Flint Offset Packaging Solutions (OPS) is increasing prices for its sheetfed inks again due to the continued rise in costs.

In a statement released yesterday (27 June), the business said the “much hoped for stabilisation of price and availability of raw materials in the print industry supply chain continues to elude ink manufacturers as we move past the half way point of 2022”.

It said multiple raw material shortages and price increases are still “abundant in the market place”, continuing to pile on pressure to an already tense procurement environment.

Tony Lord, president of Flint OPS, said: “The pressures facing the print industry have unfortunately shown no sign of dissipating. Rising inflation, increasing fuel and energy rates, and increased demand on raw materials have all contributed to further price increases throughout the print supply chain.

“The challenges faced by the printing industry are some of the toughest in living memory and it is impossible to predict when we might begin to see some relief from these difficult circumstances.”

He added: “It is with regret that we are forced to announce more increases, as we fully understand the difficult climate our customers are operating in, however, in order to ensure continuity of supply, we must pass on these costs to our customers.

“We are still hopeful, as all other print related businesses are, that we will soon experience more stable supply chain conditions, however in the meantime, increases imposed on our business have created a situation where continuing to sell our products at our current price level is simply not sustainable.”

Flint OPS said it would contact customers imminently to discuss how they will be affected by the price increases. The company has not detailed any specifics regarding the increases.