In view of the latest developments in crude oil prices, the GKV sees no scope for drastic price increases by plastics manufacturers for new goods. The association points out that existing contracts must be adhered to and that the requirements for “force majeure” are narrowly defined by law.
“Raw material prices must not be artificially pushed up when the market indicators are already pointing in the opposite direction,” explains Dr. Oliver Möllenstädt, Managing Director of GKV. European manufacturers of primary plastics have already been producing well below their production capacity over the past two years. In view of the foreseeable developments in the Middle East, it is incomprehensible why some plastics producers have apparently not taken sufficient precautions to service existing supply contracts.
The GKV also warns against justifying price increases with alleged “force majeure”. In the cases known to date, the legal requirements for force majeure have not been met. Processors are advised to carefully check such notifications from their suppliers and reject them if necessary. “We will not accept any concerted behavior on the part of raw material producers. If such suspicions are confirmed, we will call in the antitrust authorities without hesitation,” Möllenstädt continues. Processors can also switch to recycled plastics in many application areas – according to several recyclers, the supply situation is stable. Bottlenecks are currently not to be expected.
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