Flint Ink North America Announces price increases

To offset the continuing escalation of raw materials, energy, and freight costs, Flint Ink North America has announced the following price increases and freight surcharges, effective 1 October 2005.

Product PriceIncrease Surchargeper pound
Heatset Web Offset inks   12% Two cents
Publication Gravure inks   12% Two cents
Packaging inks – Solvent  10% Four cents
Packaging inks – Water  6% Four cents
Energy Curable inks  10% Four cents
Commercial and Packaging Sheetfed inks  10% Four cents
Coldset News/Directory Black inks   12 cents/lb  Two cents
Freight surcharges will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Bill Miller, president of Flint Ink North America, said: ‘Our industry and its suppliers have been caught at the center of global shortages and rising demands for crude oil, natural gas and their by-products, as well as many other raw materials that are key to the manufacture of printing inks. We are also feeling the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it has caused our country’s infrastructure and supply lines. Unfortunately, I think we will be living with the effects of both of these issues for a long time to come.’
Flint Ink representatives will be contacting all customers to explain the severity of the situation and to work with them to ensure the most efficient means of delivering products.