It is disappointing to have to inform you for the third time this year about coated free sheet paper price increases.

This new increase will start in June 2021.

The increase will range between 6-7% on commonly used coated stocks from Sappi and Verso brands. Sappi and Verso account for 85% of all manufactured coated free sheet capacity in the US. As for some specialty stocks, the increase could be as much as 10%. Major mills are sold out through June and filling up July dates quickly.

With SPC’s Price Protection, for orders of roll stock from either brand, your current paper prices will hold through July 1, 2021 deliveries. For sheet orders, the current pricing is good until June 1 deliveries. Also, keep in mind that availability has moved out 6-8 weeks for some grades. Please work with your SPC rep on availability to secure the paper you need for your future programs.

Even though we believe this increase is both unwise and untimely, we are fortunate to be in a solid position with our mill partners to prepare for the orders we anticipate coming for the remainder of the year. SPC has blocked out mill machine time to help meet the demands of our customers since stock inventory is low. We advise you to plan for your print needs now as we enter the traditionally busy 3rd and 4th quarters. Allocations could be on the horizon in those months. We want to ensure you avoid disruptions in paper supply.

Since our industry is affected by the mills’ actions, we believe there’s a need for a forum to provide feedback to the paper industry. SPC is working to establish an advisory board directly with one of the paper mills. We aim to provide insight into the direct marketing industry and work together with the mills to better understand price and market challenges. SPC is committed to minimizing the impact on marketing brands like yours in the future.

See below for letters from Sappi and Verso.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Ryan LeFebvre
Executive VP of Sales