Ashland to increase global prices of all Aquaflow™ rheology modifiers

WILMINGTON, Del. – Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), is increasing the global price of its Aquaflow™ rheology modifiers by 10 percent effective April 1, 2011, or as contracts allow.

The price increase is necessary to offset the escalating raw material prices and freight expense.  Responding to changing market conditions allows Ashland to continue to invest in new capacity and product innovation.

Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients is the global leader in the production of products that manage the physical properties of aqueous and non-aqueous systems.  Our products perform in a variety of applications including thickening and rheology control, water retention, adhesive strength, binding power, film formation, conditioning and deposition, colloid stabilization, suspending, and emulsifying action.

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our five commercial units – Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution.

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