Index Methodology
Three-layer model
PackIndex tracks three tiers of the packaging supply chain: L1 Raw Materials (pulp, polymers, metals, energy), L2 Semi-finished intermediates (board grades, films), and L3 Finished Unit Indices (CORR, FLEX, RGID, PAPR, FOAM, LABL). Each layer feeds the next via documented supply-chain linkages.
L3 index construction
Finished unit indices are constructed from L1 and L2 input prices using a weighted bill-of-materials model, adjusted by anonymised contributor Pulse signals capturing market sentiment, supplier behaviour, and lead-time trends. Weights are reviewed quarterly.
L1 & L2 data sources
Raw material and intermediate prices are sourced from FOEX (fibre/board, weekly), PIE/KI Group (polymers, weekly), LME (metals, daily), ICE/Elexon (energy, daily), and BEIS (diesel, monthly). All sources are publicly available or free-tier published.
Pulse contributions
Registered users submit directional Pulse signals — volume band, price direction vs prior quarter, lead time, supplier mood. Signals are anonymised, aggregated into a diffusion index (range -100 to +100), and applied as a sentiment layer on the quantitative model.
Update frequency
L1 energy prices update daily. Fibre, board, and polymer prices update weekly. L3 finished unit indices are published weekly every Wednesday.