Ink Industry Hopeful, Despite Adversities

Making matters worse is the soaring cost of acrylic acid. The chemical is used in the making of acrylic resins, solutions, and emulsions for water-based acrylic inks, and is also a component used by makers of energy-curable monomers and oligomers. Back in 2003, the problem with acrylic acid wasn't price but a shortage, which forced some distributors into allotments and force majeures. However, according to Don Duncan, director of research, Wikoff Color Corp., "the acrylic acid shortage was largely an non-issue by the end of the first quarter of 2005. While there was plenty of anxiety, yelling, and screaming, the 'shortage' was primarily just a substantial price increase. There was plenty if you anted up."