Significant increases in raw material costs this year, an increased global demand for critical raw materials as well as a lack of replacement capacity is forcing up the costs of ink. The continually challenging raw material market requires Flint Group to increase prices for solvent-based, water-based and UV inks for labels and packaging in Europe effective 1 January 2012.

“The price increases for our customers will be on average 5 percent”, comments Mark Sutton, Business Director Film & Foil EMEA. He continues:”Increases will, however, vary by product and some increases on specific products will be significantly higher”.

Kim Melander, Business Director Paper & Board EMEA, adds: “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.”

Customers will be contacted directly by Flint Group’s sales organisation to discuss the impact on the particular products they purchase.