Flint Group Flexographic Products has said it will raise the price for its photopolymer printing plates by 3% from 1 January 2013.

The manufacturer cited the fact energy costs have risen more than 20% since 2007, with further "major increases" expected due to the move to renewable energies, as one reason for the price hike.

It added that transport and logistic costs had "constantly gone up" in recent years, with future rises becoming evident, and that raw material prices had escalated since 2008 with "no recovery" in sight.

According to the company, it has been particularly affected by this raw material price inflation due to the fact it relies on several "special raw materials", which are exclusively produced for the manufacture of its printing plates.

"We place high demands on quality and the specification of our raw materials," said Flint Group vice president operations Dr Thomas Zwez. "It is obvious that our suppliers will charge us for this service.

"Due to this special situation, we have to work constantly to secure our raw material base. This means significant additional efforts, which tie up considerable resources."

The manufacturer warned last year that it would have to raise prices for its nyloflex and nyloprint printing plates in 2012.