BASF raises price on carpet material, cites increased energy costs

In a move likely to put further pricing pressures on carpet manufacturers, BASF Corp. said it will increase the price for polymers used in the manufacturing process. The Florham Park, N.J. based chemical manufacturer said the decision to increase the price on all Butonal high solids styrene butadiene polymers by $0.03 per dry pound was driven by the continued increases in raw material and energy costs. Aside from carpet makers, the products affected are used by the adhesives, construction, foam, and tire industries. The price increase is the latest in a series of similar adjustments seen in the floor covering industry that have been driven by rising energy costs.