What's the reason for the Teflon and PVDF extended delivery

During the last year, the business has had more shortages than I have come across during my three decades experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have observed several shortages, and delivery problems as a result of plastic resin allocations through plastic resin manufacturers. This is definitely the very first instance I have seen all these issues at the same time.

Polytetraflouroethylene (TFE) and PVDF are both on allocation.

This pair of resins are in short supply. The  PTFE Sheet product PTFE (TFE) as well as Kynar  manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar that is mined in Mongolia and China. The worldwide requirement for this mineral has increased significantly, as well as the supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high temperature resistance, excellent chemical resistance and incredibly low co-efficient of friction (slippery) and is utilized throughout a good deal of applications from non-stick fry kitchenware to ptfe tape for use at home. This particular mineral is the critical raw material within the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and several refrigerants.This increased demand bundled with general shortage of raw materials is responsible for a dramatic price increase (almost double over the last year), shortages, and we expect both these factors to continue in the near future.

Kynar PVDF Sheet