Buying or selling plastic

Find out in this article what you need to know to understand the evolution of the price per tonne of plastic.

What factors influence the price of tons of plastic?

The price of a tonne of plastic can be influenced by several elements, such as market demand and supply, production costs, subsidies, economic conditions and general policies.

The quality and quantity of raw materials used to produce plastic can also influence prices. Additionally, changes in exchange rates and fluctuations in commodity prices can also impact the prices of tonnes of plastic.

Taxes and customs duties can also have a significant impact. Finally, location can also play a role in determining prices. Prices may vary depending on the region where the buyer or seller is located, depending on local availability of the material.

The type of plastic is an important factor in determining the price of tons of plastic, as some types are more expensive than others.

For example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is generally more expensive than PE (polyethylene) because it is stronger and tolerates heat better. Likewise, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is often more expensive than PE because it is more difficult to produce and recycle. The price of polystyrene (PS) can also be influenced by demand from industries that use it as a raw material, such as the food industry and packaging.

The most common raw materials used to create plastic are: ethane, propane and butane.

Why is the price of plastic increasing?

From the 2nd quarter of 2021, the prices of plastic packaging have seen a sharp increase. This price increase is mainly due to an unusual increase in raw material and energy prices.

This is because raw materials used in the production of plastic, such as petroleum, have seen an increase in prices due to the growing demand for petroleum products and the decrease in production. Additionally, rising energy costs, such as electricity and gas, have also contributed to the increase in prices.

Until mid-2022, plastic prices continued to rise due to high demand and shortages of raw materials. However, since then we have seen a drastic drop in prices. This decline is mainly due to an increase in the supply of raw materials and a decrease in demand.