ALMATY, October 9 — The IMARC Group’s Recycled PET Prices 2026 report shows divergent regional trends in September 2026, with prices falling in the United States and China while rising in Germany and India. The company said recycled PET prices in the United States reached USD 983 per metric ton in September 2026, reflecting a downward trend driven by reduced collection volumes at material recovery facilities, which lowered operating rates at recycling plants.
Data shows that despite steady downstream demand from fiber and packaging converters, this demand was insufficient to counterbalance supply-side pressures, prompting distributors to lower offer levels to clear accumulated inventory before quarter-end. In China, recycled PET prices were USD 741 per metric ton in September 2026, easing due to expanded domestic collection and sorting capacity that increased flake and pellet supply.
Officials noted that while demand from polyester fiber producers and sheet manufacturers remained active, it did not fully absorb the incremental supply, leading buyers to maintain lean inventories and rely on spot purchasing, which limited price support from restocking. In Germany, recycled PET prices rose to USD 984 per metric ton in September 2026, supported by tightening European collection volumes and rising mandatory recycled content requirements under European packaging regulations, which strengthened seller offers.
The report stated that demand from food-grade recycled PET producers and thermoform sheet manufacturers remained robust as brand owners accelerated procurement to meet sustainability commitments. In India, recycled PET prices reached USD 787 per metric ton in September 2026, rising as steady demand from domestic polyester fiber and packaging sectors absorbed available flake and pellet volumes.
The analysis, published on May 30, 2024, and last modified on October 5, 2026, includes historical data and forecasts, noting that during Q1 2025, U.S. recycled PET prices peaked at USD 1,213 per metric ton in March amid stable market conditions due to consistent packaging industry procurement and sufficient domestic supply. The report covers regional trends across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, offering real-time access to monthly, quarterly, and yearly price data.
Market participants will watch for how evolving collection infrastructure and regulatory frameworks influence supply-demand balances in the coming quarters.
