A number of key suppliers to the print industry have announced price increases in recent days, citing disruption linked to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
Paper manufacturer Navigator, alongside ink and chemicals providers Sun Chemical and hubergroup, have all confirmed pricing adjustments, pointing to rising energy costs, supply chain disruption, and increased raw material prices.
Navigator said it will implement a 4–7% price increase on uncoated woodfree papers across Europe from 6 April, reflecting “the 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 “given the current disruptions in the energy sector and the likely disruption to supply chains and logistics, particularly as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, further price increases for paper and packaging may soon be necessary to offset rising production costs.”
Sun Chemical also confirmed price increases and surcharges across all product divisions, citing “ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East, notably the situation involving Iran, which are significantly impacting global energy markets, logistics routes, and chemical feedstock availability.” The company pointed to steep increases in raw materials, higher transportation and insurance costs, and longer lead times caused by supply chain disruption.
Hubergroup said it was implementing “necessary price adjustments across its global product portfolio” as a direct result of “significant supply chain and energy market disruptions triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.”
The company highlighted volatility in global oil and gas markets, which are critical to the production of resins, solvents, pigments and additives used in inks and coatings. It also pointed to constrained availability, elevated freight rates, and reduced production capacities across the chemical industry.
“Hubergroup has worked intensively to mitigate the impact of these disruptions through long term supplier partnerships, internal efficiency programs, and strategic inventory management,” said Premal Desai, CEO, hubergroup. “However, the scale and persistence of the current cost pressures make price adjustments unavoidable. These measures are essential to ensure continuity of supply and to maintain the high quality and reliability our customers expect.”
Industry body EuPIA (the European Printing Ink Association) has also warned that the situation is beginning to have a measurable impact on ink supply chains across Europe. The association said disruptions to shipping routes, including reduced flows through the Strait of Hormuz and rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, are extending transit times for key raw materials by around 10–14 days. At the same time, war-risk insurance premiums and freight rates have risen sharply, with air freight also affected by changes to regional airspace and logistics routes.
EuPIA added that sustained high oil prices are increasing costs for petrochemical derivatives used in ink production, including solvents, resins and additives, while energy-related expenses may also come under pressure. “EuPIA is in active dialogue with its members and partner associations to track the evolving impact of this situation on our sector. We are committed to keeping members informed and to advocating for the conditions that support supply security for European printing ink producers,” said Cornelia Tietz, EuPIA director.
While details vary between suppliers, the rationale remains consistent, with energy market volatility, logistics disruption, and raw material availability emerging as key drivers.
The announcements suggest that cost pressures linked to the current geopolitical situation are beginning to feed into the print supply chain, with suppliers acting to protect margins and maintain supply.
Although wider industry reaction has yet to fully materialise, suppliers are typically among the first to respond to shifts in underlying cost structures, particularly where raw materials and energy inputs are involved.
