MUNICH, Germany – Wacker Chemie AG will discontinue the production of its PIOLOFORM® polymer binders effective September 30, 2008. In announcing the decision, the Munich-based chemical group cited limited expectations for polyvinyl butyral growth in industrial applications such as coatings, paints and printing ink. At the same time, raw material and energy costs continue to climb sharply. Both these factors are putting at risk the sustained profitability of this business.  

To allocate supplies of PIOLOFORM in the coming months, WACKER POLYMERS is currently working closely with clients to coordinate delivery schedules and define terms. These negotiations include price increases. From August 1, 2008, WACKER POLYMERS will raise prices for PIOLOFORM by up to 15 percent in Europe, and up to 25 percent overseas as well as for shipments invoiced in U.S. dollars.