BPF warns of “rapid disruption” to supply chains through materials shortages

The British Plastics Federation has warned the whole plastics supply chain that plastics processors are currently facing shortages of key materials.

The BPF's Director-General, Philip Law, speaking on behalf of the BPF's large processor community, said that he was receiving an increasing volume of messages indicating that processors are being damaged through not being able to secure the polymer they need.

“There has been a spate of force-majeure declarations,” he said, “reminiscent of 2010.  It certainly appears that some processors, of particularly LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE, are on allocation. This threatens their ability to fulfill contracts. It is important for their customers to recognise that they have genuine difficulties. This is not just a UK issue – it certainly affects France, Germany and Italy.” 

Plastics materials, he added, were essential components of crucial food supply, mobility, healthcare and defence applications. “The prevalence of ‘just in time’ delivery systems means rapid disruption to a supply chain if a plastics processor cannot deliver. Plastics materials are a prized national resource which should be nurtured and fostered.”