Force Majeure: Availability and prices of packaging and plastic products

Ladies and Gentlemen

In recent days, the momentum on the raw material and procurement markets has increased significantly. We are currently seeing price increases across the board, particularly for film products and packaging solutions based on polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Price increases of 40% and more are being implemented in individual product groups.

At the same time, price validity periods have become even shorter and in some cases are only confirmed on a daily basis. We are also increasingly seeing that suppliers are no longer guaranteeing binding quantities or are placing reservations on or reducing volumes that have already been promised.

Further price adjustments have also been announced for paper products and corrugated cardboard. In addition, wooden pallets are now also affected by price increases, particularly as a result of higher transportation and energy costs. At the same time, higher fuel prices are leading to further increases in transportation costs along the entire supply chain.

These developments reflect a significant increase in tension in the international raw materials, energy and logistics markets. In some cases, prices and delivery conditions are also being adjusted retrospectively.

For you, this means that prices, availability and delivery times can currently change at very short notice and sometimes considerably. In individual cases, orders that have already been confirmed may also be affected if corresponding adjustments are made by our suppliers.

We are in close contact with our suppliers and are constantly reviewing alternative procurement sources in order to minimize the impact on our customers.

We ask for your understanding that under the current circumstances we can only confirm offers and prices with very limited validity and must expressly reserve the right to make adjustments to prices, availability, delivery dates and delivery quantities. This situation is to be classified as an exceptional market disruption and a case of force majeure.

For critical products, we strongly recommend planning requirements at an early stage and coordinating with us in good time.

Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have at any time.

We thank you for your understanding and trust and will keep you informed of further developments.