imerys

Industrial minerals company Imerys said it is boosting its kaolin and calcium carbonate prices immediately to keep its paper pigments business sustainable, in response to surging costs.

Prices of kaolin made in the United States, Brazil, Australia and the United Kingdom will rise between 10 percent and 15 percent, and an energy and transport surcharge will be imposed for kaolin products around the world.

Imerys' North American paper pigments unit is also raising ground calcium carbonate prices by 10 percent.

The company said the price increases and surcharges 'are necessary to achieve a sustainable pigment business' as unprecedented cost increases in logistics, chemicals, mining, fuel and power outstripped the ability of internal programmes to mitigate their impact.