Material Costs & Supply Chain Pressure: What’s Next for Packaging Suppliers?

The global packaging industry is facing mounting pressure from rising material costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions. According to McKinsey & Company and industry sources, 83% of U.S. packaging stakeholders expect costs to rise in 2025, driven by inflation, energy price fluctuations, and geopolitical uncertainty. The Global Supply Chain Pressure Index published by Federal Reserve Bank of New York also remains at historically elevated levels, signaling persistent volatility in logistics and raw material flows.

At the same time, the corrugated packaging sector saw a -2.1% decline in shipment volumes in Q1 2025 (Fastmarkets), highlighting the dual challenge of softening demand and rising input costs. Resin, paperboard, and other key raw materials are increasingly subject to price swings, making cost management and supply reliability a strategic priority for brands and their suppliers.

For packaging producers, this environment requires greater flexibility and resilience. At Richer, we support our clients by:

• Offering multiple material options (HDPE, LDPE, paper, and hybrid solutions) to help balance cost and performance.

• Strengthening supply chain agility with diversified sourcing and flexible production capacity.

• Providing cost-transparency and locking strategies to reduce exposure to price spikes.

• Ensuring compliance and quality through verified material certifications and clear documentation.

While cost pressure is expected to persist throughout 2025, strategic collaboration between buyers and suppliers can help reduce uncertainty. For global brands, working with a reliable, flexible packaging partner is no longer optional — it’s a competitive necessity.

Contact our team to discuss cost-efficient, scalable packaging solutions tailored to your supply chain needs.