Pressure mounts on PVC and glass prices
17th July 2018

Manufacturers are coming under increased pressure as one major glass producer announced a significant price rise at the same time as PVC prices reached a record high.

Pilkington has warned customers of the increase in float glass from August 1 but historically most or all of the other major names may have announcements of their own very soon.

The increase comes amid talk of shortages of the material in some quarters, leading at least one supplier, Epwin Glass to put out a statement reassuring customers of no such problem with existing stocks of over 550 tonnes in 145 types.

On the PVC front, the material last month reached a record £1,1960/tonne and is still continuing a gradual upward creep since the price broke the £1,000 barrier 26 months ago.

Extruders agree this puts considerable pressure on their margins as the raw material makes up such a big share of their costs and inevitably some are already beginning to pass on increases.

Some system suppliers told The Glazine today that the weak pound is having the obvious effect – on glass as well as PVC – but it is not the only factor and some warned that raw material suppliers should not take advantage and use the situation to ease their own margins.