Plastic Prices Surge, Eco-Friendly Businesses Reap the Benefits

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEOUL — The surge in plastic prices due to geopolitical conflicts is beginning to reshape the global industry. Amid supply crises, sustainability-based businesses are enjoying a surge in demand.

Disruptions in the distribution of oil and petrochemicals caused by the conflict between the United States and Iran have driven plastic prices to their highest level in the past four years.

This situation is prompting companies to seek alternative packaging. South Korean eco-friendly cosmetic packaging producer Yonwoo has recorded a threefold surge in demand for paper-based packaging.

“Initially, interest in (paper-based packaging) came from companies focused on sustainability, but if the plastic issues persist, we expect demand to continue rising,” said Senior Manager of Kolmar Korea, Kim Min-sang, on Wednesday (15/4/2026).

Yonwoo supplies packaging to several major companies, including L’Oreal. These paper-based products use only about 20 percent of the plastic compared to conventional packaging.

On the other hand, Asia, the world’s largest plastic user, is beginning to experience a shift. The region consumes around a third of the global plastic, a sharp increase since 1990.

However, pressure is also being felt by businesses. Retailers in Japan are starting to anticipate shortages of plastic materials, including trays and bags.

“Now we are discussing how to sell our products if there are no plastic tray suppliers at all; I am very worried, we have no idea what will happen,” said Manager of Marutake Supermarket, Kensuke Takahashi.