In a statement, the paper manufacturer said: “Decreasing profitability combined with large, sudden cost increases, both in raw materials and logistics make a price increase unavoidable.

“Your local sales office representative will contact you with further market related details.”

Sappi said the increase on sheets and reels will be implemented by 1 March at the latest.

In terms of UK impact, the affected Sappi products are stocked by a number of merchants, including Antalis, Elliott Baxter and Premier Paper.

Separately, Sappi Europe is set to introduce new barrier coating technology for functional paper packaging at its speciality mill in Alfeld, Germany.

Sappi Europe chief executive Berry Wiersum said: “Expanding the use of our proprietary barrier coating technology underpins Sappi Europe’s drive to maintain our leading position in barrier coated paper as well [as] the commitment we have with our customers in developing innovative future focused packaging solutions which contribute towards a sustainable future.

The company said it “seeks to create future-oriented circular solutions in line with growing collective global responsibilities”. It expects to begin commissioning the new products from mid-2022.