Mortsel, Belgium – For the third time in less than ten months, Agfa will increase the price of its offset printing plates and chemicals.

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.

In addition to the raw material cost pressure, logistics and operational costs have soared, as the economic recovery drives demand for these.

“Initially, we were hoping the inflationary pressure would be of a temporary nature, but the issues with global supplies of crucial raw materials have not shown any signs of stabilization. They are likely to stay at these levels in 2022. Agfa will be reviewing the need for further pricing actions on a quarterly basis”, says Frederik Dehing, VP Global Sales.

As used aluminum offset plates are being recycled, the price increases will to a large extent be compensated for by the increased value printers will get from their scrap aluminum.

The specific - but double-digit – price increases will apply from November 1 onwards and will be communicated directly to Agfa’s customers.