The rising cost of raw materials, primarily cellulose pulp and energy, has forced inflation across the Finnish company’s label and processing business area. The speciality paper sector, which accounted for 41% of Ahlstrom's €1.6b sales in 2011, is one of the world's largest suppliers of its kind.

Brands affected include Acti-V, Chantaffiche, Gervalux, Kaefoflex, Metalkote, Velin and Silca, are manufactured in Brazil, France, Germany and Italy and serve customers in 28 countries across six continents.

The line covers applications for abrasive, flexible packaging furniture laminates, graphic, poster, release liner, wet-glue and pressure sensitive adhesive labels and serves the graphic, labeling and food packaging markets worldwide.

The label and processing brand is the only line affected as products are based entirely on cellulose fibres, meaning prices across the line are more sensitive to cost increases of the component.

Ahlstrom said the increase will vary depending on specific products, markets and invoicing currencies and will be discussed with customers individually.