One leading paper buying source was "amazed" at the plans in light of current market conditions.
Another magazine paper buyer described it as "madness given that there is still so much tonnage around".
"I don’t think it will go through, especially as there is no movement in the market at present," he said.
A 5% woodfree price increase announced by Sappi last year met with similar resistance (PrintWeek, 21 September 2001).
The pressure on pricing in the woodfree market has been added to by the recent pulp price increases, which saw Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) pulp rise by £13 ($20) from 1 July, taking the price to £335 per tonne (PrintWeek, 21 June).
Sappi said the rise was an attempt to "stabilise the market".
Story by Andy Scott
