By David Reed, UT EditorLehigh Valley, Pennsylvania- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. has announced that it is increasing prices across the wide range of materials it supplies to the polyurethanes sector in North America.An 11 Oct. statement announced a price increase of 5 percent for all Dabco and Polycat polyurethane amine and metal catalysts, Dabco DC silicone surfactants, LK surfactants, and speciality products, including BDO (butane diol), Deola-LF, VS-103, and PEP promoters. This will take effect from 15 Oct, or as contracts allow, in the United States and Canada, the statement said.In addition, Air Products announced price increases of 15 cents ($0.15) per pound for all its Airthane and Versathane polyurethane prepolymers, from the same date, or as contracts allow, in the United States and Canada.This price increase is necessary to offset significant cost increases seen in raw materials, energy, fuel, and distribution expenses, the statement explained. Market prices for petrochemicals, fuel, and metals purchased for the production and distribution of these products increased steadily throughout 2005, but more dramatically over recent weeks, the statement added."
