Birla Carbon has announced a price increase of up to 15% for its speciality materials products in Asia from October 1.

The carbon additives group said the increase was needed to counter what the company said were significant and sustained increases in feedstock costs, driven in part by geopolitical instability and disruptions in global feedstock markets.

The announcement comes just three months after Batteries International reported the group was embarking on a global business shake-up to focus on expansion in Asia in the face of weakened demand in the Americas and Europe.

Birla said then it was continuing to assess its asset base in line with market trends, as it moved to a structure focused on three business units — Asia, Americas & EMEA and specialty materials.

On the price increase, Birla said it has been working to mitigate the impact of the increases through operational efficiencies, supply chain optimisation and disciplined cost management: “However, the magnitude and duration of the cost escalation have made a price adjustment necessary.”

In 2023, the group acquired carbon nanotube firm Nanocyl to strengthen its presence in the lithium battery materials sector.

Earlier this year, Birla said it had secured a €2 million ($2.3 million) grant to boost energy autonomy at its plant in Spain. The grant from the Society for Regional Development of Cantabria formed part of a broader investment project by the firm aimed at strengthening energy self-sufficiency at the facility.