Price increases are back among paper manufacturers. Since early September, four manufacturers selling their products in France have announced new prices, effective immediately or in the coming weeks. The trend affects several product categories: wood-free coated paper in sheets, graphic and specialty papers, and recycled papers. And the increases are far from insignificant.
Up to a 7% increase at Sappi
The primary product affected is coated paper, which is used primarily by sheetfed offset printers. Sappi Europe, the European division of the South African paper manufacturer Sappi, will increase prices by 5 to 7 percent across its entire line of wood-free coated (WFC) sheet paper. The new prices will apply to new orders and deliveries made on or after October 12, 2026, in Europe.
Sappi explains this decision by "the continuing rise in costs throughout the supply chain," who would serve as "considerable pressure on the profitability of paper production."
An additional 50 euros per metric ton at Cartiere del Garda
The same trend is evident at Cartiere del Garda. The Italian paper manufacturer, which specializes in fine coated papers and?since Lecta?s reorganization in 2026?has been operating the group?s Fine Papers division?is raising the price of all its double-sided wood-free coated papers by 50 euros per metric ton for deliveries beginning October 5, 2026.
These product lines are used in particular for printing brochures, catalogs, books, and advertising materials. The paper manufacturer cites "significant increases in energy and transportation costs" , in addition to rising prices for other raw materials.
At least 7% at Burgo
At Burgo Group, the price increase is more widespread. According to Euwid, the Italian paper manufacturer expects a price increase of at least 7 to 8 percent across its entire range of graphic and specialty papers, effective for new orders.
Sheetfed printers are therefore not the only ones affected. Depending on the types of paper purchased, sheetfed and web offset printers, digital printers, publishers, and even some packaging manufacturers may be affected.
Burgo, which operates 10 plants with 12 production lines, attributes this increase to rising costs for energy, logistics, and several raw materials.
Recycled paper is also affected
For its part, Koehler Paper has raised the price of its recycled paper by 6% effective September 1.
The German family-owned paper manufacturer, which specializes in several types of technical and specialty papers, reports "the continuing rise in raw material costs" , but also the energy, freight, and global logistics sectors.
Not all manufacturers have adjusted their prices. As of September 15, neither UPM Communication Papers, Fedrigoni, Holmen Paper, nor Norske Skog had publicly announced any comparable price increases for the start of the school year.
But within a few weeks, four paper manufacturers raised their prices on a wide range of paper grades, from wood-free coated paper to recycled paper. This series of price increases clearly brings the issue of paper prices back to the forefront for printers...
