Dec 02, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. BASF will increase kaolin prices globally for paper applications, effective immediately. The increase will be dependent on the product, with increases up to 7% for hydrous and calcined products. BASF’s energy surcharge policy remains unchanged with the threshold at $5/mmbtu, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. BASF’s Paper Chemicals division offers process chemicals to optimize costs and increase machine efficiency, functional chemicals to lend specific properties to paper, and finishing chemicals to improve the appearance and performance characteristics of printed paper and board.