Toilet paper production in Germany under threat, media reported

MOSCOW, Sep 23 — PRIME. German toilet paper manufacturers are forced to raise prices and cut production due to high energy prices, writes the Financial Times.

“It takes 700 kilowatt-hours of natural gas to make one 2m ‘original roll’ of toilet paper at Essity’s German plant in Mainz-Kostheim…Amid rising energy prices and fears of impending shortages, Essity has decided to raise prices and switch sources fuel,” the paper said. According to the newspaper, the company is raising the price of Lotus toilet paper and Libero diapers by 18%.

The publication notes that Düsseldorf-based Hakle, one of Germany’s best-known toilet paper brands, has already filed for bankruptcy, citing high energy, material and transport costs.

Industry representatives believe that it will not be easy for them, even if the state provides support. There is also concern that companies will be affected by energy rationing. “It may not be necessary to produce chocolate chip cookies, but it is necessary to produce toilet paper,” Gregor Geiger, a spokesman for the German pulp and paper industry association Die Papierindustrie, said.

After the start of the special operation of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, the West increased sanctions pressure on Russia. The disruption of supply chains has driven up fuel and food prices in Europe and the US.

Earlier, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev said that more than half of the EU residents, and in some countries two-thirds, are not ready to support anti-Russian sanctions. According to him, various initiatives, from saving on cremation of bodies to washing toilet paper, are being developed in order to punish “dense Russia.”