European containerboard prices rise again in Q4, kraftliner up about EUR 200/t in 2026

European containerboard prices rose again as the fourth quarter of 2026 opened, with recycled grades up about EUR 60/t and unbleached kraftliner up about EUR 80/t in Germany, France and Poland during September, according to Fastmarkets. SCA had already announced a EUR 100/t kraftliner increase across Europe in August, effective 1 September, taking the cumulative kraftliner rise since the start of the year to roughly EUR 200/t. Fastmarkets also notes growing inquiries from Latin American buyers seeking European kraftliner as US supply tightens.

Why this mattersSustained kraftliner and recycled-grade inflation squeezes corrugated converters' margins and pulls Latin American demand towards European mills as US supply tightens.

• Unbleached kraftliner prices rose about EUR 80/t in Germany, France and Poland in September 2026, per Fastmarkets.
• Cumulative European kraftliner price increases reached about EUR 200/t since the start of 2026, per Fastmarkets.
• SCA announced a EUR 100/t increase on its European kraftliner grades in August 2026, effective 1 September 2026.
• Recycled containerboard (RCCM) prices rose by about EUR 60/t in Germany, France and Poland in September 2026.
• Italy saw an initial EUR 40/t kraftliner increase in September with a second step expected in October 2026.
• Fastmarkets reports rising inquiries from Latin American buyers for European kraftliner amid tighter US kraftliner availability.

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