{"id":116114,"date":"2026-05-13T05:20:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T05:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/?post_type=vimeo-video&p=116114"},"modified":"2026-05-13T07:25:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T05:25:02","slug":"60-price-shock-in-raw-materials-dr-martin-engelmann-ik-interpack-2026","status":"publish","type":"vimeo-video","link":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/vimeo-video\/60-preisschock-bei-rohstoffen-dr-martin-engelmann-ik-interpack-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"60% Commodity price shock: Dr Martin Engelmann, IK | interpack 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The plastic packaging industry is experiencing an unprecedented raw material price shock. Dr. Martin Engelmann, Chief Executive Officer of the IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackung (Industry Association of Plastic Packaging), is warning of the dramatic consequences of the current market distortions at interpack 2026.<\/p>\n

Historic price increase within weeks<\/h3>\n

Since the road closure in Namur in March, polymer prices have exploded worldwide. \u201eWe have never seen such a price shock in the entire plastics processing industry,\u201c explains Engelmann. A recent survey of IK members shows the extent of it: \u201eRaw material prices rose by 60 percent in April compared to February. A 60 percent increase in raw material costs within 4 weeks, that's just hammer.\u201c<\/p>\n

The short-term nature of the development is particularly problematic. While price adjustment clauses only come into effect after three months, companies have to deal with the increased costs immediately. Engelmann expects the disruptions to continue \u201eat least until the end of the year\u201c \u2013 a burden that particularly affects medium-sized packaging manufacturers.<\/p>

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Recycling record despite marketing trends<\/h3>\n

Despite the crisis, there is also good news: With 71 percent of plastic packaging recycled, Germany has reached a new record. \u201eWe remain in the top group,\u201c emphasizes Engelmann. This success is thanks to both manufacturers, who are producing more recyclable packaging, and the dual systems, which have invested in sorting and recycling facilities.<\/p>\n

Engelmann, on the other hand, is highly critical of the marketing-driven trend towards paper-plastic composites: \u201eMarketing departments think: plastic is bad, so now we'll use paper. Then, however, the quality manager says, I need plastic as a barrier coating. Then you end up with some sort of mix. That's not good.\u201c The IK is therefore calling for an eco-modulation of licensing fees, following the example of other EU countries.<\/p>