Material price increases continue to hit the industry. Mondi International, of South Africa, has announced higher rates for white top kraftliner outside Europe from June. In the USA, Weyerhaeuser is to raise linerboard and corrugating medium, effective July 1.

Interstate Resources and Simpson Tacoma have also lifted linerboard prices, and several more producers are planning containerboard increases for next month.

In the UK, the Plastics and Industrial Films Association and the Flexible Packaging Association both report being hit by price increases. PE and PP resin have risen by around 30 per cent since January.