David Savastano, Editor01.10.19
The past few years have been tumultuous for the purchasing departments of ink manufacturers. Key raw materials like titanium dioxide (in 2017), major photoinitiators (in 2018) and pigments and intermediates have become scarce due to plant closures, fires and regulatory enforcement. Demand for the materials that are available rose dramatically, leading to higher costs. Add to that higher transportation costs, tariffs and more, and it is a challenge for ink companies to keep their prices level.
The ink industry is typically reluctant to raise its prices, as printers are also under price constraints throughout their supply chains as well as pressure from brand owners, etc. to hold prices down. Still, ink companies can’t afford to take losses on their products.
The past year has seen many announcements of price increases (it should be noted that not every company makes announcements). In the fourth quarter of 2018 alone, Sun Chemical, Flint Group and Siegwerk announ
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