182 Insights

Gareth Lamb

Gareth joined Czarnikow in 2021 and is Czarnikow’s PET analyst and recycling specialist. As well as regularly reporting on key market trends and dynamics, Gareth is also developing new research products and analytics within the PET and rPET space. Prior to joining Czarnikow, Gareth led Wood Mackenzie’s PET research service and was Senior Consultant at IHS Markit, working within the petrochemical consulting team. Dr. Lamb graduated from the University of St Andrews with a PhD in organometallic chemistry; and has a masters of Chemistry degree from the University of Liverpool.

PET Raw Material Futures Outlook: Chinese PET Producers Seek Refuge in Shutdowns Amid Low Margins

Recent rally in PTA and MEG Futures falters as polyester productions cuts hit demand.
Facing record low spreads Chinese PET resin producers begin shutdowns.
PET resin producers to face low margin environment in 2024.

Gareth Lamb

6 days ago

3 min read

European PET Market View: European PET Producers Face Prolonged Period of Low Margins

European demand falls in September with no uplift from warmer weather.
PET prices rise but may struggle to clinch further gains as buyers resist.
Import competitiveness increases, European producers face continued low margins.

Gareth Lamb

1 week ago

4 min read

PET Raw Material Futures Outlook: PET Resin Faces Rollercoaster after PX Futures Launch and Crude Surge

Surging crude prices have driven PX and PTA prices to new monthly highs.
Increases in PET export prices fail to keep up with highly volatile upstream costs.
PET resin export margins once again fall to a new all-time low.

Gareth Lamb

2 weeks ago

4 min read

PET Raw Material Futures Outlook: Chinese PET Resin Caught Between New Capacity and Fresh Trade Barriers

Rally in PTA futures eases as crude drops Friday, PTA margins squeezed further.
Polyester operating rates remain strong underpinning demand for raw materials in September.
PET resin export prices keep flat as Mexican tariff increases add sales pressure.

Gareth Lamb

3 weeks ago

4 min read

Plastics and Sustainability Trends August 2023

Interest and investment into bioplastics continue to rebound, particularly in Asia.
PET tray recycling reaching commercial scale, supermarkets move to lightweight films.
Packaging sustainability in East Africa reaching milestone with Kenyan EPR implemented.

Gareth Lamb

3 weeks ago

5 min read

PET Raw Material Futures Outlook: PET Resin Export Margins Fall Negative Amidst Rising Feedstock Costs

Front month PTA futures rose over the last week following crude strength.
Rising inventories at main ports mean front month MEG futures continue to slide.
Despite rising PET resin FOB export prices, margins have become negative.

Gareth Lamb

4 weeks ago

2 min read

PET Raw Material Futures Outlook: PTA Futures Weaken Amidst Crude Drop

Both PTA and MEG futures fell slightly by Friday’s close last week.
PET resin export margins continue to recover, future new capacity to restrain further strength.
Polyester raw material forward curve falls into slight backwardation into H1’24.

Gareth Lamb

1 month ago

3 min read

European PET Market View: European PET Producers Face Worst Market in Decades

European demand shows modest improvement in August as buyers see prices rise.
European PET prices gain upward momentum, bringing some added buyer interest.
For producers facing the worst market in memory, all hopes now pinned on margin recovery.

Gareth Lamb

1 month ago

5 min read

PET Raw Material Futures Outlook: PTA Futures Regain Upward Momentum, Potential Upside to Crude Rally

Latest surge in crude helps PTA regain upward momentum.
Polyester raw material forward curve keeps flat through into H1’24.
PET resin export margins recover slightly, future new capacity set to restrain further upside.

Gareth Lamb

2 months ago

3 min read

PET Raw Material Futures Outlook: Will Approaching Peak Polyester Season Provide Support for PTA and MEG?

PTA futures drop as global commodities ease, producers face margins loss.
Typhoons cause delays and congestion at Chinese ports.
Approaching peak polyester season may provide crucial support for PTA and MEG.

Gareth Lamb

2 months ago

3 min read

PET Resin Trade Flows: Will Declining Chinese PET Export Sales Rebound on New Capacity?

Chinese PET exports continue downward slide in June, H1 total exports still up versus 2022.
The US market grew its share of Korean exports in Q2, with European sales also recovering.
Brazil remained self-sufficient with low trade levels, Malaysian imports grew market share.

Gareth Lamb

2 months ago

5 min read

PET Raw Material Futures Outlook: New Capacity Additions Sink Chinese PET Resin Export Margins

PTA and MEG futures rise on another weekly gain for the crude oil markets.
High polyester operating rates underpinning PTA demand under pressure.
PET resin export margins turn negative as new capacity weighs on market.

Gareth Lamb

2 months ago

3 min read