DSM Composite Resins has announced a minimum price increase of 150 Euro per metric ton for all its products. This price increase is global and will come into effect by 1 July 2008.

The increase is necessary due to several factors, including higher costs for oil and gas. These higher prices affect the industry in several ways:

• Higher production costs for Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR) that are made from oil-based raw materials.

• Higher oil and gas prices resulting in increased energy costs. Producing composite resins is a relatively energy-intensive business, hence DSM’s basic costs are rising.

• Higher fuel prices mean increased costs to transport raw materials and finished products.

“The urgent matter is that we need to be able to support the needs of our customers not just today but also in the future,” explains Boudewijn Morelissen, Business Director for Europe “We continue to work hard on productivity and efficiency in our operations to keep prices as low as possible. These new prices reflect the increase in the cost of petrochemical raw materials, transportation and energy. As we continue to fund investments in innovations, new products and new technology developments for our customers, these adjusted price levels will allow DSM to maintain its supply of high quality products and services and retain its position as a sustainable partner within the performance materials industry.”

DSM’s commercial teams are available to give further details and background information about the revised pricing structure.