Everybody involved in design and print is all too aware of the spiralling cost of paper and ink.

Whether it’s because China is buying all the stock or the increased cost of diesel and pulp we are all resigned to the inevitable 8% increase every few months.

What has taken the sector by surprise is the announcement that due to the unprecedented increase in the cost of silver, the price of film and plates will increase this year. The value of silver has risen 50% since the start of the year and more than 150% in the past 12 months.

Fortunately this won’t be as dramatic as the recent paper increases and we should be able to absorb the cost but it just goes to show that we have to expect the unexpected these days.