MWV & DRT Form Alliance to Manufacture & Distribute Products in Europe & North America

N. CHARLESTON, SC -- MWV Specialty Chemicals, a division of MeadWestvaco Corporation, announced it has entered into a strategic alliance with Dax, France-based DRT, an industry leader in the production of rosin and turpentine derivatives from plant based materials.

"This partnership will certainly benefit our respective customers as it brings together two market leaders known for differentiated, innovative products and strong technical expertise," said Christian MacIver, General Manager, Pine Chemicals, MWV Specialty Chemicals. "It also expands our manufacturing footprint, offering better access to key raw materials and overall improved service for our global customers."

The alliance is a manufacturing and distribution agreement for core products to both companies. The alliance will provide customers with access to additional materials, a dedicated team of technical experts in both Europe and in North America, and state-of-the-art research and applications development laboratories. Customers will benefit from improved production and distribution, as well as gaining greater access to the latest technological advancements and innovations.

"This alliance will benefit our customers as we work together to develop new and innovative products and improve facility efficiencies," said Eric Moussu, director, Sales & Marketing, DRT. "It positions both our companies for future growth as we use our complementary strengths and expertise to create value for our customers."

"This alliance will benefit our customers as we work together to develop new and innovative products and improve facility efficiencies," said Eric Moussu, Director, Sales & Marketing, DRT. "It positions both our companies for future growth as we use our complementary strengths and expertise to create value for our customers."

About MeadWestvaco Corporation

MeadWestvaco Corporation, provides packaging solutions to many of the worlds most-admired brands in the healthcare, beauty and personal care, food, beverage, home and garden, and tobacco industries. The companys businesses also include Consumer & Office Products, Specialty Chemicals, and the Community Development and Land Management Group, which sustainably manages the companys land holdings to support its operations, and to provide for conservation, recreation and development opportunities. With 17,500 employees worldwide, MWV operates in 30 countries and serves customers in more than 100 nations. MWV manages all of its forestlands in accordance with internationally recognized forest certification standards, and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for eight consecutive years.

About DRT

DRT is specialized in the development of rosin and turpentine extracted from pine resin. As a French family-owned company, DRT employs 1,300 people and boasts sales of 300 million euros. Over 80% of sales are generated in international markets.

DRT has sales offices and numerous industrial sites across the globe, including three factories in France, one in China and three in India through a joint venture. DRT mainly supplies the perfume, adhesive, rubber, ink and food supplement markets.