Substantial increases in world steel prices could lead to a shortage of steel strap for product securement, according to David Hearn, managing director of strapping equipment manufacturer Cyklop UK.
He has advised timber companies to switch to polyester strapping “sooner rather than later”, to avoid problems.
Mr Hearn said the prices of all steel products have risen sharply recently, due mainly to demand from Far Eastern markets.
But, he said, the real concern was availability as demand had grown and producers could not keep pace. This, he claimed, meant end users were finding it increasingly difficult to source enough steel strap to meet production output which could lead to loads being despatched that were not properly secured or delivery schedules not being met.
Urging companies to change to polyester straps, Mr Hearn said: “While there is some initial outlay on new strapping equipment, the market is highly competitive, with tools and systems available for every application.”
