The High Cost Of Plastic: Price Per Pound

The price of plastic varies depending on its grade and type. For example, Grade C film is worth 0.5 cents per pound, while PET beverage bottles and jars are worth 13.94 cents per pound. The price of plastic has been steadily rising since September 2022, when it was 7.53 cents per pound. The national average price of post-consumer PP is currently 6 cents per pound, while the national average price of Grade A film is 17.63 cents per pound. The price of plastic is also affected by the market and can vary from region to region.

The price of plastic varies depending on its grade and type

The price of plastic has been on an upward trend, with some types of plastic experiencing significant increases in price over the past year. For instance, PET was trading at 23.42 cents per pound a year ago, while polypropylene was 10.25 cents per pound. The price of plastic is influenced by various factors, including supply and demand, production costs, and the availability of recycled materials.

The price of plastic has been rising since 2022

The price of plastic is not the only commodity to have risen since 2022. The price of baled aluminium cans, for example, was trading at nearly 124 cents per pound this time last year and is now at 75.00 cents per pound.

The price of plastic is different for post-consumer products

The price of plastic varies depending on its grade and whether it is post-consumer or not. For example, the national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars is currently 13.94 cents per pound, compared to 13.16 cents per pound the month before. However, Grade C film remains at a low 0.5 cents per pound. The national average price of Grade A film is 17.63 cents per pound.

The price of plastic has been steadily increasing over the past year. For example, PET was trading 30% lower three months ago, at an average of 10.75 cents. This grade was trading at 23.42 cents one year ago. Similarly, the national average for natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is up 10%, now at an average of 68.22 cents per pound. This compares to 58.40 cents per pound three months ago.

The price of plastic is also influenced by the market conditions and demand for specific grades of plastic. For example, the increases in the prices of PET, natural HDPE, colour HDPE and PP could help offset some amount of the pain MRFs are experiencing from down fibre markets.

The price of plastic is different for PET, HDPE, colour HDPE and PP

The price of plastic varies depending on the type of plastic and the region. PET, HDPE, colour HDPE and PP are all types of plastic with different prices.

PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a widely used plastic with various applications. The global price of PET was 1,161.9 U.S. dollars per ton in 2022. However, prices can vary by region due to factors such as supply and demand. For example, in 2022, the price of PET in Europe increased due to strong demand and tight supply, while the Chinese PET market exhibited stagnancy with prices averaging around 1006 USD/MT. The price of PET can also be influenced by the cost of feedstock, such as purified terephthalic acid (PTA).

HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is a type of plastic known for its high strength, durability, and resistance to impact and chemicals. The price of HDPE has fluctuated significantly from 2017 to 2022, reaching a cost of 1,106 U.S. dollars per ton in 2022. The main factor that influences the HDPE market is the price of the raw material ethylene, which is significantly affected by global oil prices and supply and demand dynamics. In some regions, such as Mexico and Japan, HDPE prices have declined due to weak demand and stable supply levels.

Colour HDPE is a grade of HDPE that is now averaging 5.69 cents per pound, compared to 9.31 cents last month and 11.88 cents one year ago.

PP, or polypropylene, is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics due to its elasticity and durability. In 2023, the global average price of PP was 968 U.S. dollars per ton, a decrease from the previous year. The global PP market is projected to continue growing over the next decade, reaching a value of 159.87 billion U.S. dollars by 2030.

The price of plastic is different for scrap and recycled plastic

The price of plastic varies depending on its grade and whether it is scrap or recycled. For example, the national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars is currently 13.94 cents per pound, while Grade C film remains at a low 0.5 cents per pound. The national average price of Grade A film is 17.63 cents per pound.

The price of scrap plastic has been rising since September 2022, when it was 7.53 cents per pound. Three months ago, PET was trading 30% lower, at an average of 10.75 cents. The national average for natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is up 10%, now at an average of 68.22 cents per pound.

Recycled plastic prices have also been climbing. One year ago, the grade was trading at 14.20 cents per pound. The national average price of post-consumer PP is steady this month, at 6 cents per pound. Polypropylene was 10.25 cents one year ago.

The price of plastic is influenced by various factors, including supply and demand, the cost of raw materials, and the energy required to produce it. The type of plastic and its intended use also play a role in determining its price.

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