Ahlstrom, a global leader in high performance fiber-based materials, today announced price increases for Coated Specialties and Industrial Papers (flexible packaging, metalizing, office and graphic papers), as a consequence of the continuous rise of raw materials and energy costs, most of which continued to increase.

The price increases concern all flexible packaging, metalizing, office and graphic papers manufactured at the French Rottersac and Stenay plants of Ahlstrom.

The level and timing of the increases will depend on the nature of the products, on existing contracts and invoicing currencies.

The detailed actions will be discussed as soon as possible individually with customers through the appropriate business teams.

Ahlstrom's Coated Specialities and Industrial Papers product lines are part of the Technical Papers business area, a leading global supplier of specialty papers in many segments such as automotive, building, food, healthcare, furniture and other industries.

Ahlstrom in brief

Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fiber expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom's 6,500 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2007, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.8 billion.