism about future growth. Collaborative efforts between governments and private sectors were expected to enhance recycling infrastructure and collection systems, ultimately supporting a more robust R-PP market aligned with global sustainability goals and circular economy initiatives.
Europe
In Q4 2024, the R-PP market in Europe faced significant challenges due to economic uncertainties impacting key industries such as automotive and packaging. The automotive sector experienced a decline in production rates as manufacturers dealt with supply chain disruptions and reduced consumer demand for new vehicles. This downturn resulted in decreased orders for recycled polypropylene used in automotive applications like interior components and bumpers.
Conversely, the packaging industry showed resilience amid increasing e-commerce activity. R-PP was increasingly utilized for flexible packaging solutions; however, stringent regulations regarding single-use plastics prompted many companies to explore alternative materials while enhancing their sustainability practices. By December, manufacturers grappled with high inventory levels due to decreased consumption across various sectors.
Despite these hurdles, there was cautious optimism regarding future growth driven by innovations in sustainable materials and recycling initiatives. Stakeholders expected that regulatory support for eco-friendly practices would significantly influence market dynamics moving into 2025 as industries adapt to stricter environmental standards across Europe’s diverse markets. The focus on circular economy principles was anticipated to drive further investment in recycling technologies.
MEA
In Q4 2024, the R-PP market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) demonstrated a growing commitment to sustainability amid evolving consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. Countries like Saudi Arabia made substantial investments in recycling initiatives as part of their Vision 2030 strategy aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting circular economy practices. This focus on sustainability led to increased demand for recycled polypropylene across various sectors, particularly in packaging applications where brands sought eco-friendly solutions.
Despite this positive momentum, challenges emerged from fluctuating oil prices that affected the cost competitiveness of virgin polypropylene compared to recycled alternatives. Additionally, logistical hurdles related to transportation and distribution networks hindered the efficiency of R-PP supply chains in certain areas.
By December, while some manufacturers reported reduced margins due to aggressive pricing from virgin polypropylene producers, overall market sentiment remained stable. Stakeholders anticipated gradual recovery into 2025 as public awareness of environmental issues continued to grow. Collaborative efforts between governments and private sectors were expected to enhance the region’s capacity to meet rising demand for sustainable materials effectively.
