<B>Caraustar Announces Price Hike</B>

Caraustar Industries, Inc. will increase prices by up to 9% for all its uncoated paperboard products, effective April 10. Similar price increases will go into effect on May 1 for Caraustar's paperboard tube and core products and on May 15 for its edge protector products. The company said that prices for other converted products, including custom packaging and folding cartons would be increased accordingly.

Caraustar cited ongoing cost increases in recovered fiber, energy, freight, adhesives, and other manufacturing supplies as the primary drivers for the price increase. The company previously implemented a price increase averaging 10%, effective March 7, for all clay coated recycled paperboard grades.