AOC LLC says polyester resins and gel-coats will increase US$0.06/lb (CN$0.14/kg) in price, and vinyl ester resins will increase US$0.09/lb (CN$0.21/kg) in price.

The price increase is effective on all shipments on and after 30 January 2010.

According to AOC, the drivers for this increase include rising energy and feedstock prices that have resulted in high raw material price increases. Natural gas prices have steadily increased as cold weather grips the majority of the USA, while crude oil prices have made a steep change and are now trading at $80 per barrel. Across the board increases are being experienced, with styrene alone increasing in excess of $0.10/lb. This trend of increases is forecasted to continue throughout the first quarter of 2010.

AOC, headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee, USA, is a supplier of resins, gel-coats, colorants, additives and synergistic material systems for composites and cast polymers.