Impact of oil prices on plastic packaging: unusual implications
In a fascinating business feature, reporter Stephanie Clifford delves into the impact of soaring petroleum prices on the packaging industry, and how it's reshaping the way we consume goods.
The article begins with a nod to the various gadgets marketed to defeat the clamshell packaging, a ubiquitous thorn in consumers' sides. But it's not just about convenience; high oil prices are driving up the cost of plastic, forcing consumer goods makers to seek alternatives.
Across industries, from retail to commercial food service, food inflation is a growing concern. Chefs are adjusting menus to feature cheaper input costs, while bacon prices have increased significantly, leading to reduced usage in restaurants. Even the humble hotel towel might become a luxury, as the cost of cotton soars.
Industry sites like Packaging Digest and IDS Packaging offer a broad view of the packaging industry's struggles. The auto industry is not immune either; an auto industry consultant is advising clients on cost-effective packaging for headlamp shipment.
The quickie-lube manager's explanation of a $26 oil change increasing to $37 can serve as an angle for discussing petroleum prices. It's a global issue, and German companies, including those in packaging and manufacturing sectors, have sought more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions in recent years. They've focused on reducing plastic use, employing reusable containers, and developing environmentally friendly packaging technologies.
The article, published in The New York Times, uses examples from retailers, packaging firms, and experts to explain the situation. It serves as a consumer piece, an economic indicator story, a packaging-technology explainer, and a green-business piece, making the complex business and economy story more engaging with its tongue-in-cheek tone.
In the end, the focused approach of the article results in a meaty and highly readable business feature that illustrates a global issue by focusing on a specific, relatable consequence: easier-to-open packaging due to high oil prices.
