Manufacturers of plastics consumer goods are suffering from higher plastics materials prices, according to their FKVV trade association

Plastic consumer goods manufacturers in Germany have been faced with material price increases of between 17% for polypropylene and 52% for polystyrene in the year up to September the FKVV trade association states.

Between these extremes, PVC increased by 47% and polyethylene by 34%. The association is concerned that the increases will force German plastics processors to increase the prices they charge for items such as household, garden, office and storage system goods.

But the materials prices are not the sole cause for concern. FVKK says that the level of price increases for plastics consumer goods in 2005 will additionally be affected by increased electricity costs, higher oil prices and the introduction of the long delayed toll for lorries on German motorways that has been re-scheduled to start from 1 January.