Huntsman & Alberdingk Boley Team up to Develop PUR Solutions for Adhesives

EVERBERG, Belgium -- Five years after Huntsman Polyurethanes teamed up with renewable resource-based polyol producer Alberdingk Boley to co-develop polyurethane solutions for the coatings market, the two companies are taking their alliance to a new level by targeting applications in the adhesives and elastomers markets.

When the two companies originally announced their informal partnership in 2007, their shared vision was to champion product innovation in the floor coatings market. The aim was to collaboratively develop new concepts for two-component polyurethane coatings free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Today, innovative solutions based on advanced MDI SUPRASEC technology from Huntsman Polyurethanes and Alberdingk Boleys ALBODUR range of polyols, castor oil-based and solvent-free products are helping to deliver high-performance coatings solutions to customers in Europe, America and the Middle East.

The products improve ease of use and deliver many technical and operational advantages, as well as complying with strict environmental regulations. Widely used in hospitals, offices, factories, warehouses and other industrial or heavy-duty environments they are particularly useful where high-wear resistance and low-maintenance are essential requirements.

Ian Rimmer, Commercial Manager Coatings EAMEI for Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: "In 2007 our partnership with Alberdingk Boley was a huge step forward for product development in the coatings sector. Bound by a mutual commitment to move the industry forward, we demonstrated that combined technical support and expertise can significantly benefit flooring customers and coating formulators around the world, taking the market in new directions."

Thorsten Gurke, Platform Manager Adhesives, Coatings and Elastomers for Huntsman Polyurethanes, added: "Now we will replicate this successful model across adhesive and elastomer applications, co-developing solutions based on renewable resources while offering mechanical properties such as low viscosity and high hydrophobicity."

Thomas Baur, Manager of New Business Development at Alberdingk Boley, said: "Together with Huntsman we can supply tailor-made raw material solutions based on a joint commitment that marries our chemistries and expertise. This proposition adds tangible value and competitive advantage to customers. By combining our complementary strengths we can engineer innovative adhesive and elastomer solutions for a diverse range of applications, backed by highly responsive technical support. Its a very exciting development and we look forward to extending the scope of our work with Huntsman."

SUPRASEC is a registered trademark of Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof in one or more, but not all, countries

About Alberdingk Boley GmbH

Alberdingk Boley GmbH is a leading German producer of water-based binders for coatings and finishes of all substrates. Originally established in 1828, Alberdingk Boley is the leading European supplier of castor and linseed oil as well as its derivatives. Launched in 2005, the new generation of ALBODUR 100% polyols based on renewable resources successfully connected the companys vast background in oleochemicals with its state-of-the-art technologies for polymerization. Based in Krefeld (Germany) and with facilities in Kerpen (Germany) Greensboro (USA) and Shenzhen (China) the independent privately-owned company operates worldwide. In 2010, 300 employees generated a turnover of approximately 145 M. Eur.

About Huntsman

Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals. Their operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging. Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman has approximately 12,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide. The Company had 2011 revenues of over $11 billion.