The Plastic Pound: How Much Is Really There?

The price of plastic is dependent on its grade and type. For example, the price per pound of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars is higher than that of Grade C film. As of May 2024, the price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars is 15.09 cents per pound, while Grade C film is at 0.13 cents per pound. The price of plastic can vary based on several factors, including supply and demand, the cost of raw materials, and the economic climate. Recycled plastic prices have been on an upward trend, with prices for some grades of plastic rising notably in March 2023. Natural and color HDPE prices have also been on an upward trend since last fall.

PET beverage bottles and jars: 13.94 cents per pound

The price of plastic varies depending on its type and grade. As of March 2023, the national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars is 13.94 cents per pound, compared to 13.16 cents per pound in February 2023. This price has been steadily increasing since September 2022 when it was 7.53 cents per pound. In some regions, PET plastic is trading as high as 17.00 cents per pound.

The price of PET plastic has been steadily rising, and this upward trend has been observed across other types of plastic as well. For instance, the national average price of Grade A film has increased from 15.63 cents per pound last month to 16.94 cents per pound. Grade B film has also increased from 6.94 cents per pound to 7.94 cents per pound.

Polypropylene (PP) has seen a significant increase, trading at 8.13 cents per pound compared to 5.38 cents per pound the previous month. This represents a 51% increase, which is notable as PP had been flat for the past year.

Other types of plastic that have seen price increases include natural HDPE and color HDPE, with the national average price of natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) increasing by 10% to 68.22 cents per pound.

These price increases in plastic are part of a broader trend where scrap plastic prices have been steadily rising for several months, with March 2023 continuing this upward trajectory.

Natural HDPE: 68.22 cents per pound

The price of plastic varies depending on its type and grade. The price of plastic per pound also seems to be constantly changing. As of March 2023, the national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars was 13.94 cents per pound, with some regions trading as high as 17.00 cents per pound. The national average price of natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was 68.22 cents per pound. This price was up 10% from the previous month and has been steadily increasing since September 2022 when it was 7.53 cents per pound.

Polypropylene (PP) also saw a dramatic increase in price in March 2023, rising by 51% to 8.13 cents per pound. Grade A film, a high-grade plastic that doesn't typically see dramatic price swings, rose to 16.94 cents per pound, while Grade B film rose to 7.94 cents per pound. Grade C film, a low-grade plastic, remained at a low price of 0.5 cents per pound.

The prices of recycled plastics continued to climb higher in May 2024. The national average price of post-consumer natural HDPE rose to 32.44 cents per pound, while the price of color HDPE rose to 23.94 cents per pound. The price of Grade C film also increased to 0.13 cents per pound.

Polypropylene (PP): 8.13 cents per pound

Polypropylene (PP) is a translucent polymer with properties like stiffness, impact strength, and electrical insulation. It is commonly used for various processes like injection moulding. The price of polypropylene has been rising steadily, and as of March 2023, it traded at 8.13 cents per pound, a significant increase from 5.38 cents the previous month. This rise in price can be attributed to increasing demand and the cost of raw materials.

The price of polypropylene in the scrap market is influenced by several factors, including the quality and condition of the plastic, market demand, and the overall health of the economy. Polypropylene is in high demand due to its versatility and applicability in various industries, such as packaging, automotive, and textiles. It is used in packaging to make containers, bottles, and caps, as well as in the automotive industry for bumpers, dashboards, and other car parts.

The price of polypropylene can vary depending on the region and the specific type of polypropylene product. For example, the price of polypropylene homopolymer, a specific type of polypropylene, may differ from the price of polypropylene copolymer. Additionally, the price of polypropylene can be influenced by the price of oil, as oil is a significant feedstock for the production of this plastic.

While the price of polypropylene has seen an increase, it is important to note that the price can fluctuate. In March 2022, for instance, polypropylene was trading for 29.44 cents per pound, more than three times the price in March 2023. This fluctuation in pricing can be attributed to various factors, including changes in supply and demand, advancements in recycling technologies, and the introduction of alternative materials.

The price of polypropylene is expected to remain volatile in the short term, with potential increases or decreases depending on market conditions and other factors. The price of polypropylene is an important consideration for businesses and consumers alike, as it can impact the cost of goods and services that rely on this plastic.

Grade A film: 16.94 cents per pound

The price of plastic varies depending on its type and grade. As of May 2024, the national average price of post-consumer natural HDPE is 32.44 cents per pound, while colour HDPE is at 23.94 cents per pound. Polypropylene (PP) is trading at 6 cents per pound, a significant decrease from March 2023, when it was at 8.13 cents. The price of Grade A film plastic has also been rising, with the national average price at 16.94 cents per pound as of March 2023.

Grade A film plastic is a high-grade plastic that typically does not see dramatic price swings. However, the price has been steadily increasing, as it was trading at 15.63 cents per pound in February 2023 and 20.50 cents per pound a year before that, in March 2022. The price of Grade A film plastic is expected to continue rising, as it reached 17.63 cents per pound in May 2024.

The price of plastic is influenced by various factors, including supply and demand, production costs, and the economic climate. The steady upward trend in plastic prices can be attributed to several reasons, such as increasing production costs due to rising energy prices or raw material costs. Additionally, the demand for plastic may be increasing due to its versatility and use in various industries, such as packaging, construction, and automotive.

The price of Grade A film plastic specifically may be influenced by its use in high-quality applications. This type of plastic is often used in products that require clarity, flexibility, and durability. Industries that commonly use Grade A film plastic include food packaging, medical devices, and electronics. The price of this plastic grade may also be affected by the cost of recycling and the availability of recycled material. As recycling rates increase and more post-consumer material becomes available, the price of this plastic grade may fluctuate.

Grade C film: 0.5 cents per pound

The price of plastic varies according to its grade and the month of purchase. For instance, in 2020, Grade A film was valued at 8.44 cents per pound, while Grade B film was valued at 4.56 cents per pound. Grade C film, on the other hand, was valued at 1.38 cents per pound.

In 2023, Grade A film was valued at 16.94 cents per pound, while Grade B film was valued at 7.94 cents per pound. Grade C film, however, remained at a low 0.5 cents per pound.

The price of Grade C film plastic has decreased since 2020, making it a relatively affordable option. It is worth noting that the price of plastic can fluctuate over time, and it is always good to check the current market price before making any decisions.

Grade C film plastic is a low-cost option for those looking to purchase plastic. It can be a good choice for those on a tight budget or for projects where cost is a primary concern. This grade of plastic may be suitable for certain applications, but it is important to consider the specific requirements and whether the material's properties meet those needs.

Grade C film plastic may be suitable for applications where strength and durability are not the primary concern. It can be used for creating lightweight and flexible products. However, for applications requiring higher impact resistance or structural strength, other grades or materials may be more suitable.

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