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The Moment Recycled Plastic Becomes the Cheaper Choice

$SMXPress releaseMay 9, 2026, 7:00 AM ETRead the release

SMX (Security Matters) Public Limited highlights a significant shift in the economics of plastic production, where recycled plastic is becoming cheaper than virgin plastic due to rising energy costs and regulatory pressures. Under realistic scenarios, the cost of virgin plastic could rise to $1,840 per ton, while recycled plastic could drop to $1,430 per ton, making recycled plastic approximately 20-25% cheaper. Traceability and verification technologies, such as molecular tagging and digital product passports, are key to reducing the uncertainty and inefficiency that have historically made recycled plastic more expensive.

Key figures

Virgin plastic cost
$950-$1,100 per ton
Recycled plastic cost
$1,200-$1,400 per ton
Cost inversion virgin plastic
$1,840 per ton
Cost inversion recycled plastic
$1,430 per ton

AI analysis

The rest of the AI analysis, red flags and sentiment are part of Signal8 Pro.

AI-generated analysis of a public disclosure. Not investment advice; verify against the original document.

    SMX: The Moment Recycled Plastic Becomes the Cheaper Choice — AI Analysis | Signal8