ST. LOUIS -- Solutia Inc. has announced a price increase of up to 10 cents per pound ($220.00 U.S. per metric ton) for all general purpose and specialty grades of Ascend nylon 6,6 plastics and polymers, effective January 1, 2001.

"Previous price increases for nylon 6,6 have been marginally successful, and inadequate to offset the unprecedented increase in raw material costs," said Jim Howard, general manager and vice president of Solutia's nylon plastics and polymers business group.

"In order for Solutia to meet the market's demand for more product, next generation products, increased efficiencies, and customer service improvements, we must continue to invest in this business. It is critical that we do so in order to support our customers in their future growth and development needs."

Solutia launched the Ascend brand in 1999 to apply the company's nylon 6,6 technologies to extrusion-based processes. Applications include food packaging, specialty film, textile and various monofilament profiles. In North America, Solutia works with Prime Alliance, a leading distributor of plastics resins nationwide, as its exclusive distributor to the marketplace.