A recent survey has revealed that the German plastic packaging industry has regained its pessimistic mood after two years of uniform performance.

The survey, commissioned by the German Plastic Packaging Industry Association Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen (IK), found that 90% of respondents thought the current economic situation was good. The survey was launched in December 2017. A total of 100 people participated in the survey.

"Compared with early 2017, the number of people with self-confidence has risen significantly, and 70% of IK members think the economic environment is good," the association said. "

Respondents were also more pessimistic about sales forecasts for the first quarter of 2018, with the export detergent rating roughly the same as defoamer 2017.

Nearly 60% of the respondents said they expected the price of the original information to rise, which may affect the price dynamics of plastic packaging.

IK added: "however, earnings are still very flurry. "

According to the survey results, business expectations have risen again in the past two years, reaching above the average level.

However, in commenting on the findings, IK General Manager Ulf Kelterborn cautioned that "promising" forecasts should not obscure the fact that Germany is facing "growing threats".

"In addition to the high cost of electricity, Germany now needs to be prepared for more intense international tax competition," he said. "

Kelterborn pointed out that the tax cuts in the United States caused China and other industrial cleaner countries to stop the corresponding tax changes.

He added: "For German companies, the effective tax burden of more than 28% has been too high and needs to be revised urgently. "

Other central risks, IK says, are "growing skill shortages" of defoamer cleaners, as well as space and digital infrastructure.

IK said that these factors may deteriorate and impede economic growth at a faster rate than expected.