The recently formed ink group again blamed rising energy and raw materials costs for the rises, which will come into force by 1 January 2006.

Packaging inks will go up by 5-8% for water-based products, and 7-12% for solvent-based products. Coldset coloured inks will rise 8%, while coldset black inks will go up 11%.

Tony Lord, Xsys/Flint Schmidt news inks division vice president and general manager, said that many raw materials prices had increased by 70% in 2005 compared to 2004.

"We have attempted to absorb these increases... but the increase in raw materials prices coupled with shortages in key areas has created an unsustainable position," he said.

Doug Aldred, packaging inks division vice president and general manager, said: "We have taken this difficult but necessary step to ensure that we remain a viable and sustainable supplier to the industry."

Today's announced price hikes follow news yesterday that Agfa is planning to push up prices for its pre-press products, also citing the growing costs for raw materials and energy.

Paper manufacturers are also seeking price rises this year, with a 7% hike expected in the newsprint sector.