Industrial Packaging Cost Increases: Market Trends 2024–2026
Between 2024 and 2026, the industrial wooden packaging sector has experienced a significant increase in costs, driven by factors related to raw materials, energy and transportation. Analysis of key industry sources highlights widespread pressure across the entire supply chain, affecting solid wood, plywood and OSB.
Wood prices for pallets and industrial packaging
According to the HPE (Holzpreisindex), solid wood used for pallets and industrial crates recorded significant increases during the 2024–2025 period, with a double digit annual growth exceeding and a total increase of over 20% between the end of 2024 and early 2026.
This trend is also confirmed by analyses from the UNECE, which highlight structural tensions in the wood market linked to procurement and production costs.
Plywood: price increase and EU duties
Plywood has experienced a price increase following the low point reached in 2024. A key factor is represented by the anti-dumping duties introduced by the European Union on Chinese hardwood plywood.
As reported by Amfori, duties of up to 86.8% were applied in 2025, structurally increasing import costs and contributing to the recovery of prices in the European market.
OSB: price recovery and energy impact
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) also recorded price increases in 2025 after the decline observed in 2024. According to Germany Trade & Invest, average prices increased by more than 8% in the early months of 2025.
Further analyses from IMARC Group show an increase from approximately USD 514/MT to over USD 560/MT during 2025.
In 2026, OSB costs are particularly affected by rising energy prices and petrochemical derivatives used in production processes, especially resins.
Geopolitics and energy: the impact of the Iran conflict in 2026
In 2026, the industrial packaging sector has also been influenced by geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict involving Iran, which has significantly increased volatility in global energy markets.
According to Reuters, escalating tensions in the Middle East have led to sharp fluctuations in oil prices, with increases of up to +6–8% in a single day and upward revisions of market expectations. A key risk factor is the potential disruption of supply through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical global oil transit routes.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) also highlights increased risks to energy supply, with direct implications for Europe.
These dynamics directly impact industrial costs, as rising energy prices affect both production and transportation. In this context, price increases in wood, plywood and OSB must also be considered within a broader framework of global energy and logistics instability.
Transport and energy: the key drivers in 2026
In 2026, the main drivers of cost increases are energy and logistics. According to Reuters, oil prices have shown strong volatility, with increases of up to +6.8% in a single day and forecasts rising by up to 30%.
The IEA also highlights increased risks to energy supply, with direct consequences for Europe.
These dynamics affect freight costs, directly influencing the final price of industrial packaging.
Conclusion
The analysis of the 2024–2026 period shows a broad increase in costs across the industrial packaging sector. Solid wood has recorded structural increases, while plywood and OSB have shown price recovery starting in 2025, further reinforced in 2026 by energy and logistics factors.
In this scenario, price evolution is closely linked to energy, transportation and procurement costs, which are expected to remain key drivers in the short term.
