EU Opens Antitrust Probe Into Omya Over Paper Industry Supply Practices

The European Commission has opened an antitrust investigation into Swiss company Omya over a possible abuse of its dominant position in supplying calcium carbonates to paper manufacturers.

The Commission said Omya may have required customers in the paper industry to source all or most of their calcium carbonates from the company, potentially restricting competition from rival suppliers in Europe.

Calcium carbonates are used in paper manufacturing to reduce production costs and improve paper quality. The Commission said competitive and affordable supplies of the material could lower input costs for paper mills and benefit consumers.

Omya said it was cooperating with the investigation.