ST. LOUIS, Aug. 12, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- In response to dramatically increasing raw material costs, the Plastic Products Unit of Solutia Inc. (NYSE:SOA) began raising prices during July. The price increases are going into effect immediately, and where necessary, according to contract terms in place with customers.
Polyethylene is a major raw material component for the Plastic Products unit. Higher petrochemical prices over the past several years and short supply during the summer months have forced the costs of polyethylene to rise significantly, prompting the action.
According to Carey Widder, plastic products business director, "While we have mitigated some of these cost increases through internal measures, we must implement price increases to pass along these rising costs and return the business to margins that justify our continuing reinvestment. Unfortunately, this means some customers will see price changes above 20%."
The Plastics Products business develops and markets a range of products under brand names such as AstroTurf(r) and Clean Machine(r) and utilizes a core proprietary technology called continuous injection molding. The products are marketed in a wide range of industries including retail consumer products, automotive, agriculture and construction. For more information, please visit http://www.astroturfmats.com/.
Note to Editors: AstroTurf(r) is a registered trademark of Textile Management Associates, Inc. licensed to Solutia Inc. Clean Machine is a registered trademark of Solutia Inc.
Corporate Profile
Solutia is a market-leading performance materials and specialty chemicals company. The company focuses on providing solutions for a better life through a range of products, including: Saflex(r) interlayer for laminated glass; CPFilms(r) aftermarket window films sold under the LLumar(r) brand and others; high-performance nylon polymers and fibers sold under brands such as Vydyne(r) and Wear-Dated(r); and technical specialties including the Flexsys(r) family of chemicals for the rubber industry, Skydrol(r) aviation hydraulic fluid and Therminol(r) heat transfer fluid. Solutia's businesses are world leaders in each of their market segments. With its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, the company operates globally with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 60 locations. More information is available at www.Solutia.com.
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