Following a continued rise in the cost of raw materials and surcharges levied by suppliers, Xsys, a specialist in flexographic printing, has increased the prices of its nyloprint letterpress plates. The company has sent a notice to customers, informing them that with effect from 1 January 2023, the base prices of nyloprint products between 8% and 16%.
In October 2022, the company had announced a price increase on all ThermoFlexX products and spare parts, Packaging South Asia had reported.
While Xsys has been able to offset a portion of the recent and ongoing increases in costs by introducing efficiency measures and optimization of processes, it decided to pass off some of the financial burden to customers. This decision, the company said, will support the ongoing growth of the market and secure the reliable supply of nyloprint letterpress printing plates.
“Xsys is committed to delivering best-in-class products to all customers despite the unprecedented cost pressures and the challenging supply chain situation,” said Global Commercial VP at Xsys, Friedrich von Rechteren.
“However, when securing contract terms for 2023, we have again seen significant base price increases from our suppliers, which is especially impacting the Xsys nyloprint portfolio. Raw materials used in the production of this particular range have a higher proportion of specially sourced components, and with only very limited alternative suppliers, we’ve had no other choice than to accept these costs, along with extended and increased surcharges.”
In addition to the mentioned price increase, transportation is a challenge, which affects production schedules and lead times. Furthermore, the cost of energy across the board remains at a consistently inflated level impacting not only transport, but also storage and other warehousing activities.
von Rechteren concluded, “This is an incredibly difficult time for the industry, as suppliers and converters alike struggle to source materials and deliver their products, which of course affects the entire value chain. Unfortunately, we’ve had to take this course of action, but it really is a last resort and I want to reassure our customers that we will do our utmost to lessen the impact through close cooperation and support.”
Earlier in November, another name in the flexographic industry, Miraclon, had announced a global price increase of 5% on all consumables. The unprecedented rise in the costs of raw material, utilities and labor, finance charges, and business services felt by the industry globally has necessitated the increase to alleviate these rapidly increasing costs also experienced by Miraclon, the company had said.
