Mixed developments of raw material prices for flexible packaging in the third quarter of 2026
European prices for raw materials used in the manufacture of flexible packaging showed mixed developments in the third quarter of 2026. Following the sharp increases in the previous quarter, prices for BOPP, HDPE and LDPE declined significantly. Aluminium foil prices also fell, while paper and BOPA prices rose slightly and energy prices increased significantly. Prices for all materials monitored remained above their levels in the same quarter of the previous year.
Flexible packaging materials: Geopolitical tensions drive significant raw material price increases in the second quarter of 2026
Markets for flexible packaging materials recorded substantial price increases during the second quarter of 2026. According to the FPE Raw Material Price Index, quarterly minimum prices rose significantly across all substrates compared with the previous quarter.
Rising raw material costs and geopolitical tensions impact the markets for flexible packaging materials
Prices for flexible packaging materials increased almost across the board in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the previous quarter.
Flexible packaging materials: Price adjustments continue in the fourth quarter of 2025
The markets for flexible packaging materials recorded further price adjustments in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Flexible packaging materials: minor price declines in Q3 of 2025
The markets for flexible packaging materials recorded some minor price decreases across the substrates in the third quarter of 2025. Aluminium foil (7 micron) showed particularly pronounced reductions, alongside BOPA, BOPP and BOPET films. While one-side coated paper (60 g/m²) remained stable, HDPE and LDPE continued the weaker trends seen during the first half of the year.
Flexible Packaging Materials: Price Trends Remain Volatile in Q2 2025
While prices for one-side coated paper (60 g/m²) increased by 2% compared to Q1 2025, confirming the upward trend, other materials experienced slight price declines: aluminium foil (7 micron) fell by 4%, BOPA film (15 micron) by 1%, and PET film (12 micron) by 2% compared to the previous quarter.