September has seen a generally soft tone across packaging films, with demand improving only modestly after the summer period.
Overall pricing remains broadly stable, although some grades may see selective firmness where feedstock, freight or availability pressures apply.
Geopolitical risk and logistics uncertainty continue to influence sentiment, but the market remains well supplied and buyers are still cautious. In most cases, weak downstream demand is limiting the ability of producers to push through increases.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East are a cause for concern though prices seen in March and April are not likely to return. Buyers are concerned, but not panicking.
Ian Chisanll
Product Manager ‑ Polyolefins
No Data Found
No Data Found
Topic
Item
Date
Change
Trend
GDP
Real GDP (Q on Q)
Q1 2026
£709,598
PMI
UK Manufacturing PMI
August
51.7%
UK Output
Manufacturing Index
Q2 2026
101.1%
Sales
Retail Sales (Y on Y)
Jul 26
110.6%
Labour
Unemployment Rate
May 26 – July 26
4.9%
Prices
CPI (Y on Y)
July
2.7%
Prices
RPI (Y on Y)
July
3.2%
Interest Rates
Bank of England Base Rate
July
3.75%
PET film pricing is broadly stable to slightly firmer for September. Demand remains subdued overall, but some stabilisation is apparent as European PET markets move away from the seasonal low point. Supply remains adequate, with import availability still influencing the balance in some areas
BOPP and CPP film prices remain mixed for September, with rollover to slight reductions most common where demand is weak and supply is ample. The September propylene contract showed a small decrease, which has reduced immediate cost pressure versus August; however, producers remain cautious given ongoing volatility in energy, freight and feedstock markets. Buyers linked to contract mechanisms may see limited movement, while spot-related business is likely to remain competitive
No Data Found
rPET is broadly stable to slightly softer, with demand still cautious despite continuing regulatory focus on recycled content and the wider impact of PPWR in Europe. The spread between virgin PET and rPET remains an important factor for converters and brand owners when assessing recycled-content commitments.
Films based on sustainable feedstocks, including Bio and Bio Circular grades, remain broadly flat and continue to trade at a standard premium over fossil-based grades. Interest remains present but purchasing decisions are still being shaped by cost sensitivity and the pace of customer adoption
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