The nitrocellulose market is under unprecedented pressure, directly affecting the printing ink industry. German printing ink and varnish manufacturer Hubergroup Print Solutions has announced an upward revision of prices for its nitrocellulose-based ranges. This measure will take effect from July 1 for products manufactured in Europe.
The 3,000-employee group, which posts sales of 743 million euros, justifies this decision by a recent sharp rise in raw material prices, particularly for nitrocellulose. Supply costs for this component have risen by up to 50% in recent months for printing applications.
A rise linked to the arms industry
A key material in solvent inks, nitrocellulose is also used in many other sectors. "We have recently seen an increase in demand for nitrocellulose for so-called 'energy' applications, particularly in the military sector." says the manufacturer.
This new pressure on demand has had the effect of tightening global supply and pushing up prices.
As a result, Hubergroup will apply an increase of up to 10%, depending on the percentage of nitrocellulose in its formulations.
"Each customer will receive a specific communication from his local contact" says the sales department.
