KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 β Malaysia is experiencing significant disruptions in its plastic packaging supply chain due to a shortage of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin, a key material for bottles and containers. Industry sources report that prices for the material have increased sharply, with some estimates citing rises of up to 40 per cent compared to earlier levels.
The shortage is attributed to a combination of factors, including reduced production capacity at major regional plants and heightened global demand. This has created a tight market for PET resin, forcing local converters and packaging manufacturers to pay premium prices or face supply constraints.
The impact is being felt downstream by food, beverage, and consumer goods companies, which rely on PET packaging. Some retailers are reportedly beginning to see sporadic availability issues for certain products as manufacturers grapple with higher input costs and logistical challenges in securing sufficient materials.
Industry associations are monitoring the situation, noting that the price volatility and supply tightness could persist in the near term, potentially leading to increased costs for end consumers if the situation does not stabilize.
