Over the past few weeks, the global plastic packaging industry has been facing an unusual situation.
Driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and fluctuations in petrochemical supply chains, prices of key plastic resins such as PET, PP, and PS have been increasing rapidly. In many cases, raw material prices change almost daily.
For manufacturers of thermoforming plastic sheets, this creates significant uncertainty. Production costs become difficult to predict, quotation validity becomes shorter, and risk management becomes more challenging.
As a result, some suppliers in the market have chosen a conservative strategy:
they temporarily stop quoting or accepting new orders until the market stabilizes.
While this approach may reduce risk for suppliers, it often leaves customers facing supply uncertainty.
Industry Data: Resin Prices Are Rising Rapidly
Over the past several months, global plastic resin prices have experienced significant volatility due to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions in petrochemical markets.
According to industry reports from ICIS and Plastics News, several key resins used in thermoforming packaging have seen noticeable price increases since late 2025.
Approximate resin price movement:
| Material | Typical Increase (2025–2026) | Main Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| PET Resin | +15% to +30% | Energy costs, petrochemical supply |
| PP Resin | +12% to +25% | Crude oil fluctuations |
| PS Resin | +10% to +20% | Styrene monomer shortages |
| PVC Resin | +8% to +18% | Production cuts in Asia |
For manufacturers of thermoforming plastic sheets, raw materials account for 60–80% of total production cost, which means even small changes in resin pricing can significantly affect sheet prices.
In some markets, suppliers have shortened quotation validity from 30 days to as little as 3–7 days.
This level of volatility explains why many manufacturers choose to pause quotations during uncertain periods.
Why Some Suppliers Stop Accepting Orders
When resin prices change rapidly, suppliers face several risks:
- Raw material cost may rise after the quotation is issued
- Long production lead times increase financial exposure
- Fixed-price contracts become difficult to honor
To avoid these risks, some suppliers temporarily stop accepting new orders until prices stabilize.
While understandable, this approach can create supply pressure for packaging manufacturers who rely on stable plastic sheet supply.
Our Approach: Continue Supporting Customers
For buyers of thermoforming plastic sheets used in food packaging, retail packaging, or industrial trays, supply stability is often more important than short-term price fluctuations.
Packaging production lines cannot stop simply because resin prices are volatile.
Retail launches, food packaging schedules, and manufacturing timelines still need to move forward.
This is why supply reliability becomes a critical factor during periods of market instability.
At DESU, we have been manufacturing thermoforming plastic sheet rolls for more than 10 years.
During this time, the industry has experienced multiple cycles of price volatility — including resin shortages, logistics disruptions, and sudden demand spikes.
Our experience has taught us an important principle:
In challenging times, reliable supply becomes more valuable than ever.
For this reason, we have made a clear decision:
We continue to quote and accept orders normally.
Why We Continue Accepting Orders
This decision is based on several factors that allow us to maintain operational stability even when the market fluctuates.
Long-term raw material partnerships
We maintain long-term cooperation with major resin suppliers, which helps us secure stable raw material allocation even during tight supply periods.
Flexible production planning
Our manufacturing system allows us to adjust production scheduling quickly when raw material prices change.
Experience in price volatility
After more than a decade in the thermoforming sheet industry, we understand how to manage cost fluctuations while keeping production stable.
Procurement Decision Model for Buyers
When plastic raw material prices are volatile, buyers often face a difficult question:
Should we wait, or should we purchase now?
Based on industry experience, procurement decisions can often be evaluated using three key factors.
· Production Continuity
If your packaging production line depends on thermoforming sheets, supply continuity is usually more important than short-term price fluctuations.
Stopping production due to material shortages often costs far more than moderate price increases.
· Price Trend Direction
In volatile markets, prices may fluctuate weekly, but the overall direction often remains upward during supply shortages.
Delaying purchases in an upward trend can increase procurement costs.
· Supplier Stability
Working with a stable supplier becomes critical during uncertain market conditions.
Suppliers with long-term raw material partnerships and flexible production capacity are more likely to maintain reliable delivery schedules.
Industry Experience: What Happens in Previous Cycles
Looking at previous resin price cycles, two patterns often emerge:
1️⃣ Price volatility usually lasts longer than expected.
2️⃣ Buyers who secure supply early often avoid sudden shortages.
While every market cycle is different, these historical patterns often help guide procurement decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Sheet Prices in 2026
We also understand that buyers may have several concerns during periods of price volatility.
1. Why are plastic sheet prices increasing in 2026?
Plastic sheet prices are closely linked to petrochemical resin prices. When crude oil prices rise or petrochemical production is disrupted, resin costs increase, which directly affects sheet manufacturing costs.
2. Which plastic materials are most affected by resin price fluctuations?
Materials commonly used for thermoforming packaging such as PET, PP, PS, and PVC are all influenced by petrochemical market conditions.
PET sheets are particularly sensitive because PET resin is heavily tied to energy and raw material supply.3. Should buyers delay purchasing?
From an industry perspective, waiting for prices to “return to normal” is often unpredictable.
In many previous cycles, price volatility lasted longer than expected.
For customers with stable production plans, maintaining supply continuity is usually the safer approach.4. Are prices changing frequently?
Yes, resin prices are currently fluctuating rapidly.
For this reason, quotation validity periods may be shorter than usual.
However, we always aim to provide transparent and timely updates so that customers can make informed purchasing decisions.5. Will orders be delayed?
Our priority is to maintain stable delivery schedules.
We continue to run production normally and allocate capacity to confirmed orders.6. How long do resin price fluctuations usually last?
Historically, resin price volatility can last from several weeks to several months depending on supply disruptions and global demand.
7. How can buyers reduce risk during volatile markets?
Buyers often reduce procurement risk by:
Working with reliable suppliers
Planning production schedules early
Maintaining clear communication about material availability
Looking Ahead
At DESU, we believe that long-term partnerships are built during challenging times — not only when the market is stable.
Our goal is not simply to sell plastic sheets, but to provide reliable supply support for our customers’ packaging production.
Many of our clients have worked with us for years precisely because they know that we remain responsive and dependable even when market conditions become uncertain.
If your business requires:
- PET thermoforming sheet rolls
- GAG / APET / PET-G sheet materials
- Food packaging plastic sheet solutions
- Custom thickness and width specifications
Our team will be happy to review your requirements and provide updated quotations based on current material conditions.
Even in a volatile market, clear communication and reliable cooperation remain the foundation of successful partnerships.
The global packaging industry has always adapted to change — and this period will be no different.
While raw material prices may fluctuate, the commitment to quality, reliability, and partnership should remain constant.
At DESU, we will continue doing what we have always done:
supporting our customers with stable production, transparent communication, and dependable supply.
