Middle East crisis sparks 7% paper, ink price hikes across European print industry

EUROPE – Navigator, Sun Chemical, and hubergroup have announced price increases across paper, inks, and chemicals, with Navigator implementing a 4 to 7 percent hike on uncoated woodfree papers from April 6 and ink suppliers citing “unavoidable” adjustments due to surging energy and freight costs.

Navigator’s price adjustment reflects “ongoing and significant increase in key cost components, including energy, transportation, essential raw materials for pulp and paper production, and labour.“

The company added that disruptions to supply chains resulting from the conflict could force further increases for paper and packaging.

Ink Suppliers Follow Suit

Sun Chemical confirmed price increases across all product divisions, citing “ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East” impacting global energy markets, logistics routes, and chemical feedstock availability.

The company pointed to steep raw materials price increases driven by oil and gas volatility, higher transportation and insurance costs, and longer lead times.

Hubergroup said it was implementing “necessary price adjustments” across its global portfolio as a direct result of supply chain and energy market disruptions triggered by the conflict.

Key components such as resins, solvents, pigments, and additives have experienced substantial cost increases.

Premal Desai, CEO of hubergroup, explained that the company has worked to mitigate the impact through supplier partnerships and efficiency programs.

However, he noted that the scale of current cost pressures makes price adjustments unavoidable, adding that these measures ensure continuity of supply.

Supply Chain Disruptions by the Numbers

The European Printing Ink Association has warned that the situation is having a measurable impact on ink supply chains.

Disruptions to shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz and rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope are extending transit times for raw materials by approximately 10 to 14 days.

War-risk insurance premiums and freight rates have risen sharply, while air freight is also affected by disruptions to regional airspace.

Brent crude prices have climbed above US$100 per barrel, driving up costs for petrochemical derivatives, including solvents, binders, resins, and additives, that are core inputs to printing ink formulations.

Cornelia Tietz, EuPIA director, noted that the association is tracking the evolving impact on the sector and advocating for conditions that support supply security for European printing ink producers.

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