Citing "unfortunate situations affecting the world's oil and energy supply," the synthetic material maker Colbond, said it plans to raise prices beginning the first of next year. As has been the case with other companies making similar price adjustments, Colbond said the move is the result of rising raw material, energy, and transportation costs. The company, whose products include high-grade backing for carpet, is headquartered in Arnhem, the Netherlands, and operates production facilities and sales offices throughout the world, including one in Asheville, N.C. A company spokesperson declined to specify the amount of the price hike.

Company vice president, Axel Poscher said Colbond has no alternative but to increase its prices across the board. "The last time our prices increased in January 2005, we were very modest in our calculations, hoping that energy costs would level out and raw material and transportation prices would stabilize. However, that has not been the case due to unfortunate situations affecting the world's oil and energy supply as well as continued global demand pressure on petrochemical ingredients. We have no choice but to pass part of these cost increases on to our customers as we see no indications that this situation will change in the near future."

Colbond produces synthetic nonwovens for flooring, automotive, and construction applications, and three-dimensional polymeric mats and composites for civil engineering, building and industrial applications.