DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers, a global leader in the market for thermoplastic elastomers, will raise its prices for the Sarlink®, Kelprox® and Keltaflex® product lines by 150 euro per metric ton and 8 cents per pound USD. The price increase will be effective per September 1st 2006.

Energy costs have continued to surge to very high levels and as a result the prices of key raw materials for Sarlink have increased substantially. DSM has worked hard to optimize global operations including a steady stream of debottlenecking programs in its plants. Despite all these efforts and with the relentless energy related cost increases, DSM now must pass on part of the raw material, energy and transportation cost increases. In short, to maintain the quality, the innovation capability and service level DSM’s customers have come to expect and rely on, this price increase has become unavoidable.

Background information

DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers produces Sarlink® thermoplastic elastomers, with production facilities in Leominster, MA, USA and in Genk, Belgium, and marketing offices in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Japan.

Sarlink® TPEs are widely used in automotive sealing systems and interior applications, building & construction markets, industrial markets and consumer goods. The Kelprox® and Keltaflex® product lines have been re-branded as Sarlink® M and Sarlink® K respectively.

DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers is part of DSM, a worldwide company active in nutritional and pharmaceutical ingredients, performance materials and industrial chemicals. Market-driven growth, innovation and increased presence in emerging economies are key drivers of this strategy. The group has annual sales of €8 billion and employs about 22,000 people at more than 200 sites in 50 countries across the world. DSM ranks among the global leaders in many of its fields. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.