JPN Al Can Recycler Raises UBC Purchasing Price

Japanese major aluminium can recycler raised the UBC (used beverage can) purchasing price by 5-10 yen per kilogram for the shipment during 16-31 August. The price became as high as secondary aluminium alloy makers’ UBC procurement price.The aluminium can recycler decreased the purchasing price by total 10-15 yen/kg during June-July when UBC supply was surplus against the demand. Meanwhile secondary aluminium alloy makers decreased the UBC procurement price only by 5 yen/kg.The purchasing price was higher by about 10 yen/kg than the can recycler. Aluminium scrap dealers seemed to decrease UBC shipment widely to the can recycler in and after mid July due to the lower purchasing price.Alloy makers’ UBC purchasing price is currently around 200-205 yen/kg without freight at dealers’ site. Aluminium scrap market price may weaken when overseas primary aluminium market declined during Japanese summer holiday week in mid August. However, an alloy maker source said UBC price could keep the present level since the major aluminium can recycler raised the purchasing price.UBC generation seems gradually increasing thanks to the hot summer. Japanese major 5 beer makers announced their alcohol beverage shipment increased by 9.6% in July from a year earlier. The shipment increase would contribute to the UBC generation volume. UBC supply will become much easier.