Flint to increase European ink prices five percent

Flint Group is increasing its solvent-based, water-based and UV ink prices for packaging in Europe from January 1, 2012 by an average of five percent in the face of rising costs.
 
The company said significant increases in raw material costs this year, an increased global demand for critical raw materials and a lack of replacement capacity is forcing up the costs of ink.
 
European price rises follow a similar announcement regarding North America earlier this week.
 
In North America, packaging ink prices will increase between five and eight percent and come into effect from November 1. Flint said some price increases will fall below or above this range and will vary by color, product and technology.

Customers in both Europe and North America will be contacted directly by Flint Group’s sales organization to discuss the impact on the particular products they purchase.

Mark Sutton, Flint Group’s business director for film and foil in the EMEA region, said: ‘The price increases for our customers will be on average five percent. Increases will, however, vary by product and some increases on specific products will be significantly higher.’
 
Kim Melander, Flint Group’s business director for paper and board in the EMEA region, added: ‘Flint Group will continue to search for raw material replacements and offer alternative products to our customers where relevant in order to minimise the impact of the increases as much as possible. Regrettably however, the extent of the raw material cost increases can not be fully absorbed by supply chain, manufacturing and formulation initiatives.’