The German plastics packaging producers continue to expect very good business in the second quarter of 2018. Although levels were already high in the first quarter, 40 percent of companies questioned continue to see increasing turnovers. Exports are also gaining momentum. Almost a quarter of all companies are expecting turnover growth in the next three months. Good economic growth in the EU countries have particularly contributed to this situation. However, almost half of all companies are forecasting higher raw material prices for the second quarter.
Recycling moves into focus among customers
The IK survey also revealed that the topic of recycling was becoming increasingly important for customers. This particularly concerns the use of recycled material in packaging. Customers are also now more interested in the use of plastics from renewable resources. In contrast, the topics of marine litter and the EU plastics strategy only play a minor role for customers. According to IK General Manager, Ulf Kelterborn, the use of recycled material in packaging could be promoted more strongly, especially in the non-food area: “Despite the public commitment of many customer industries to use more recycled material in plastic packaging, is has only been implemented in a few cases. However, a clear increase in the use of recyclates would be most welcome, also against the background of the environmental policy targets of the EU Plastics Strategy.”
