- Domestic rPET prices see mild correction as converters focus on immediate requirements
- Quality flakes retain premiums amid healthy fibre and packaging demand
India’s recycled PET (rPET) market saw a mild correction during the assessment week ended 30 September 2026, with prices easing across several grades in major markets after reaching elevated levels. Softer crude and naphtha prices also eased cost pressure, with naphtha CFR Far East Asia declining to $880-885/MT by September 30. However, demand remained healthy, particularly for quality material used in fibre and packaging applications.
Converters continued to focus mainly on immediate production requirements rather than building large inventories. Some smaller converters were reportedly increasing rPET usage alongside virgin PET amid higher virgin resin costs. At the same time, major recyclers were carrying some inventory as elevated prices limited aggressive buying. Market participants expect packaging demand to provide support as festive-season requirements increase.
Mumbai market
Mumbai’s rPET market saw a moderate correction, although business activity improved as high prices had previously limited transactions. Most deals were settling around previous market levels, with converters continuing to cover immediate requirements. Recyclers are also monitoring the implementation of recently announced higher prices from October.
A Mumbai recycler reported completing a PET bottle bale deal at INR 58/kg, while a large Nashik-based recycler handling around 300 tonnes reported a transaction at INR 57.5/kg. The recycler also offered 80 tonnes of <30 ppm flakes at INR 90/kg to a Surat-based buyer.
Delhi-NCR market
Delhi-NCR saw a limited correction, while demand for high-quality feedstock remained relatively firm. Participants reported inconsistent quality of incoming material, with higher rainfall in eastern regions affecting the quality of PET bottles reaching the market.
A Delhi-NCR recycler reported concluding a 250-tonne PET bottle bale transaction at INR 58/kg. The participant also reported a transaction for rPET pellets at around INR 113/kg from a regular recycler.
Ahmedabad-Gujarat market
Ahmedabad recorded a slight correction across the value chain, while demand remained healthy from both fibre and packaging-grade applications. Quality flakes continued to attract stronger buying interest, with low-ppm material retaining a premium despite the softer bottle bale market.
A trader reported receiving an offer for 80 tonnes of <30 ppm flakes at INR 90.5/kg from a certified recycler, while regular recyclers indicated offers in the INR 85-87/kg range. The spread highlights the continuing premium for certified, higher-quality material.
Export market
Indian rPET export activity showed early signs of improvement, with some business reported at previously quoted levels despite elevated freight and insurance costs. Market participants expect enquiries and deal activity to improve further over the coming week.
Some buyers and sellers are still referring to earlier price levels, while revised offers are expected from October 1 as market conditions evolve. Export sentiment could therefore turn more positive in the coming week if additional business materialises.
Outlook
The domestic rPET market is expected to remain rangebound to firm in the near term. While lower crude and feedstock costs could limit further upside, a recovery in crude prices could put renewed upward pressure on recycled PET values as replacement costs remain elevated.
Quality flakes and pellets could remain relatively supported as packaging and festive-season demand improves. Export activity may also strengthen in October as revised offers emerge and overseas enquiries translate into additional business.
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