Printed flexible packaging films supplier TCL Packaging has stated that the cost to packaging buyers of treated and printed lidding films is as much as 20% higher than it ought to be.
Mike Golding, managing director of the Telford, UK-based company, says: “The price being charged for PET lidding films with added heat seal or anti-mist coatings, micro-perforations and specialist print seems to be artificially high at the moment, bearing little relationship to the price of the raw material.”
The company’s claim comes at a time when the films in question are in high demand, particularly for the UK soft fruit season.
“Although additional treatments require specialist expertise and equipment, the additional cost being charged by some suppliers seems unrealistic to us.”
TCL puts recent ‘dramatic’ growth in lidding film sales down to: “A combination of high demand and uncompetitive market pricing.”
Golding adds: “There is also a strong growth in printed lidding films as manufacturers, converters and growers look to save cost by removing an extra labelling process.”
Established in 1999, TCL Packaging supplies quality printed packaging films to converters and food manufacturers for use on many leading consumer brands and retail supermarket products.
Mike Golding became the company’s majority shareholder in 2012 following a management buyout.
