Ashland Inc. is responding to strong demand for Natrosol™ hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) by expanding HEC production across its global network through capacity additions at its facilities in Nanjing, China, and Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands.

WILMINGTON, DE – Ashland Inc. is responding to strong demand for Natrosol™ hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) by expanding HEC production across its global network through capacity additions at its facilities in Nanjing, China, and Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands. The new capacity of an additional 7,000 metric tons will enable the company to continue supporting the growing needs of its customers. In addition, Ashland is increasing production of its Natrosol Plus hydrophobically modified HEC product line at its Parlin, NJ, plant.

Natrosol HEC is a cellulosic polymer used as an additive in a wide variety of water-based consumer and industrial products including latex paints, paper coatings and personal care items such as shampoos and shower gels. Ashland has four dedicated HEC manufacturing facilities located in the United States, the Netherlands and China that enable Ashland to respond to changing market requirements and increase the security of supply to its customers.