Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin enters H2 2026 at approximately $1,320/tonne, up 6% year-over-year, as global demand grows 4% to 35 Mt. Bottle-grade PET consumes 55% of production, fiber-grade 30%, and film/other 15%.
PTA (purified terephthalic acid) feedstock costs at $850/t represent 60% of PET production costs. PTA prices are supported by paraxylene (PX) supply tightness from Asian refinery runs.
MEG (monoethylene glycol) at $750/t represents 25% of costs. MEG is increasingly bio-based, with bio-MEG from sugarcane ethanol gaining share in sustainable PET applications.
rPET (recycled PET) mandates are transforming the market. The EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive requires 25% rPET content in bottles by 2025 and 30% by 2030. rPET commands a $400-600/t premium over virgin resin.
Price projections for H2 2026 cluster at $1,200-1,450/t.
PET buyers should secure H2 requirements at $1,250-1,400/t through fixed contracts. Bottle demand provides structural support. For brand owners, consider rPET blending to meet sustainability targets while managing costs. Budget $1,250-1,500/t for 2027.