The paper manufacturer said the price rise was "inevitable", and a result of its need to react to the ongoing price hikes in raw materials, pulp, chemical and energy costs.

Ralf Buhl, marketing manager at Mitsubishi Paper Holding (Europe), said: "The reason for the price increase is indeed the fact that many raw materials such as pulp, oil-based chemicals but also energy, and in this context also logistic costs, became more expensive.

"It has nothing to do with the earthquake in Japan. This price increase is absolutely necessary, and is in line with activities of some competitors in the market as some have increased even earlier than we have."

The price change will be effective as of 1 May.

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper is part of Mitsubishi Paper Mills, a Japanese-based manufacturer of coated papers, communication papers, photo-sensitive materials and wood-free paper.