Laminated glass interlayer supplier Solutia Inc. confirmed 11 October 2004 that continued growth in demand for polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer has accelerated the need to invest in new capacity in …
Laminated glass interlayer supplier Solutia Inc. confirmed 11 October 2004 that continued growth in demand for polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer has accelerated the need to invest in new capacity in order to meet its customers“ future needs and ensure supply reliability. To support those investments, the company is in the process of implementing a USD 0.29 per square meter price increase for its full range of Saflex(R) brand PVB products. At the same time as the need for investment in new capacity, the prices of key raw materials (PVOH, VAM, etc.) used in the production of PVB products have been rising while supplies of the materials have become increasingly tight. Saflex PVB is used in the production of laminated glazing for automotive, architectural and specialty applications. “Solutia remains strongly committed to the announced price increase as a means of maintaining the most reliable service and certainty of supply for our customers. Customers“ demand for PVB products has dramatically increased year on year. The announced price increase allows Solutia to reinvest in capacity to meet these new volume challenges,” said Mitch Pulwer, General Manager, Solutia Laminated Glazing Interlayers. Mr. Pulwer further commented that: “Raw material costs have dramatically increased. Adding new capacity and keeping up with raw material price increases will continue to be challenges into the foreseeable future. Solutia is very encouraged by the positive response that we have had so far in completing new contracts reflecting the announced increase in price. This illustrates that our customers are sensitive to market and industry needs.”