Kunert Group will increase prices for coreboard by at least 10% from September 1, 2026, citing persistent cost pressures across its production operations.

The price adjustment will apply to coreboard produced at both of the group’s paper mills: Carl Macher in Germany and Papeteries du Rhin in France.

The announcement adds another pricing signal from the European paper and board market as producers continue to manage elevated manufacturing costs and uncertain cost developments.

Cost Pressures Drive September Increase

Kunert Group said the increase had become necessary because of persistently high cost pressures across all areas of production.

The company did not provide a detailed breakdown of the individual cost categories behind the adjustment.

However, it warned that the outlook remains uncertain, saying that the development of production costs over the coming months is difficult to predict.

If the current trend continues, Kunert Group said it cannot rule out additional price adjustments in the near future.

The September increase should therefore be viewed not only as a one-time price move but also as an indication that the company continues to see pressure on its coreboard production economics.

Both European Coreboard Mills Affected

The increase covers production from Kunert Group’s two coreboard mills.

Carl Macher, located in Germany, and Papeteries du Rhin, located in France, form the paper production side of the group’s vertically integrated coreboard and paper-core business.

Together, Kunert Group says it produces approximately 250,000 tonnes of coreboard per year.

Coreboard is primarily used as the structural material for manufacturing spiral- and parallel-wound paper cores and tubes. These products are used across numerous roll-based industries to support and transport materials including paper, films, textiles and other web materials.

A price increase at the coreboard level can therefore affect downstream paper-core manufacturers and industrial users depending on their supply contracts and ability to pass higher input costs through the value chain.

Kunert Operates 17 Production Sites

Kunert Group operates 17 production sites across Europe and Asia, covering coreboard, paper cores and corrugated board.

The company employs around 2,000 people and also maintains sales offices in Europe and Asia.

According to the group, its annual production includes approximately:

• 250,000 tonnes of coreboard
• 330,000 tonnes of paper cores, corrugated board and edge protectors

This combination gives Kunert operations across both paper production and downstream converting.

The September price announcement specifically concerns its coreboard portfolio rather than the group’s entire range of converted products.

European Coreboard Buyers Face Further Price Uncertainty

For coreboard converters and paper-core producers, the most significant part of the announcement may be Kunert Group’s warning that further increases remain possible.

The company has committed to a minimum 10% adjustment from September 1 but has not indicated how long the new pricing will remain unchanged.

Much will depend on how its production costs develop during the remainder of 2026.

For customers, this creates additional uncertainty around coreboard procurement and converting costs heading into the final four months of the year.

Kunert Group’s decision also provides another indicator to watch in the European recycled board market. Whether the increase develops into a broader market movement will depend on pricing decisions by other producers, underlying demand and the evolution of manufacturing costs.

Last Updated on 20/08/2026 by Jota Machinery