Following two years of steady decline in the European price of 12 micron bi-oriented polyester (BOPET) film, the trend looks to have finally stabilised. According to PCI Films Consulting, BOPET film prices have remained unchanged for three months running.
While some modest reductions in price are likely for Q3, 2013, future price movements in either direction are not expected to be significant due to: already squeezed film producer margins; excess film extrusion capacity; and stable raw material costs.
PCI managing director Simon King says: "European producers of 12 micron BOPET films will be glad to see prices finally stabilise but they still face strong competition from Turkish, Middle Eastern and Asian producers. European buyers of BOPET film now source the majority of their commodity films from lower cost suppliers outside of Europe, so if the European industry is to survive, successful strategies to develop and supply added-value products will be critical."
