Dec 03, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. Prices for hydrous and calcined clays for the paper industry will increase by an average of about 8%, announced Huber Engineered Materials, part of J.M. Huber Corporation. This increase will not replace Huber’s energy surcharge program and will go into effect January 1, 2008, or as current contracts permit. “Huber’s kaolin business continues focusing its efforts on improving the productivity of its operations to reduce the impact of rising costs on our customers,” said Doug Carter, business director for paper kaolin. “Over the last year, Huber has optimized its product portfolio by focusing productivity efforts on its key products and processes, such as Hydragloss® 90, and idling some high cost capacity at its Macon manufacturing facility. Despite the success of these initiatives, the continued escalation of oil, gas and electricity costs and the increased prices of core chemical raw materials and contracted services have outpaced our efforts. Our price increase is necessary to ensure we can continue to provide our customers with the products and services they desire.”