Paper merchant Spicers is increasing prices for a number of its products in its commercial print portfolio on July 24.
The company says there will be new pricing on brands including Precision Laser, Pacesetter Laser Recycled, Core Boxboard and Teslin.
Manufacturers worldwide, especially out of Europe and Asia, have raised their prices on papers and boards purchased by Spicers as their input costs rise.
At the same time, the announcement from local supplier Australian Paper regarding rises of between 3-5 per cent from the beginning of this month has also contributed to the forthcoming increase.
David Martin, CEO of Spicers says, “It is of upmost importance to Spicers that we minimise increases in costs from our suppliers. We have been tightly managing the costs directly under our control, yet we recognise that the tight margin position of the industry means our ability to absorb supplier increases is limited.”
[Related: Paper prices going up]
Tony Bertrand, national marketing manager at the newly merged Ball & Doggett – now the country’s biggest merchant and Spicers’ main rival – says the newly formed company has not made a decision around its pricing.
He says, “As you can imagine we are busy right now with the merger and we have things going on with that at this stage.” The merger between KW Doggett and BJ Ball become official on Monday. The merged company is majority owned by Japan Pulp & Paper.
The paper industry continues to be affected through rising input costs, but Spicers says it will continue to try and absorb as much of these costs as possible to minimise the effect on customers and end-users. The company says that implementing price increases is only considered after much deliberation and it appreciates its customers’ understanding and continued support.
Earlier this year Spicers increased prices on several other products in its commercial print portfolio by five to eight per cent and notified customers of further increases.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter