TL;DR Summary
Packaging prices in 2026 are going up because oil prices are changing, fuel is more expensive and there is pressure on plastic supplies. Since plastics and transport cost more, packaging costs are rising too. The best way to deal with this is to use less material, improve packaging design and work more efficiently to save money and reduce environmental impact.
Packaging costs remain under pressure in 2026, driven by a combination of geopolitical tensions, energy market volatility and ongoing shifts in global supply chains.
While some areas of the market have stabilised in recent years, new risks, particularly around oil supply routes and raw material availability, are creating fresh uncertainty for businesses reliant on packaging.
In this blog we’ll look at what is causing packaging price increases in 2026, covering:
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and oil supply
One of the most significant factors influencing packaging costs right now is instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which around a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Any disruption or perceived risk in this region has a direct impact on:
- Crude oil prices
- Fuel costs
- Petrochemical production
As oil prices rise, so too does the cost of producing plastics and other oil-derived materials, making polymer-based packaging more expensive.
Polymer market volatility
Polymers remain heavily tied to the oil and gas market, meaning fluctuations in energy pricing quickly feed into packaging costs.
Current challenges include:
- Tight supply of key resins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)
- Production constraints linked to feedstock availability
- Increased global competition for recycled polymers
At the same time, demand for recycled content continues to grow due to environmental legislation, driving up prices for high-quality recycled plastics.
Fuel and transportation costs
Fuel price volatility continues to affect every stage of the packaging supply chain, from raw material extraction to final delivery.
Increases in diesel and marine fuel costs are:
- Raising freight and haulage rates
- Increasing the cost of importing raw materials
- Impacting last-mile delivery expenses
Even small fluctuations in fuel prices can have a noticeable effect on overall packaging costs at scale.
Energy-intensive manufacturing pressures
Packaging production, particularly paper, corrugate and plastics, is highly energy intensive.
Although energy markets have stabilised compared to previous peaks, pricing remains sensitive to global supply risks. Manufacturers are still facing:
- Elevated electricity and gas costs
- Ongoing investment in energy efficiency and decarbonisation
- Pressure to maintain output while managing fluctuating input costs
These pressures inevitably feed through into packaging pricing.
Supply chain risk and sourcing strategies
Businesses are increasingly prioritising resilience over cost when it comes to sourcing materials.
This shift includes:
- Diversifying suppliers
- Holding higher levels of stock
- Nearshoring or reshoring production
While these strategies improve security of supply, they can also increase overall costs – particularly where lower-cost global sourcing is reduced.
What this means for packaging costs
In short – ongoing volatility.
Rather than short-term spikes, the market is now characterised by sustained pressure from interconnected global factors. Oil prices, polymer supply and logistics costs are all closely linked, meaning disruption in one area quickly impacts the rest.
How you can mitigate packaging price increases with the support of Macfarlane Packaging
At Macfarlane Packaging, we help businesses reduce both packaging usage and total cost, helping you stay competitive even in challenging market conditions.
Here’s how we can support you:
Packaging review
We analyse your entire packing operation to identify opportunities to:
- Reduce material usage
- Improve efficiency
- Lower transport and storage costs
Stretch wrap audit
With polymer prices under pressure, reducing plastic usage is more important than ever.
Our stretch wrap audit helps you:
- Optimise film usage
- Improve load containment
- Reduce waste and cost
The Packaging Optimiser
Our Packaging Optimiser enables you to:
- Compare different packaging solutions
- Identify cost-saving opportunities
- Measure environmental impact, including CO₂ reduction
Packaging price increases in 2026 are being driven by global energy markets, geopolitical tensions and evolving supply chain strategies.
While these factors may be outside your control, your packaging strategy isn’t. By taking a proactive approach to optimisation, businesses can reduce exposure to rising costs while improving efficiency and sustainability.
Speak to Macfarlane Packaging today to find out how we can help you mitigate packaging price increases through smarter, more efficient packaging solutions.
