In June it has been announced that the price of cardboard will rise yet again by at least 6%. This latest price increase of raw materials, chemical and energy costs will affect all graphics and packaging products and companies worldwide.

 Hopefully the price increases will not be passed along to the consumer, but packaging manufacturers who use cardboard packaging and other materials are going to be really feeling the squeeze from the price hike.

In other news from the packaging industry; Greenpeace says that Barbie boxes are destroying rainforests! According to the environmental activist charity, Barbie doll paper packaging, made from wood from virgin rainforests, is contributing to the destruction of Indonesian forests and habitats of endangered species like Sumatran tigers.

Greenpeace is currently launching a campaign to stop Mattel, who make the iconic doll, from using wood from Indonesian rainforests and look for a more sustainable packaging option. However the dispute is not all black and white, as according to The Times newspaper, Mattel has not confirmed or denied that it uses paper from timber product company Asia Pulp and Paper, who are blamed for the rainforest destruction. A spokesman said: “We will continue to assess our paper sourcing and packaging improvements as we move forward.”

If you need some bespoke packaging for your company get in touch with the experts at Wessex Packaging today on (01722) 412333.