Sun Chemical has revealed that the prices of sheetfed inks and coatings have risen by 4-8% across Europe as of 1 January.

Flint Ink in North America has announced a 6% rise, while Peter Koivula, chief executive of the newly-merged BASF/ANI firm, has confirmed increases "in the same order as those of other ink manufacturers".

The companies have blamed price increases on their own rising costs, particularly with changes in oil prices, problems with the profitability of the chemical industry and high demand for other raw materials from emerging markets.

But printers could have difficulty in persuading customers to pick up the bill to cover the rising costs.

One commercial sheetfed source said that he had not yet seen any "significant" increases in ink prices, but added: "If any do come, it will be impossible to pass them on."

Story by Josh Brooks