Paper manufacturer Sappi says it is being forced to increase its prices by five to eight per cent on its graphic paper grades in Australia and New Zealand, due to its own cost increases.

Sappi says, “Due to continual input cost increases the company is forced to pass on this cost inflation by increasing its woodfree uncoated, woodfree coated and coated mechanical reels grades prices by five to eight per cent from December. This follows similar increases in North America, Europe and other Sappi markets.”

“Despite strong order books and good operating rates, margins continue to be depressed by this severe input cost inflation. Sappi’s sales people will be in touch with their customers to agree on the specifics over the next weeks."

[Related: Sappi prices to rise again in January]

Sappi says its sales representatives will be in touch with their customers to agree on the specifics.

Sappi’s Australasian headquarters are based in Sydney. It sells direct to the big print groups and also through merchants.

Sappi says its printing and publishing paper is used for the production of high-end magazines, catalogues and advertising material. It also offers a wide range of coated and uncoated speciality paper and board for various applications.

Its specialty release paper is used for the manufacture of synthetic leather and decorative laminate products, helping to create textures. It also offers flexpack and technical paper, as well as label and kraft paper.

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