Plastic packaging costs are rising sharply across global supply chains as the Iran-related conflict continues to disrupt shipping routes and energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a critical pressure point for the packaging industry.
The Middle East is a major exporter of petrochemicals used in plastics production, and ongoing instability has triggered a supply shock affecting polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), logistics costs and metal packaging materials.
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Industry participants report that the combined impact of higher feedstock prices and transport disruption is feeding directly into packaging inflation, particularly for food, beverage and personal care sectors that rely heavily on flexible and rigid plastic formats.
Resin prices surge
Polyethylene and polypropylene prices have climbed to roughly four-year highs, driven by constrained supply and higher energy costs. Market reports indicate increases of more than 30% since late February 2026, marking one of the steepest short-term rises in recent years for core packaging polymers.
These materials are widely used in films, bottles, caps and containers. As a result, converters and brand owners are facing immediate cost pressure across supply contracts.
A packaging procurement manager quoted in industry reporting noted that “availability is becoming as challenging as price”, reflecting tightening supply conditions in several export-dependent regions.
The price movement is also linked to broader petrochemical market instability, with reduced output expectations from Gulf producers and uncertainty around future shipments.
Shipping disruption
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point for maritime risk, with reports of disrupted or rerouted tanker and container traffic. Carriers operating in the region have adjusted routes, leading to longer transit times and higher operational costs.
Freight rates on affected corridors have risen significantly, supported by increased “war risk” insurance premiums applied to vessels crossing high-risk zones. These additional charges are being passed along the supply chain, raising landed costs for packaging raw materials and finished goods.
Port congestion and schedule instability in linked routes, including the Red Sea corridor, have added further pressure. For packaging buyers, this has translated into less predictable lead times and reduced flexibility in sourcing contracts.
Substitution and shortages
Rising plastic input costs are accelerating interest in alternative packaging formats, particularly paper-based and fibre-based solutions. Industry analysis from packaging trade sources and Reuters reporting indicates some manufacturers are testing substitution strategies to manage cost volatility and sustainability commitments simultaneously.
However, substitution is not uniform. Technical requirements for barrier protection, shelf life and transport durability still limit the pace of change in many categories, especially for food and beverage packaging.
Metal packaging is also under pressure. Aluminium prices have risen sharply due to disrupted supply flows from Gulf-linked production and trading routes, creating cost inflation in cans and rigid containers.
At the same time, some producers have issued force majeure declarations, signalling inability to meet contractual obligations due to disrupted supply chains. This has increased uncertainty for converters, who depend on stable upstream deliveries to maintain production schedules.
Looking ahead, industry participants expect elevated volatility to persist.
Many manufacturers are planning for sustained high packaging costs through at least the second half of 2026, with pricing and availability closely tied to geopolitical developments and maritime security conditions in the region.
