Sun Chemical increases North American prices of specialty inks

Ink World, Sept, 2008

Faced with continued increases in raw materials and operating costs, Sun Chemical's Specialty Inks Group increased prices by 6 to 10 percent on all products sold in North America effective Sept. 1, 2008.

"The printing ink industry continues to experience unprecedented increases in the supply chain of all our raw materials," said Mike Kellen, director product management, Sun Chemical Specialty Inks. "These increases are directly and indirectly related to crude oil increases as well as large swings in the manufacturing capacity of some of the primary raw material manufacturers."

In addition to record crude oil and raw materials costs, other factors driving up costs include: transportation, tight supply/demand balance for oil, a weakening dollar and the attractiveness of commodity markets as alternative investments.

"Unfortunately, these markets will continue to be under pressure for the foreseeable future," Mr. Kellen said. "Sun Chemical is committed to continue providing our customers with innovative products, services, and constant supply, allowing them to present the best value propositions in the market."