PureCycle (PCT) Surges 9.85% on APR Certification Breakthrough: Is This the Catalyst for a New Bull Run?

Summary
• PureCycle Technologies (PCT) rockets 9.85% to $14.94, hitting an intraday high of $15.14
• APR PCR Certification validates HPP15-100 resin’s post-consumer origins, a critical win for commercialization
• Technicals show bullish momentum with RSI at 55.7 and MACD flipping positive

Today’s explosive move in PureCycle’s shares is fueled by a landmark certification from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), which validates the company’s core resin product as post-consumer material. This development, coupled with a short-term bullish technical setup, has traders scrambling to position for a potential breakout. With the stock trading near its 52-week high of $17.37, the question is whether this is a sustainable inflection point or a volatile correction.

APR Certification Validates Recycled Resin Credibility
PureCycle’s 9.85% surge is directly tied to its achievement of the APR PCR Certification for its HPP15-100 resin grade. This third-party validation, conducted by ISO-accredited bodies, confirms the resin is manufactured from post-consumer sources—a critical differentiator in an industry plagued by greenwashing. The certification not only bolsters PureCycle’s credibility but also aligns with growing market demand for verifiable recycled content. CEO Dustin Olson emphasized the certification’s role in accelerating commercialization, as customers increasingly demand transparency in sustainability claims. The news removes a key barrier to adoption, particularly for brands seeking to meet regulatory and ESG targets.

Pollution & Treatment Controls Sector Lags as PCT Soars
While PureCycle’s shares surged, the broader Pollution & Treatment Controls sector remained subdued, with Waste Management (WM), the sector leader, up just 0.28%. PCT’s outperformance highlights its unique positioning in the circular economy narrative, where third-party certifications are becoming non-negotiable for commercial success. Unlike traditional waste management firms, PureCycle’s dissolution technology addresses a niche but high-growth segment—recycling polypropylene (5 plastic)—which has historically been difficult to process. This technological edge, combined with APR’s endorsement, positions PCT as a bellwether for innovation in the sector.

Options Playbook: Capitalizing on PCT’s Bullish Momentum
• 200-day MA: $10.54 (well below current price)
• RSI: 55.7 (neutral to bullish)
• MACD: -0.268 (crossing into positive territory)
• Bollinger Bands: Price at $14.94, above the 12.98 midline

PureCycle’s technicals suggest a continuation of its bullish trend, with key support at $13.25 and resistance at $15.14. The stock’s 9.85% intraday gain has triggered a surge in options activity, particularly in the September 5th expiration cycle. Two contracts stand out for their balance of leverage and liquidity:

• PCT20250905C14 (Call, $14 strike, 9/5 expiration):
- IV: 68.87% (moderate)
- Delta: 0.729 (high sensitivity to price moves)
- Theta: -0.069 (rapid time decay)
- Gamma: 0.195 (strong sensitivity to gamma)
- Turnover: 18,610 (high liquidity)
- Leverage Ratio: 12.31%
- Payoff at 5% upside ($15.69): $1.69 per contract
- This call offers aggressive exposure to a potential breakout above $15.14, with high liquidity ensuring smooth entry/exit.

• PCT20250905C14.5 (Call, $14.5 strike, 9/5 expiration):
- IV: 81.20% (high)
- Delta: 0.609 (moderate sensitivity)
- Theta: -0.073 (rapid decay)
- Gamma: 0.192 (strong gamma)
- Turnover: 13,661 (high liquidity)
- Leverage Ratio: 14.75%
- Payoff at 5% upside ($15.69): $1.19 per contract
- This strike balances leverage and risk, ideal for traders expecting a consolidation above $14.50 before a new leg higher.

Aggressive bulls should consider PCT20250905C14 into a test of $15.14, while those seeking a safer entry might target PCT20250905C14.5 on a pullback to $14.50.

Backtest PureCycle Stock Performance
PureCycle Technologies is poised to become a leading player in the polypropylene recycling industry, as evidenced by recent developments and strategic initiatives:1. Industry Leadership Potential: Northland analyst Jeff Grampp has initiated coverage of PureCycle with an Outperform rating and a $16 price target, indicating confidence in the company's growth potential. The company's expansion plans and operational progress at its first facility suggest a strong position to capitalize on the polypropylene recycling market.2. Technological Advantages: PureCycle's patented purification recycling technology, originally developed by Procter & Gamble, allows for the restoration of waste polypropylene into resin with near-virgin characteristics, known as ultra-pure recycled (UPR) resin. This process ensures that the recycled plastic maintains its quality and purity, positioning PureCycle as a technology leader in the industry.3. Certifications and Market Acceptance: PureCycle has received the Association of Plastic Recyclers’ Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) Certification, which is a significant achievement as it demonstrates compliance with rigorous industry standards. This certification, coupled with the company's partnerships and the adoption of its PureFive™ resin by the Cleveland Browns, highlights market acceptance and confidence in PureCycle's products.4. Financial Performance and Challenges: Despite its promising position, PureCycle recently reported a significant miss in earnings and revenue for Q2 2025, which could be indicative of operational challenges or market-specific hurdles. The company's stock also experienced a decline following the earnings release, reflecting investor concerns about its financial performance.5. Strategic Growth Plans: PureCycle's strategic initiatives, including plans to expand its recycling capacity and enter new markets, such as Thailand and Belgium, demonstrate its commitment to growth and its ability to execute on its vision. The company's focus on completing funding and constructing new facilities is critical to its ability to scale and meet market demands.In conclusion, PureCycle Technologies is well-positioned to become a leading player in the polypropylene recycling industry due to its technological advancements, certifications, and strategic growth plans. However, it must navigate operational challenges and market-specific hurdles to fully realize its potential.

Act Now: PCT’s APR Certification Could Fuel a Multi-Week Rally
PureCycle’s APR certification is a catalyst with long-term implications, but the immediate technical setup favors continuation. With RSI neutral and MACD turning positive, the stock is primed to test its 52-week high of $17.37. Key levels to watch include $15.14 (intraday high) and $14.50 (psychological support). The sector leader, Waste Management (WM), remains flat, underscoring PCT’s unique momentum. Traders should prioritize the PCT20250905C14 call for maximum leverage, while hedging with a stop below $13.51. If $15.14 breaks, this could mark the start of a multi-week rally driven by renewed commercial interest in PCR-certified materials.