Atmer additives come from Croda’s acquisition of Uniqema
Croda Chemicals Europe will be showcasing new additions to its polymer additives range at K2007, resulting from Croda International’s acquisition in September 2006 of the ex-ICI specialities manufacturer Uniqema.
The Atmer anti-static agents and the Atmer anti-fog additives, both inherited from Uniqema, will be on display at the international plastics show in October.
Croda took over the marketing of the Atmer range in April of this year from Ciba Speciality Chemicals, a spokeswoman told PRW.com.
Based in Yorkshire, UK, Croda Chemicals Europe will also display in Düsseldorf its IncroMax speciality mould release agents for PET and PS, both launched last year. The company said IncroMax PET 100 offers improved lubrication for bottle performs and has no visible effect on the colour of the PET, which is known to discolour easily.
Both PET and PS are known to be “problematic” with additives, said Croda’s spokeswoman.
The company will also take its slip additive (Incroslip), launched three years ago, and its established Crodamide range for slip and anti-block agents, which improve the processing and handling of polyolefins by reducing surface friction.
In related news, Croda International PLC has reported a rise in first half pretax profit, with turnover from continuing operations increasing to £472.4m, up from £156.6m in 2006.
Pre-tax profit was up 23% to £34.7m from £28.2m, while the company reduced its pension deficit from £140.5m in December 2006 to £56.6m.
Croda’s chairman Martin Flower said oleochemicals manufacturer Uniqema, which the company acquired from ICI for £410m, had been successfully integrated into the group by separating its specialities and oleochemicals businesses.
According to figures provided by Croda, Uniqema generated sales of £626m in the year ended 31 December 2005 (66 per cent from specialities and 34 per cent from base oleochemicals), with EBITDA of £49 million.
The company has lifted its interim dividend 6.5% to 4.95 pence per share.
