• Major driver: raw material supply and demand imbalance, rising oil costs
• Prices increase 8% on spot color inks and varnishes, US/CAD$0.75 - $1.25 on washes

Plymouth, MI USA (March 30, 2012) – Flint Group North America has announced an 8% price increase on spot color inks and overprint varnishes used in sheetfed and heatset applications. In addition, they announced price increases of US/CAD$0.75 - $1.25 on press washes used in sheeted and offset web applications. The increases take effect April 1, 2012, subject to existing contracts.

“The global raw material market continues to suffer from an imbalance in supply and demand,” explains Doug Labertew, Vice President, Sheetfed. “This is continuing to drive up costs of key raw materials and oils used to manufacture and deliver inks and pressroom chemicals.”

 In 2011, raw material costs were greater than their peak in 2008. This upward trend has continued in 2012, with crude’s rising and volatile cost a key factor. “The cumulative effect of all this cost pressure,” notes Michael Kellen, Business Director, Pressroom Chemicals, “has had a tremendous impact.” Mike continues: “In addition to the increases on the feed stocks used to make pressroom consumables, the pressure is adversely affecting costs on product containers, utilities and freight.”