Following the implementation of the price increase for woodfree papers (WFU/WFC) during April of this year, Sappi Europe, Brussels, Belgium, reported this week that "it has become apparent that raw materials prices, particularly pulp, are continuing to increase very sharply. Despite strong order books and good operating rates, margins continue to be depressed by this severe input cost inflation." 

Sappi Europe consequently will implement a further price increase for its woodfree papers, beginning June 15, 2017. To recover the increased raw material costs sufficiently so that a viable margin can be achieved, a total price rise of a minimum of EUR 70/metric ton or equivalent currency from Q1/2017 price levels will be necessary, the company announced.