The flexible packaging industry continues to feel the effects of global supply chain disruptions. From BOPP and PET to specialty lidding and thermoforming films, manufacturers, converters, and end users alike are navigating delays, cost pressures, and sourcing uncertainty. What’s behind the current turbulence—and how can companies in the packaging film space stay resilient?
Key Drivers of Supply Chain Disruption in Flexible Packaging
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Geopolitical Tensions & Trade Policy Shifts
Ongoing geopolitical conflicts and shifting trade agreements have introduced tariffs and export restrictions, particularly on raw materials like polypropylene resin. For BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) films, which rely on consistent resin supply and stable pricing, even slight changes can cause major ripple effects downstream.
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Resin Volatility & Raw Material Constraints
The resin markets remain volatile, driven by global demand, refinery shutdowns, and logistics challenges. Prices for polypropylene, polyethylene, and PET resin are shifting unpredictably.
Ultimately making cost forecasting difficult for converters and end-user packaging buyers. This affects both commodity films and high-barrier engineered structures like EVOH thermoforming films.
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Freight & Logistics Bottlenecks
Shipping delays continue to strain the availability of imported flexible packaging film and materials. Port congestion, a shortage of containers, and higher fuel costs are pushing lead times longer and increasing landed costs. As a result, buyers are shifting to North American sources when possible. Consequently, absorbing higher domestic prices.
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Labor Shortages & Production Constraints
Skilled labor shortages in film extrusion, slitting, and converting facilities have led to slower production and tighter capacity. Hence, plants struggle to keep up with demand, lead times for custom jobs or specialty films have increased significantly.
Value-Added Distributors Respond
To support today’s customer demand, PennPac continues to provide the same service level that we began 30 years ago. It’s simple – Customer Service is the #1 Priority!
- Stateside Inventory: Keeping common films stocked domestically helps mitigate freight delays and keep customer lines running.
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- PennPac maintains 5+ million pounds of film in two state-of-the-art facilities.
- From converter webs ready to ship same-day, to custom slit orders, we do it all!
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- Flexible Film Substitution: With a massive inventory, PennPac can recommend alternate materials or gauges that meet performance specs while improving availability and reducing cost.
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- With 14 slitters ranging in web width’s up to 92”, we can deliver alternative solutions within days.
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- Technical Support: PennPac works closely with customers to optimize film usage, reduce waste, and maximize machine throughput to offset rising material prices.
- Forecast Collaboration: Encouraging customers to share longer-range forecasts so inventory and production planning can stay ahead of the curve.
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- This helps reduce downtime, as well as costs. Furthermore, allowing PennPac to have your film waiting for immediate release.
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Looking Ahead
While the current environment presents real challenges, it also reinforces the value of strategic domestic supply partnerships. Furthermore, Value added distributors, like PennPac, communicate frequently and plan proactively. For this reason, our skilled staff works around the clock to ensure our valued customers will be best positioned to weather the storm.
Whenever changes hit the market—like the latest round of tariffs—it offers a valuable moment to pause and review your supply chain. Uncertainty often reveals inefficiencies or exposure points that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s the perfect time to ask key questions:
- Are we using the right materials for our application?
- Are we tying up too much capital in large raw material purchases?
- If we could source raw materials quicker, could we deliver more value to our customers?
- Are there vendor partners out there who are more customer-centric and aligned with our goals?
At PennPac, we work with businesses on a customer-centric approach to their supply of flexible packaging films.
For flexible packaging films like BOPP, adaptability is everything. Whether you’re sourcing printed roll stock, lidding film, or barrier laminations, having a resilient supply chain partner can mean the difference between missed deadlines and on-time delivery.
Let’s connect. If you’re in the food packaging space, we’d love to see how we can add value to your supply chain. Experience the difference with PennPac!
