AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - AkzoNobel plans to integrate the former ICI’s Specialty Polymers Group into other Specialty Chemicals business units within the company. As a result, Elotex will become part of AkzoNobel Functional Chemicals and Alco and Personal Care will join AkzoNobel Surfactants, which will be renamed AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry.

 

The integration will allow AkzoNobel to more easily capture product line synergies while sharing support infrastructure. "The integration of the Personal Care and Alco businesses considerably boosts our position in the market," said Frank Sherman, Manager of AkzoNobel's Surfactants business. "The union with these two units will create a group which spans technologies in natural polymers, synthetic polymers and specialty surfactants under one roof. We see this as a significant step forward in our strategy to become a more valued strategic partner to our key customers."

 

The company will start the integration process immediately.