Aluminium shortage blamed for ‘double-digit’ plate cost hike

Oct 20, 2021 at 09:41 pm by admin


Agfa says it is increasing the price of its offset printing plates and chemicals for the third time in less than ten months.

The company says raw material shortage “remains an ongoing concern” and the competitive environment to secure aluminum and other raw materials has accelerated the cost increase.

“Recently, aluminum futures traded to a 30-year high on the London Metal Exchange, reporting now at over double the cost of 18 months ago,” global sales vice president Frederik Dehing said. “In addition to the raw material cost pressure, logistics and operational costs have soared, as the economic recovery drives demand for these.”

Dehing said Agfa had hoped inflationary pressure would be temporary, but issues with global supplies of raw materials had not shown any signs of stabilization. “They are likely to stay at these levels in 2022,” he said, warning that Agfa would review the need for price changes quarterly.

With the recycling of offset plates, price increases will “to a large extent” be compensated for by the increased value printers will get from their scrap aluminum.

Customers will be told directly of the specific, double-digit price increases which will apply from November 1.

Sections: Print business

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