Ink Makers to Raise Prices

Faced with continued increases in the costs of raw materials, both Sun Chemical and INX International Ink Co. have announced price increases.

Sun Chemical will raise U.S. prices by 14 percent for commercial and packaging energy curable (EC) paste inks and EC coatings, by 4 percent for packaging solvent-based inks, by 8 percent for packaging water-based inks and by 6 percent for UV flexo inks. The price jump will be effective September 15.

Citing ongoing raw material supply shortages, INX noted that solvent-based white inks and water-based white inks will increase in price from 4-6 percent. Inks containing Violet 23 (purple) and water coatings will each increase 8 percent. Water base inks, bases, clears and blends will rise 2-4 percent, and UV inks and coatings will be increased 8-10 percent. These increases will begin on September 1.

Sun Chemical notes that, for over two years, raw materials and energy cost volatility have significantly impacted the ink industry. Non-traditional factors that began earlier this year to impact the price of major feedstocks and raw materials continue, including: supply base consolidation and capacity curtailment, significant decline in refinery margins, and rationalized operating rates to meet diminished demand. The combination of these factors has led to elevated fixed costs on raw material goods.