Last month the ink giant told its publication market clients it would be implementing rises of between 10-20% on some products from 1 August to reflect global rises in raw material, energy and transportation costs.

The company has now announced it will up its prices for the commercial, packaging and industrial markets by between 5-20%, which will hit customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The rises will be implemented immediately.

The group blamed the continuing rises in oil and natural gas prices, combined with governmental policies in China and a global shortage of some raw materials.

David Meldram, president of Sun Chemical Europe, said: "Increased costs are having a significant impact on most industries in Europe and our industry is no exception.  

"We are working proactively with our suppliers and we are taking action to keep costs to a minimum.  However, given the speed and scale of these rises, it is necessary to increase prices for the commercial, packaging and industrial markets."

However, some printers have voiced concern about the price increase. B&B Press managing director Barry Liversidge said: "This is another cost that could break the camel's back for some printers.

"It is not as significant as other costs, for example paper, but certainly the credit crunch has made people more apprehensive about buying and this will compound things.

"We have a range of measures that help us minimise our ink wastage including ISO 12467 and undercover removal software called UPR which ensures excess dots are removed when overlaying takes place. I would expect these measures to be taken up more widely as ink prices go up."

Elsewhere a number of energy companies have recently announced price rises and Papierfabrik August Koehler last week became the latest paper manufacturer to announce higher raw material costs.