The members of Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE) are currently concerned about the latest developments on the polymer markets in Europe.
Within a very short space of time, flexible packaging manufacturers have been confronted with an increased number of 'force majeure' or 'maintenance' announcements from the leading polymer manufacturers in Europe, which have led to sudden and significant changes in the production process. Bottlenecks together with price increases in the supply chain.
Processors could face difficulties in supplying finished products to fulfil their customers' order requirements, in particular in the food and beverage sector.
FPE fears delivery difficulties
Especially in times when canteens and restaurants are mostly closed and more people are working from home, European consumers are dependent on a safe and stable supply of food and beverages, according to an FPE statement. Almost half of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) excluding beverages in the European Union are marketed in flexible packaging.
Both small and medium-sized manufacturers and multinational flexible packaging companies are currently suffering from the insufficient supply of raw materials.
[infotext icon]Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE) comprises more than 80 small and medium-sized companies as well as the most important European manufacturers of flexible packaging. The Member companies cover more than 85 per cent of European sales of flexible packaging. In addition, six national associations for flexible packaging belong to the European umbrella organisation[/infotext]."We are concerned about this situation. The reduction of production capacities with different justifications and arguments in such a short period of time seems to be either the test or the exploitation of market power." Guido Aufdemkampthe Managing Director of FPE
Source: Flexible Packaging Europe
