UK rotomoulding sector faces mounting challenges amid volatile markets and cyber threats
As the rotomoulding sector approaches 2026, the British Plastics Federation (BPF) has identified a confluence of challenges that threaten the resilience of this vital industry. Graeme Craig, Senior Industrial Issues Executive at the BPF, highlights key issues including volatile polyethylene (PE) prices, rising cyber risks, the impact of high tariffs, and the imperative of productivity improvements. These themes will be central to upcoming BPF events aimed at supporting and strengthening the rotomoulding community.
The pricing dynamics for PE, a primary raw material, remain uncertain amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and industry rationalisation. Producers are operating their cracking plants at reduced capacity—around 75% compared to the 90% peak seen in 2015—to avoid market oversupply. Meanwhile, Europe is experiencing continued import flows, intensifying competition for domestic producers who are reassessing their viability in the polyolefin markets. This unsettled environment makes forecasting difficult for rotomoulders reliant on stable raw material costs.
Beyond supply concerns, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly shaping the plastics industry’s future. According to the Confederation of British Industry, approximately two-thirds of investors now incorporate ESG criteria into their investment decisions. The BPF plans to provide clearer guidance later this year on ESG reporting obligations, transparency standards, and how businesses can leverage compliance to their advantage. This marks a critical shift, reflecting broader stakeholder demands for accountability and sustainability.
Another significant and escalating threat is cyber risk. At a recent BPF Rotational Moulding Group meeting, Willis Towers Watson (WTW) experts revealed that 65% of manufacturing companies experienced ransomware attacks in 2024, with 75% of these incidents involving data encryption. This aligns with wider industry data—Sophos’ 2024 report found a 41% increase in ransomware attacks on manufacturing and production firms since 2020, with nearly two-thirds paying ransoms and an average recovery cost exceeding $1.6 million. Analysis from Manufacturing.net observes a surge in attacks due to increasingly sophisticated criminal operations targeting the manufacturing sector’s critical infrastructure. Honeywell’s recent cybersecurity report further confirms a 46% rise in ransomware assaults on industrial operators within a single quarter in early 2025. Together, these findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity defences amid persistent and costly threats.
Tariffs remain under scrutiny as well. Although rotomoulding is not considered the most vulnerable subset of the plastics industry, it is highly reliant on exports in a global context. The effects of sustained tariffs on materials and finished products could constrain market access and increase operational costs. The BPF’s September rotational moulding conference in Coventry will prominently address these concerns, providing a forum for the sector to strategise.
On the productivity front, the UK plastics industry continues to lag. To this end, the BPF is focusing on driving efficiency improvements. Their upcoming guide, 'Equipment Effectiveness Part II: Rotational Moulding,' will highlight best practices to optimise cycle times, surface functionalities via advanced coatings, and the integration of technologies like RFID to overcome technical hurdles that slow throughput and increase costs.
Collectively, these issues paint a picture of a sector under considerable pressure but actively seeking solutions. The BPF’s intensified engagement with members and targeted support programmes reflect a proactive stance, recognising that resilience in the face of raw material volatility, cyber threats, regulatory shifts, and productivity challenges will be critical to the rotomoulding industry’s sustainability going forward.