Why Paper Tube Prices Are Likely to Stay Higher for Longer

The latest UK inflation reading may look more encouraging, with headline CPI easing. However, for UK manufacturers, and particularly for paper tube and cardboard core producers, the picture remains more complicated.

Paper tube prices are not driven simply by headline consumer inflation. They are driven by the cost of paper, coreboard, liners, energy, adhesives, labour, transport, storage and supply continuity.

In our recent May 2026 price increase notification, we explained that the sector has already been dealing with significant pressure from raw material increases, logistics costs, fuel surcharges and reduced European paper and board capacity.

While there are now signs of greater stability, we believe the market is likely to settle around current higher pricing levels rather than quickly returning to where it was before.

We are not currently expecting a further price increase

At the moment, Just Paper Tubes is not expecting to announce another immediate price increase.

Our current view is that the market may stabilise around the current pricing level, rather than continue rising sharply in the short term. That is clearly welcome, and we understand customers need as much certainty as possible when planning their own costs.

However, stability does not mean prices are likely to fall back quickly. The cost base for reliable UK paper tube manufacturing remains materially higher than it was previously.

There are also risks that could change the picture quickly, particularly oil prices and geopolitical disruption.

Oil and the Strait of Hormuz remain key risks

Oil prices remain a major concern for UK manufacturing. At present, oil is around 10–13% higher than earlier in the month, and there is still no clear resolution to the uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz.

For paper tube production, oil does not just affect fuel at the pump. It feeds into:

• transport and haulage costs

• fuel surcharges

• imported raw material costs

• adhesive and chemical-based inputs

• factory energy costs

• shipping and logistics across Europe

If oil prices remain elevated, or rise further because of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, this could put renewed pressure on manufacturing and transport costs.

For now, we are watching this carefully. Our base case is price stability around current levels, but oil remains one of the main risks that could change that outlook.

Signs something may not be right with an existing supplier

Over recent weeks, we have received enquiries from new customers who have experienced quality or service issues elsewhere in the market.

Are some suppliers switching to cheaper materials?

We cannot comment on the decisions made by individual competitors. However, when raw material prices rise sharply, there is always a temptation in the wider market to reduce costs by switching to cheaper or lower-grade paper and board.

That may help protect headline pricing in the short term, but it can create problems for customers later.

Inferior board or inconsistent paper quality can affect:

• tube strength

• rigidity

• winding performance

• dimensional accuracy

• moisture performance

• product protection

• reliability on automated lines

• presentation and finish

A cheaper tube is not cheaper if it causes downtime, rejected product, damaged goods or production disruption.

Why quality matters more in a difficult market

A paper tube or cardboard core may look simple, but its performance depends on the quality of the raw materials and the consistency of the manufacturing process.

The grade of board, the adhesive, the winding process, moisture control and finished specification all affect how the tube performs in real use.

At Just Paper Tubes, we remain cautious about chasing the lowest possible market price by compromising on materials. Our priority is to supply tubes and cores that are fit for purpose, consistent and dependable.

That matters especially when customers are using tubes for winding, packing, storage, transport or production processes where failure can be expensive.

Higher prices are likely to remain for longer

Although general inflation may be easing, the pressures affecting paper tube manufacturing have not disappeared.

Raw material costs remain higher. Energy and logistics remain exposed to volatility. Oil is materially higher year-on-year. The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved. European paper and board supply remains less flexible than it once was.

For these reasons, we believe paper tube and cardboard core prices are likely to remain higher for longer.

This does not mean we are expecting another immediate price increase. At present, our expectation is more about stability at today’s higher level rather than a rapid return to previous pricing.

Final thought

The latest inflation figures may suggest that some consumer pressures are easing, but the reality for UK manufacturing remains more complex.

For paper tubes, cardboard cores and industrial packaging, the market is not just about price. It is about reliability, quality and continuity of supply.

If your current supplier’s tubes feel softer, lead times are stretching, or quality has become less consistent, it may be worth asking whether something has changed in the materials being used.

At Just Paper Tubes, our focus remains on dependable quality, honest communication and long-term supply reliability.

If you are concerned about the quality, consistency or reliability of your current paper tube supplier, contact Just Paper Tubes today. Our team will be happy to review your requirements, discuss your current specification and help you find a dependable solution.