Prices for primary flexible-packaging materials in Europe showed a mixed development in Q3 2024, influenced by fluctuations in the availability of raw materials, logistics and international markets, says the regular report via trade group Flexible Packaging Europe. The latest price index data (based on Q4/2020 = 100%) illustrates the dynamic changes in the individual substrates (see bar graph above).

In Q3 2024, the price of 60-gsm C1S paper rose further to 150% compared to the base price, which corresponds to a significant increase compared to the previous quarters (Q1: 130%, Q2: 140%). Prices for aluminum foil (7-micron) showed a stable development at a high level (161% in Q3), following a high of 164% in Q2. In contrast, prices for 12-micron PET film continued to rise, reaching 148% in Q3

A similar trend was observed for 15-micron BOPA film, the price of which fell slightly from a high of 133% in Q2 to 131% in Q3. BOPP film (20-micron) also fell from 127% to 123%. Prices for HDPE and LDPE showed a stable to slightly declining trend. While HDPE fell from 144% in Q2 to 137% in Q3, the price of LDPE remained almost stable at 155% (after 156% in Q2).

Santiago Castro from data source Wood Mackenzie commented on the figures: “Prices paid in Europe for flexible-packaging materials varied in Q3 2024, driven by price fluctuations in raw materials, logistics and offshore markets. BOPP, BOPA, and aluminum foil experienced slight price reductions due to declines in raw materials. BOPET prices increased due to higher freight costs, while paper prices experienced rises due to higher pulp costs, which have been attributed to stronger demand.

“Flexible-packaging demand continued to increase in Q3. The increase was mainly organic but partly due to some restocking. However, stocks continue to be low across most converters. Prices are expected to remain stable for most substrates during Q4, besides paper, which is expected to see further increases.”