Ashland announces price increase for N-Methylpyrrolidone

Ashland announces price increase for N-Methylpyrrolidone

DUBLIN, Ohio - Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), is increasing the price of all grades of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP, M-Pyrol) sold globally effective January 1, 2015 or as contracts allow. Prices will increase according to the schedule below:

• North America and Asia price will increase up to $0.05/lb ($0.10/kg)
• Europe price will increase EUR 0.08/kg

The increase is necessary to allow Ashland to continue investing in new capacity and technology that support innovative product development and regulatory and logistics support.

About Ashland Performance Materials
Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins. In addition, it offers leading chemical technologies in gelcoats, coatings, intermediates and solvents, and elastomers. Key customers include: manufacturers of residential and commercial building products; infrastructure engineers; wind blade and pipe manufacturers; auto, truck and tire makers; and boatbuilders. Visit ashland.com to learn more.

About Ashland
Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a global leader in providing specialty chemical solutions to customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical. Through our three commercial units - Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Performance Materials and Valvoline - we use good chemistry to make great things happen for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com to learn more.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Ashland Performance Materials
Media Relations
Sandra Derthick
+1 (614) 790-1957
saderthick@ashland.com