Global plastic prices have risen nearly 40% since February following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have reduced the supply of petrochemical feedstocks. In response to the supply tightening, several Asian petrochemical producers have declared force majeure and stopped plastic production. This market volatility has led to price increases for consumer goods, as approximately 40% of all plastic is used for single-use packaging.
In the European Union, 138 corporations recently requested that the European Commission postpone and weaken the enforcement of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which is scheduled to take effect in August. The companies stated in a letter that transitioning to reusable systems requires billions in investment and infrastructure changes without guaranteed environmental benefits. They also cited a lack of legal clarity regarding exemptions as a barrier to investment.
Advocates for circular economies, such as the Global Alliance to Advance Reuse (PR3), argue that reusable systems provide a hedge against geopolitical instability and volatile commodity imports. PR3 has developed international standards for sanitization and digital traceability to support the industry. While some multinational brands have focused on increasing recycled content, data from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation indicates that the overall share of reusable packaging in the private sector has remained largely unchanged between 2023 and 2025.