The company said the rises are because of raw material cost increases, which it said in some cases have risen by more than 50% in the last six months, and the short-term outlook "offers no sign of relief".

As a result, price increases across all ink products and selected pressroom chemicals will be instigated from July.

Heatset inks will increase by €0.25 per kg, coldset black by €0.15 per kg, coldset colours by €0.25 per kg and conventional sheetfed inks by 5% - 8% depending on the product.

Publication gravure inks will increase in Europe by €0.30 per kg while some pressroom chemicals will increase by 5% - 8%.

Nick Brannan, vice president of product management, Flint Group Print Media Europe, said: "We are very aware that the European print industry is under enormous pressure, not just in controlling total cost, but also in terms of reducing run lengths and competition from abroad.

"However, these supply chain shortages are having an astonishing impact on our key raw material costs. The outlook is for the volatility to continue, and for there to be ongoing pressure on our costs for the foreseeable future."

He added that it's not getting any easier. "Output is also key and a lot of people have downsized. Demand has been outstripped and this is driving up prices."

He added that Flint Group has absorbed a lot of the price increase facing the company, but now has to reflect those pressures in price increases.

"The Chinese influence has been the major factor and it has restricted our supply possibilities," he said.

Jan Paul van der Velde, senior vice president procurement and executive management team, said the industry has been hit with "significant de-stocking" of most raw material supply chains following the recession, with the current mild reverse in the industry causing "major shortages".

It has also been hit with ongoing base chemical cost increases since early 2009.

He added: "A contributing factor is a number of 'force majeure' situations and key base raw material suppliers moving away from the ink industry."

In July 2008, demand in the sector came to an "abrupt halt", dropping by double digit percentages.

"This reduced capacity creates the shortages to serve the growing demand in print, and as a consequence many materials are now in short supply," he said.