Flint Group division Day International has announced that prices need to increase for blankets used in the commercial sheetfed market as well as heatset and coldset web printing. 

The business said that staffing shortages at its manufacturing operation in the US was adding to the issues created by the well-documented problems afflicting global supply chains.

Chad Holzer, business president for Flint Group Image Transfer Technologies, said the operation was experiencing a “significant increase” in demand for packaging-related products and was running its production facilities at peak levels, while at the same time “adhering to practices recommended by the World Health Organization and local government agencies designed to keep our employees safe and healthy”. 

“However, we are facing unprecedented challenges with employee absenteeism due to Covid-19, delays in global supply chains, and critical raw material shortages,” he stated. 

The level of likely price increases was not disclosed. 

Holzer said the business would consult with customers and partners regarding the specific details “in the spirit of mutual cooperation and support as we seek to maintain strong relationships with our valued partners and continue to offer the best products in the industry during this difficult period”.