Rohm and Haas joins European partner to launch coatings website

CHICAGO, Oct. 27, 2004 (PRNewswire) -- SpecialChem S.A. and Rohm and Haas Co. in Europe have entered into a partnership to offer 100% acrylic solutions to coatings formulators online, 24/7.

They are jointly helping paint formulators to benefit from water-based solutions based on 100% acrylic technology, which is widely acknowledged as providing superior durability, film-flexibility, water-resistance, gloss-retention, surface-adhesion, as well as blocking properties and chemical resistance, when used across a variety of formulations, substrates and conditions. The environmental compatibility of water-based acrylic solutions is also an advantage versus competitive solvent-based systems.

"SpecialChem is proud to embark on this collaboration with Rohm and Haas in Europe", explains Bernard Hasson, founder and CEO of SpecialChem. "First of all working with such a well-known and expert company as Rohm and Haas really confirms the value of SpecialChem's services in the paints and coatings industry. Second, solvent-free products are one of the more significant advances in the coatings industry. And with Rohm and Haas in Europe on board, we will today be able to offer the best technical solutions and assistance to our community of over 20,000 members."

Rohm and Haas and SpecialChem have developed a highly technical zone dedicated to acrylic emulsions, the Acrylic Emulsions TechCenter, at: www.specialchem4coatings.com/tc/acrylic/index.aspx.

The platform covers a comprehensive range of technical features including technical reports, formulation guidelines, and customized technical support. This will help formulators to create high-performance water based coatings based on pure acrylic emulsions with a unique balance of properties: superior quality, versatility, ease of formulation, environmental compatibility and durability.

Pure acrylic emulsions are the ingredient of choice for long-term performance and protection in most architectural applications, especially the ones where performance and durability are essential.

"We are very excited to start this collaboration with SpecialChem and join its coatings and inks service platform" says Bruno Grange, European Market Development Manager. "Rohm and Haas is an industry leader in formulating water-based coatings, with a proud tradition of innovation and industry-firsts. Whether you're in Belgrade or Dubai, Warsaw or Cairo, this online platform enables the community of formulators to tap into our expertise 24-7. We are confident that with SpecialChem we will increase the use of pure acrylic emulsions in the coatings industry by inspiring formulators and helping them to solve their technical issues."

About Rohm and Haas
Rohm and Haas (NYSE:ROH) is a worldwide producer of specialty materials. The company has annual sales of approximately US$6.4 billion, with more than 100 plants and research facilities in 27 countries. Rohm and Haas technology is found in paint and coatings, adhesives and sealants, construction materials, personal computers and electronic components, household cleaning goods and thousands of other everyday products. Additional information about Rohm and Haas can be found at www.rohmhaas.com

About SpecialChem
SpecialChem is an on-line innovation and solutions company focusing on specialty chemicals and plastics. It is active in markets like polymer additives and colors, adhesives and sealants, and paints, coatings and inks. SpecialChem expanded its coverage to the plastics and elastomers industry in December 2003 with acquisition of OMNEXUS' community and e-marketing activities. It re-launched a completely new Omnexus platform in June 2004. SpecialChem also reinforced its coatings services by the acquisition and integration of PaintandCoatings.com into its existing range of services held at www.specialchem4coatings.com. SpecialChem was created in 2000 and is based in Paris, France.

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