How are the prices of plastics changing?
The European Plastics Converters Association said in December that the price of plastic products will rise in the coming months. This is clearly due to the general increase in raw material prices caused by high oil prices and a shortage of raw materials in Europe. Compared to the beginning of 2004, for example, PP prices were on average 50% higher at the end of 2007 and PS prices doubled. Another forecast is that by the end of the first quarter of 2008, the price of polyethylene, and in particular PE-LD, is expected to increase by EUR 100-150. PP prices will increase more slowly and PVC prices will remain almost stagnant due to subdued orders. The price of PS increased by €30 per tonne in December, but this was compounded by an extra €10-20 for high quality granules.
