Siegwerk implements price surcharge in EMEA

Siegwerk has implemented price surcharges in EMEA with immediate effect due to sudden increase in the cost of ethanol, one of the main ingredients of all solvent-based packaging inks and varnishes.

Siegwerk implements price surcharge in EMEA

Certain raw materials, such as alcohol, have been impacted in terms of price and availability as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the increased need for products with disinfectant properties and the potential for government restrictions. Demand for these products, in particular ethanol, continues to outstrip supply which has led to reduced global availability and rapid price increases. 

Siegwerk’s central crisis management team is in constant communication with colleagues around the globe to manage any risk of a disruption of supply to the market. The organization has put in place a global network of alternative supply sources for all raw materials and, wherever possible, can switch sources between suppliers, as required. At present, Siegwerk is sufficiently covered to serve usual customer demand. 

‘In order to ensure the continued supply of Siegwerk products, in every country in which we operate we have secured, or are in the process of securing, the official governmental confirmation of being part of the critical infrastructure industry as a key supplier to the food and pharma segments,’ said Mike van Breugel, global purchasing director for Siegwerk. 

Despite the company’s best efforts to mitigate costs, there is a clear indication that Siegwerk will pay higher prices for products with disinfectant properties for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis. Additionally, Siegwerk needs to be prepared in the event governments redirect products for medical purposes – a situation beyond the company’s control.

Specific surcharges for inks and varnish categories will be communicated individually to customers and prices may vary depending on the actual ink or varnish.