BPF Supply Chain Monitor Result: US-Iran Conflict

Thank you for your participation in the BPF Supply Chain Monitor Snap Survey. Please find a short summary below.

The escalating conflict between the US and Iran has triggered a severe supply chain crisis, disproportionately affecting the UK plastics industry. 

This snap survey, conducted between 25th – 27th March 2026 saw 104 BPF member firms document the acute disruption facing our industry.

Key Statistics:

• Universal Cost Escalation: An overwhelming 98% of businesses have experienced increases in material or operating costs.
• Severe Disruption: 58% of companies reported either "Significant” or "Severe" impact on their operations.
• Worsening Outlook: 68% of respondents expect business conditions to deteriorate over the next 3 months, describing the situation as "worse than COVID" and unprecedented in over 30 years of industry experience.
• Order Cancellations: Over 63% of businesses have seen orders delayed or cancelled.

To view the full survey results, Click Here.

It is imperative that UK government reconsiders ways of ameliorating the situation, by conducting a comprehensive review of energy, fiscal, trade and environmental polices.

1. Relieve the Energy Costs Sustained by Companies in the UK Plastics Industry.
2. Review Impending Regulations with Financial Implications.
3. Ringfence and Reinvest the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) Funds in the UK Recycling Infrastructure.
4. Secure Supply Routes via Diplomatic Intervention.

To read the updated BPF statement (DG, Philip Law), Click Here.

To view the upcoming BPF webinars, Click Here.