BCF Warns Raw Material Price Increases Put Pressure on Paint Manufacturers
COVENTRY, UK — The British Coatings Federation (BCF) announced that sharp price increases for epoxy resins and supply bottlenecks are now adding to the difficulties of paint and coatings manufacturers in the UK and across Europe, and further compounding the already existing pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting disruption. The BC reported that on top of this, some manufacturers are also reporting additional friction being caused by the new trading conditions the UK has with the EU where 60% of the UK industry’s raw materials are sourced.
The BCF reports that epoxy resin prices have risen sharply since the latter part of 2020, while polyester resin prices are also well up. In particular, recent data from the German Paint and Printing Inks Association show significant increases for epoxy resins — an important binding agent for many paints and coatings — of as much as 60% in recent months. UK paint manufacturers are also seeing sharp increases, and some suppliers to the industry are resorting to monthly price increases.