Kraton Polymers continues to experience continuous raw material and energy related cost increases. Our primary raw materials continue to increase in price and we are obliged to implement further price increases.
As a result of these aggressive cost drivers, effective October 1, 2008, we are announcing a general price increase of at least 220 USD/MT, or 10 cents per pound, in North America for our HSBC portfolio.
In Europe, our prices will rise by at least Euro 200/MT from October 1st.
We continue to appreciate our customers´ continued business and understanding as we manage through these volatile conditions.
About Kraton
Kraton is a leading global producer of engineered polymers and, we believe, the world´s largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by us over forty years ago. SBCs are highly–engineered thermoplastic elastomers, which enhance the performance of numerous products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability. Kraton polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants, lubricants, medical, packaging, automotive, paving, roofing and footwear products. Kraton has the leading position in nearly all of its core markets and is the only producer of SBCs with global manufacturing capability. Its production facilities are located in the United States, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Brazil and Japan.
Kraton, the Kraton logo and design, and "Giving Innovators their Edge" tagline are trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward–looking statements," which are statements other than statements of historical fact and are often characterized by the use of words such as "believes," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "may," "will," "intends," "plans" or "anticipates," or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. All forward–looking statements in this press release are made based on management´s current expectations and estimates, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward–looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward–looking statements. We assume no obligation to update such information.
