Question: With the increased cost of raw materials, will we be paying more for our printwear and promotional merchandise this summer or will you be holding prices for the remainder of 2010?

Response from Richard Wood, Managing Director of High Profile, the UK’s leading manufacturer of standard and bespoke made plastic promotional products.  

“As a manufacturer of plastic promotional products we have seen the cost of raw material, in particular styrenes and polypropylenes, rising steadily for the last 6 - 8 months. Whilst this is primarily due to low stocks and supply we are also experiencing worldwide demand that continues to increase. 

“The price of polypropylene has risen almost 50 per cent in the last eight months. However, as the raw material content of our products prices is fairly low, we have, so far, been absorbing raw material increases. 

“Whilst the indications are that material price increases are stabilising at present, that doesn’t mean manufacturers can relax. 

“We have continued to work hard to ensure that we maximise usage and eliminate scrap and waste from our system thereby reducing the impact of any increases. This is an approach that will continue for the foreseeable future, as we want to continue to supply quality products at cost effective prices to ensure our distributors are not affected by these changes in the market.

“The price increases we are currently facing are a worldwide epidemic. Clients that think they can source more cheaply from the Far East will encounter similar issues and prices so they won’t fare any better. Furthermore the weakness of the sterling against the dollar will add to the costs and will need to be taken into account.”