FMC BioPolymer supplies microcrystalline cellulose, carrageenan and alginate for the food, pharmaceutical and industrial markets.
The is just the latest price increase affecting FMC's products supplied to the drug industry, which also saw a 5 to 7 per cent price hike in April for its Avicel microcrystalline cellulose product range.
Among FMC's pharma range, Avicel RC/CL water dispersible colloidal excipients are used in the preparation of pharmaceutical suspensions and emulsions, while Avicel CE, a proprietary combination of microcrystalline cellulose and guar gum, is a specialised chewable tablet excipient that provides superior sensory properties.
The company also offers NF grades of carrageenan to the pharmaceutical industry. In February, FMC hiked up prices for its carrageenan gum by up to 8 per cent.
"Significant, sustained cost increases in energy, raw materials, and freight are the factors driving this action," said the company in a statement.
Energy-related costs have increased significantly over the past three years, impacting plant operations and shipping. Costs of critical raw materials, including seaweed and pulp, have also risen dramatically during the same period, it added.
Depending on the product line, increases will be applied to list pricing and as contracts permit. Additionally, FMC will pass on increases levied by freight carriers to customers who have delivered pricing.