Celanese Emulsions Polymers has appointed Algol Chemicals as its distributor in Russia and the Ukraine for all its water-based binders into all end use applications. Representatives from both companies signed the agreement at the European Coatings Show to emphasize the commitment of both parties to the paint and coatings industry in Russia.

"Algol Chemicals has a long history of doing business in Russia and we are convinced they will assist us in reaching our growth goals by extending the reach of vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE) emulsions in this region," said Rolf Kuropka, Celanese sales director for EMEA. "Celanese Emulsions is pleased to welcome Algol Chemicals into its distribution network, as they are a good fit with our philosophy of strong customer orientation and technical support.”

Algol Chemicals plans to open a coatings laboratory in the Moscow area, to provide formulation and application development assistance for local paint manufacturers. The lab will focus on the Mowilith brand of dispersions for use in waterborne paints, which are gaining favor in Russia for their reduced emissions and costs versus solventborne alternatives.

"The paints and coatings industry is one of the strategic industry segments for Algol Chemicals. Therefore, we are very excited about the new cooperation with Celanese," said Raul Henriksson, managing director of Algol Chemicals. "Celanese is a premier producer of binders for this segment, as well as for other industry segments in our focus, and is acknowledged for their high quality products and services, and their high degree of innovation. We at Algol Chemicals see the Celanese products as a perfect extension to our present product portfolio for the benefit of our customers in Russia and Ukraine. We are convinced that the signing of this contract is the first step in a long and rewarding cooperation."

Celanese Emulsion Polymers will continue to handle international key accounts directly through its local sales manager in Moscow.