Flint announces white ink price hike in Europe

Flint Group has announced it is increasing the price of solvent-, water- and UV-based white inks in Europe owing to raw material costs continuing to grow.
 
Flint said raw material costs were a significant issue in 2011 and many of the key feed stocks are continuing on an upward trajectory. A number of resins and solvents, and particularly titanium dioxide, continue to escalate in price, with producers announcing prices to increase for the sixth quarter in a row. This trend is expected to continue through the balance of 2012.

'While we continue to reformulate to the most economical choices available, these increases cannot be absorbed further’

                      
These cost pressures will see Flint Group pass on increases to its customers through a combination of product price rises and surcharges for solvent-based, water-based and UV whites in Europe. The increases will be effective April 1 and range between €0.22/kg and €0.40/kg, depending on the type of product purchased.
 
Customers will be contacted directly by Flint Group’s sales organization to discuss the impact of the increase on the particular products they purchase.
 
Doug Aldred, president of Flint Group’s packaging and narrow web segment in Europe and North America, said: ‘The ongoing cost increases are particularly impacting on white inks. While we continue to reformulate to the most economical choices available, these increases cannot be absorbed further.’