The increases will be implemented from 1 August  and will not to affect any of the company's other sectors. The price increases will hit the ink manufacturer's customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Customers have been assured that the company is working with suppliers to keep costs to a minimum, but no price decreases are planned in the short term.

David Meldram, president of Sun Chemical Europe, said: "The considerable increases in the price of oil and natural gas, combined with governmental policies in China and shortages in certain raw materials, have had a dramatic impact on our costs.

"The printing industry is experiencing a challenging business environment in Europe, but these price increases are essential to enable us to continue to provide proactive support and advice to our customers, and to maintain our reputation for quality, service and innovation."