Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 6: Expressing concern over sharp increase in the input cost unleashed on the printing industry, All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) has demanded immediate revision in existing selling price of products made of recycled boards and craft, FBB/SBS/VAP Boards, map litho and other papers.
The demand was made during recently held AIFMP meeting at Hyderabad, which was also attended by Arun K Gupta, president of JKOPA.
The meet observed that sharp increase in the input cost was unprecedented and needs to be immediately and positively addressed as it would otherwise affect the health of entire industry, including the printing industry.
Discussing facts and figures about paper prices globally and in India, the AIFMP pointed out that Recycled Duplex and FBB/SBS board rates have increased by Rs 5.25 to Rs 5.50/kg in the last few days. This constitutes an increase of over 18 percent and it is expected that this may not stop here, but go up further, due to International prices.
Further, Maplitho and other grades of paper have seen unprecedented price increase in the last one year. At an average the prices have increased by nearly 25 percent. The price of Maplitho has gone up from Rs 58/- a year ago to Rs 70/, which is the price as on date while there is all likely hood of further increase.
Kraft prices have increased by Rs 7.25 to Rs 7.50/kg and the indications are that there would be a further increase of Rs 3/kg within a month. This constitutes an increase of over 30 percent already, with more coming.
Similarly, International prices of Pulp and finished paper have shot up considerably over the last few weeks. The price of Virgin Wood Pulp has gone up by USD 125 PMT (approx 11/- per kg landed), which has led to higher demand of waste paper. This has a direct impact on prices in India, as majority of Pulp and waste for recycled board is still imported.
Further, the volatile petroleum prices have ensured an increase in Film, glue, ink and press chemical prices ranging from 6-13 percent over the last few months while BOPP/PET Film rates and Adhesive rates have also increased over the last 1 year or so. This constitutes an increase of over 7.5%.
Packing material costs have gone up by over 30 percent due to sharp increase in kraft paper prices while Overhead costs have also sharply shot up post demonetisation where salaries and wages have increased. The increase in labour costs has been more than 20 percent considering the insistence of the Government to bring the entire Labour of the factories into the Banking system, and consequent costs of compliance.
Therefore, for the Printers’ survival, AIFMP demanded 20 percent increase in existing selling price of the products made of recycled boards and craft, 15 percent in the products made of FBB/SBS/VAP Boards and 25 percent in the products made of map litho and other papers.
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