DUBLIN, Ohio – Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), today announced it has expanded its product offerings for the wind energy market with the addition of Derakane® 601-200 epoxy vinyl ester resin, Envirez® unsaturated polyester resin from renewable and recycled resources, Pliogrip® structural adhesive, and Enguard® bonding paste.

"Our Aropol® unsaturated polyester resin and Maxguard® gelcoat have successfully served wind blade and nacelle manufacturers for several years now," said Ruben Bake, global marketing director for wind energy, Ashland Performance Materials. "From our experience with manufacturers we realize that our customers want a variety of options to help them improve performance. By leveraging Ashland's global leadership position in thermoset composites, we are well positioned to efficiently and effectively deliver a full range of high performance products to the wind energy market."

In addition, Ashland’s Derakane 601-200 epoxy vinyl ester resin has received approval from the wind industry’s leading classification society and certification body, Germanischer Lloyd. Based on preliminary testing, Derakane 601-200 epoxy vinyl ester resin can improve cycle times by 25 percent vs. epoxy resin systems in infusion blade manufacturing processes.

"Ashland has formed a team dedicated to meet the present and future challenges of wind energy production in order to support the needs of the fast-growing industry," said Bake. Those wanting more information about Ashland’s expanded offering should contact Ruben Bake at rbake@ashland.com or 614-790-4859.

Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy vinyl ester resins. In addition, it provides customers with leading technologies in gelcoats, pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives, with metal casting consumables and design services.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world’s most essential needs and industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

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