Kraton Polymers announced upcoming price increases for polymers used in lubricants, while Arkema and Oxea have upped prices for solvents and oxygenated solvents.
Houston-based Kraton Polymers on July 1 said it would raise prices no later than Aug. 1 for its SBS, SEBS, OE SBS and OE SEBS polymers and compounds by $330 per metric ton, or 15 cents per pound, in the Americas; by 200 (U.S. $280) per metric ton in Europe, Africa and the Middle East; and by U.S. $330 per metric ton in Asia Pacific. The increase is subject to the terms of applicable contracts, and may occur earlier as business conditions dictate. SBS polymers can be used in lubricants and other applications ranging from personal care to paving.
“Raw material and energy costs are rapidly increasing, and as a result, we are implementing responsible price increases to help us manage these difficult, volatile and global economic challenges,” commented David Bradley, Kratons chief operations officer.
Colombes, France-based Arkema announced that effective July 1, or as contracts allow, it increased the price of its oxygenated solvents in Europe by 50 per metric ton. The price adjustment is necessary to offset the increase of raw materials and energy [costs], the company said. Arkems oxygenated solvents are used in markets such as lubricants, paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals and personal care.
Oberhausen, Germany-based Oxea said it increased off-list prices on six types of solvents by 60 to 100 per metric ton effective July 1 or as contracts allow. The increase is in addition to any previously announced mid-quarter increase during 2009s second quarter.