Ashland to launch easy dispersible Natrosol Performax™ HEC paint thickening technology to customers in China

Ashland to launch easy dispersible Natrosol Performax^&#8482 HEC paint thickening technology to customers in China

WILMINGTON, Del. - Ashland Specialty Ingredients, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), will introduce Natrosol Performax&#8482 hydroxyethylcellulose, a break-through paint thickening technology, at the ChinaCoat 2012 trade show in November.

Natrosol Performax comprises a range of hydroxyethylcellulose thickeners that delivers unprecedented process flexibility and quality control to paint manufacturers. The patent pending technology triggers rapid and complete dispersion in any water-based medium, even under low shear conditions. This allows manufacturers to add HEC in dry form at any point of the manufacturing process, eliminating extra process steps like the preparation of pre-slurries or dissolutions of HEC, saving operational costs. The end result is a faster, more efficient, less costly production process - and better paint quality.

"Ashland has a strong presence in China and a long history of collaborating with our customers in the development of innovative and new solutions, so we're pleased to launch Natrosol Performax in the region," said Shruti Singhal, global marketing director for Ashland Specialty Ingredients. "The Chinese market for coatings continues to expand despite the recent global recession and is an important part of Ashland's growth strategy.

In addition to delivering process benefits, Natrosol Performax thickeners enhance paint quality and preserve critical performance characteristics, such as efficient thickening, stability, color compatibility and sag resistance.

"Natrosol Performax is a great option for paint manufacturers who want to gain better control of their manufacturing process," said Dr. Hilbert Esselbrugge, new product leader for Ashland Specialty Ingredients. "Easy dispersion at any point of the paint manufacturing process enables a faster and more flexible production process, resulting in improved plant output and energy savings. It gives paint manufacturers increased formulation latitude due to the freed-up water," he said.

Natrosol Performax is part of the Ashland line of Natrosol&#8482 hydroxyethylcellulose, the leading HEC thickeners for waterborne architectural coatings for more than 50 years. Natrosol brand products deliver cost savings combined with robust thickening and creamy in-can consistency. For more information about Natrosol Performax, visit www.ashland.com/natrosolperformax.

About Ashland Specialty Ingredients
Ashland Specialty Ingredients is the #1 global producer of cellulose ethers and a global leader in vinyl pyrrolidones. It offers industry-leading products, technologies and resources for solving formulation and product-performance challenges. Using natural, synthetic and semisynthetic polymers derived from plant and seed extract, cellulose ethers and vinyl pyrrolidones, Specialty Ingredients offers comprehensive and innovative solutions for today's demanding consumer and industrial applications. Key customers include pharmaceutical companies; makers of personal care products, food and beverages, and cosmetics; manufacturers of paint, coatings and construction materials; and oilfield service companies. See ashland.com for more information.

About Ashland Inc.
In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our four commercial units - Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Consumer Markets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Ashland Specialty Ingredients
Media Relations
Lisa Porter
+1 (973) 628-3898
lporter@ashland.com