Ink Industry Hopeful, Despite Adversities

INK IS THE colorful part of the package-printing process. Metallics, phosphorescents, pearlescents, fluorescents—ink is often the most eye-catching component of packaging. That may be why, even in the face of rising production and product prices, the ink industry saw growth in 2005.

For the last two years, ink manufacturers have had to boost the price of their products between 5-15 percent, with some offerings soaring as much as 30 percent. While some of the price hikes appear to be exorbitant, it's what ink companies have had to do to sustain margins and survive.