Polymer Group (PGI; Charlotte, NC) says it will increase prices of certain nonwovens used in medical and other applications by 5%-7%, effective January 1, 2008. The price hikes will apply primarily to petroleum-based products, including polyester and polypropylene, the company says.

"Raw material costs have significantly increased throughout 2007 and remain highly volatile," says Fernando Marin, senior director of PGI's global medical business unit. PGI says it will also increase prices of certain polypropylene-based products, depending on region.