Bluestar Silicones announces price increase for platinum catalysts

Bluestar Silicones has announced a 25 percent price increase on its platinum catalysts, effective September 1, for the release coating and pressure sensitive adhesive markets.

‘This pricing initiative is part of a global effort to offset rising platinum costs,’ said the company in a statement. ‘The price increase will enable Bluestar Silicones to continue to invest in developing innovative solutions for these markets, as well as maintain its high level of service to customers.’

As an alternative to high platinum content systems, Bluestar Silicones offers Optima – a new solventless system that is claimed to reduce the amount of platinum utilized in the formulation without sacrificing product performance.

The concept of a low platinum system was initially introduced by Bluestar Silicones (formerly Rhodia Silicones) last year in response to market needs for a solventless system that is less sensitive to the volatile pricing of platinum.