Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- Speciality chemicals maker Albemarle Corp. is to increase prices worldwide for its Antiblaze and certain phosphorus-containing Saytex flame retardants, used in construction and furnishing, by up to 25 percent.
The increases take effect immediately, or as contracts allow. In addition, all extended pricing validity is being eliminated, said Albemarle.
"These increases are needed to help offset the enormous increases in the costs of phosphorus-based raw materials, energy and transportation," said Jan Vijverman, Albemarle's global business manager for polyurethane flame retardants, in the group's 22 July announcement.
Vijvermann added that, "Changes made by the Chinese government in May have increased the export tax on elemental phosphorus from 20 percent up to 120 percent, contributing significantly to overall costs and reducing the ability to sustain this valuable and important business without a significant change in pricing."
Flame retardants add life-saving properties to materials used in rigid foam insulation and roofing materials, to flexible foam for furniture and furnishings; and coatings, adhesives, sealants and to other building materials, said Albemarle. The Baton Rouge-headquartered group claims to be one of the world's largest developers and manufacturers of products used to protect life and property from fire in a variety of materials and products.
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