Price-Watch™ provides price assessments for R-HDPE across top trading regions:
Asia-Pacific
- R-HDPE Natural Granules Ex-Delhi, India
- R-HDPE Natural Granules FOB Shanghai, China
Europe
- R-HDPE Natural Pellets FD Hamburg, Germany
North America
- R-HDPE Natural Pellets FOB Chicago, USA
Middle East & Africa
- R-HDPE Natural Granules (White) Ex-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Note: In assessments structured as CIF [Importing Port] (Exporting Country), the country mentioned in brackets indicates the primary origin of supply (exporting country), while the named port refers to the destination port in the importing country. Other Incoterms (FOB, FD, EXW, etc.) should be interpreted in accordance with standard international trade definitions.
Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (R-HDPE) Price Trend Q1 2026
The global R-HDPE market has shown mixed trends in Q1 2026, with price recovery in some regions and continued weakness in others, reflecting differences in scrap availability and demand conditions. Supply of post-consumer HDPE waste has tightened in certain markets due to seasonal collection slowdowns and logistical challenges, particularly in Asia.
At the same time, rising virgin HDPE prices driven by crude oil and ethylene costs have improved the competitiveness of recycled materials. In some parts of the world, demand from the packaging and industrial industries are recovering slowly, but in Europe, there remains a fairly weak demand for both industries.
The limited recovery of prices has been attributed to the comparably weak demand in Europe. In March 2026, the greatest price increases have been seen in regions with production shortages; moderate price reductions or stabilisations have been experienced in the other regions.
USA: R-HDPE Natural Pellets FOB Chicago, USA
In Q1 2026, R-HDPE prices in the USA have increased by 4.9%, supported by improving demand and tightening availability of HDPE scrap. Collection rates have been slightly constrained due to seasonal factors, reducing feedstock supply for recyclers.
At the same time, rising virgin HDPE prices have improved recyclate competitiveness, encouraging buyers to increase procurement. This has been reflected in R-HDPE prices in the USA and the strengthening R-HDPE price trend in the USA, indicating improving market conditions.
Similarly, in the last month of the quarter, in March 2026, R-HDPE prices in the USA have surged by 10.5%, driven by stronger demand and tighter scrap availability.
Germany: R-HDPE Light Pellets FD Hamburg, Germany
In Q1 2026, R-HDPE prices in Germany have declined by 5.2% against Q4 2025, reflecting continued weak demand from packaging and industrial sectors despite stable supply conditions. Collection rates have remained high, ensuring sufficient feedstock availability, while demand recovery has lagged behind other regions.
Additionally, competitive pricing from virgin HDPE has continued to limit recyclate demand. This has been reflected in R-HDPE prices in Germany and the stable R-HDPE price trend in Germany, indicating soft market conditions.
Similarly, in the last month of the quarter, in March 2026, R-HDPE prices in Germany have increased by 2.9%, supported by short-term restocking and slight improvement in demand.
Saudi Arabia: R-HDPE Natural Granules Ex-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
In Q1 2026, R-HDPE prices in Saudi Arabia have increased by 4.6%, supported by improving demand and tightening scrap availability. Collection infrastructure has remained limited compared to developed markets, leading to constrained feedstock supply.
Demand from packaging and export markets has improved, supporting price increases. This has been reflected in R-HDPE prices in Saudi Arabia and the strengthening R-HDPE price trend in Saudi Arabia, indicating firm market conditions.
Similarly, in the last month of the quarter, in March 2026, R-HDPE prices in Saudi Arabia have increased by 5.26%, driven by steady demand and limited supply.
India: R-HDPE Natural Granules Ex-Mumbai, India
In Q1 2026, R-HDPE prices in India have surged significantly by 19.07%, driven by strong demand recovery and tightening availability of HDPE scrap. Collection rates have been impacted by seasonal disruptions, reducing feedstock supply for recyclers.
Additionally, rising virgin HDPE prices have improved the attractiveness of recycled materials, encouraging buyers to increase procurement. This has been reflected in R-HDPE prices in India and the strong R-HDPE price trend in India, indicating supply-driven market tightening.
Similarly, in the last month of the quarter, in March 2026, R-HDPE prices in India have surged sharply by 56.55%, driven by acute supply shortages and aggressive restocking activity.
China: R-HDPE Natural Granules FOB Shanghai, China
In Q1 2026, R-HDPE prices in China have increased by 3.15%, supported by improving demand and stable supply conditions. Collection rates have remained steady, ensuring sufficient feedstock availability, while demand from packaging and industrial sectors has shown gradual recovery.
Rising virgin HDPE prices have also supported recyclate demand. This has been reflected in R-HDPE prices in China and the strengthening R-HDPE price trend in China, indicating improving market fundamentals.
Similarly, in the last month of the quarter, in March 2026, R-HDPE prices in China have increased by 13.27%, driven by stronger demand and tightening supply amidst the supply and fuel crisis caused by the US-Iran conflict.



