Flint Group Flexographic Products to Raise Prices for Photopolymer Printing Plates

STUTTGART, GERMANY—October 1, 2012—Effective the 1st of January 2013, Flint Group will raise prices for photopolymer printing plates by three percent to recover general cost increases. Energy costs have risen by more than 20 percent since 2007; additionally, major increases are expected due to the move to renewable energies. Transportation and logistic costs have constantly gone up during recent years, and future increases are already becoming evident.

As a result of the economical crisis at the end of 2008, raw material prices escalated and still remain at a continuing high level; a recovery cannot be seen. Furthermore, photopolymer printing plates are manufactured with several special raw materials, which are exclusively produced for these products. “We place high demands on quality and the specification of our raw materials,” explains Dr. Thomas Zwez, vice president operations Flint Group Flexographic Products. “It is obvious that our suppliers will charge us for this service. Due to this special situation, we have to work constantly to secure our raw material base. This means significant additional efforts, which tie up considerable resources.” Flint Group will work continuously on improving internal processes and offering sustainable and innovative products to its customers.

Flint Group’s sales representatives will soon contact customers to discuss the details of the price increase.

Flint Group
Flint Group is dedicated to serving the global printing and packaging industry. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables, including: a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks and coatings for most offset, flexographic and gravure applications; pressroom chemicals, printing blankets and sleeves for offset printing; photopolymer printing plates and sleeves, plate-making equipment and flexographic sleeve systems; pigments and additives for use in inks and other colourant applications. With a strong customer focus, unmatched service and support, and superior products, Flint Group strives to provide exceptional value, consistent quality and continuous innovation to customers around the world.

Headquartered in Luxembourg, Flint Group employs some 6900 people. Revenues for 2011 were € 2.2 billion (US $3 billion). On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves.

Source: Flint Group.